Vogue's Winners......and Losers

This a.m. I received notice of a sale on Vogue patterns. Not interested in the sale, as I can do much better at JoAnn Fabrics, who semi-regularly sell Vogues for $3.99, but I enjoyed checking out the newest Spring styles. So, I decided to highlight some of my favorites, as well as my "what were they thinking?" rejects.

The first pattern is by Anna Sui, who goes for the boho-feminine floaty chiffon type styles. The second is by Kay Unger. I visualize this in silk dupioni, my favorite dress-up fabric. And the third is by Michael Kors, seen weekly on Project Runway. Very cute, and a little retro in the polka dot fabric.

More 40's Fashions

These styles are so great, I had to post more. Most have already been sold on etsy, but I really should challenge myself by making one of the few I have left.

Next up....the fabulous 50's!

Sewing through the Years - 1940's

For the past 6 months or so I've been searching local yard sales and flea markets for vintage sewing patterns. It's fairly easy to find patterns from the 1970's and ugly 80's. but 60's are a little scarcer, and 40's and 50's are the real treasures.
According to etsy.com standards, "vintage" is anything 20 years old or older.....so that would mean a 1991 pattern is now "vintage"? Hmmmm. Etsy not withstanding, I limit my vintage offerings to 1980s or older. First, take a look at these gorgeous fashions from the 40's. The style on the left is called a Redingote Coat. I had to google that one, had never heard of it before!

Vintage Betsey Johnson

I am currently putting together a little collection of vintage Betsey Johnson patterns from the early 70's. I loved these patterns back when she was with Alley Cat and featured as a young designer for Butterick Patterns. I spent many happy hours sewing these outfits. Now I want them back! Not to actually sew and wear but to display on the walls of my new "sewing studio" (aka the dining room). Here is my find of the night.......uncut and in mint condition! And this is one I actually made!