THREADS Magazine Connection

I have advertised (also contributed a large article regarding vintage patterns and have been reviewed) in Taunton's THREADS Magazine for nearly 10 years.
I felt making a series of blog posts to highlight connections between their feature technical articles and my vintage patterns is well overdue.
So, here is the first of what will be an ongoing series you can find here in my posts:

In THREADS December/January 2013, issue #164, the technical feature article by Judith Neukam covers a technique for a banded armseye on pages 28 - 29.

Patterns in my collection on which this would be a stunning detail are the 1930 Vogue evening gown:

-and-
The 1936 McCall dress:

while Judith's article is about the embellishing of the armseye, I will go further to say that customer's have asked me about the coverage (or lack thereof) below the arm in this style of sleeve.
Per 1930's advice, a close-fitting slip is worn under the dress to hide any exposed parts of the body under such a generous armseye.
I have not tried this banded technique on this style of sleeve, although I have bound it in contrasting double bias binding for a stunning detailing finish.
I look forward to feedback from any of you who have put this banded technique to the test, it is very classy!

New Multi-Size Pattern

Have this one now available in sizes 12 - 16 (30" to 34" bust) from a custom order.
I will add more sizes early next year and keep you all posted!

Patterns Update

I posted this extra cute blouse and apron pattern as the new multi-size: In addition, I posted several original patterns, among them are patterns I picked from Michelle at OldPatterns.com.  Here is a little example of what she has in the 1920's/30's McCall originals:
.

Michelle is the first one I ever bought vintage patterns from when I started in the late '90's. It was really great to work with her again this year and I recommend you take a look at what she may have for you! Also have a look at a blog post about her Here.

A Personal Project

I searched YEARS for a similar skirt style made by McCall in the mid-30's:


When I obtained this '29 McCall, I knew I had to put the skirt pieces to use right away!  I need a good skirt to go with a kimono-style top I am finishing from a contemporary McCall's pattern for this Thanksgiving.  I am drawn to how architectural the lines of the skirt are (and funny, I will be dining with architects for that holiday!).
This is the charmeuse print I have:
The skirt will coordinate well in chocolate wool crepe, yuuuuuummmmmmm.

On the Boards

Just a quick little preview for everyone here of what I have in store for release this September and October!
In addition to the sizes I am adding to a couple newly-released patterns, I have part two of this year's 30's McCall series of multi-size patterns, this 1936 McCall dress:

and for October, this fun 50's blouse with apron also in multi-size:

1862 German Traveling Dress

Early this year, I joined the Prescott Victorian Society and I have been working on a Civil War era project from this 1862 German Traveling Dress pattern.
Here is a timeline of photos.


I built the hoop skirt some time ago from one of Martha McCain's patterns for Simplicity:
The inside of the dress showing the deep hem facing:
The finished bodice before hooks and eyes concealed by the front facings are applied.  The dress is Indian silk doupioni and the appliqué and covered button contrast is 110 gram silk taffeta:
Shows the finish on the hem with the hem facing and crin in place with the front facing before and after it is turned:

Detail showing one set of appliqués on the skirt and on the sleeve:
The complete dress (sans under collar and under sleeves):
For a little more in depth, I use Pinterest.com as a project montage process where I gather images of inspiration, fabrics swatches, trims, etc. with the patterns I use.

New 40's Pattern in two sizes

I have just a handful more of patterns I am going through from a customer grading order that I am also able to make available to you.
The latest is this Late-1940's Soft-Tailored Two-Piece Suit Dress in vintage sizes 14 & 16: