Monday, December 31, 2012

2013 Pattern Catalogue

The newest edition of the pattern catalogue is now available.  I am looking forward to 2013 being an absolutely stellar year.


Warmest New Year wishes to everyone!
~Xandra at EvaDress

Monday, December 24, 2012

A Word Regarding EvaDress Gift Certificates

I continue to receive orders for certificates in which no mention is made to whom the certificate is to be issued (as one should specify in the special instructions/notes box upon checkout) and the shipping and billing name and address are entered as the same.

When I inquire to the purchaser as to whom the certificate should be made and sent without getting a response in time for each shipment (Tuesdays and Fridays of each week-the cut-off for each being noon the previous day), I simply send the certificate as entered in the order.

I just wanted to direct attention to this issue as I know, more often than not, that a gift certificate is purchased for someone other than the buyer!
Please keep in mind that when you checkout online, you must UN-CHECK the box in order for the shipping address to be entered differently than the billing address. Otherwise, the shipping addy is automatically filled as the billing addy.

Happiest of Holidays to everyone and I look forward to the New Year with you All!

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

More Originals and the Gallery Grows!

I recently found some original vintage patterns a few of which are in larger sizes such as:



Also, more gallery pages will keep popping up.  I have many more finished customer projects to share!

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Ready to Go!

Logistical problems earlier this fall caused me to put this pattern on hold so I could stay on schedule with the others I had to issue.
I am happy to say this 1936 swing dress is ready to go in sizes 14 - 42!
The shoulder yoke is in one with the collar and the drop sleeve makes for smart detailing.

Friday, November 9, 2012

New Multi-Size (and Original) Patterns Posted, 'Wrapping Up' the end of the year!

I issued an update to my e-mail members today to let everyone know I have a couple new patterns ready in multi-size.  They are:

The 1929 Evening Wrap by McCall


and the 1943 Wrap Dress


Right now, the wrap dress is in a limited set of sizes due to the fact it was part of a custom grading order, but next year is about adding sizes in multi-size patterns that are already available, so stay tuned!
I have also re-done the original vintage pattern pages.  When one clicks on an original vintage pattern image, a .pdf will load of both front and back of the envelope in large detail.  Be advised, they will take time to load on that account.
Here are a few examples of the recently added originals:





I am still in process of up-grading the pattern pages throughout the site and it will take time to complete, but things are looking really great with the improved graphics and format.

I'll have more updates coming about exciting things you can expect for the New year, but let's not all wish 2012 away too quickly.  I wish everyone well as we come up on the holiday(s) season, cheers!

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

New Multi-Size Pattern

I have yet to officially send notice to my customer list regarding this addition to the multi-size patterns.  I was doing so in light of the difficulties for everyone out East on account of Sandy.
It is the 1929 Evening Wrap by McCall, in sizes Small (32" to 34" bust) to X-Large (44" to 46" bust):

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!

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

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!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

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.

Friday, August 31, 2012

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.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

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:

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

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.

Saturday, July 7, 2012

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:

Sunday, June 24, 2012

New Multi-Size Pattern

As I am grading patterns for a custom order, I have this 1943 Dress pattern now available in sizes 12-16.
I will add sizes per demand (so I need to hear from you about that!)

A new single-size pattern in size 16:
Lastly, I currently have this pattern in sizes 14-18:

Friday, June 1, 2012

Four New Patterns

Just posted these on the site today:
1940 Dresses:


1862 German Dress:


1937 bonnets:


1888 French Cerny Blouse:

Friday, May 4, 2012

New Multi-Size Pattern

This is one of the first 1933 McCall patterns I picked up. It is now available in multiple sizes 32" to 46" bust.

It has some phenomenal sleeve options, one of which is a cut sleeve which does not appear well in the pattern art. Below is a mock-up of that shirred and cut sleeve:
Shows as I fell the un-sewn edge of the sleeve trim over the cut opening.

With the trim felled and lapped per markings on the pattern.

The original pattern size is 20 (for 38" bust), but this is the sleeve graded to size 14 (for 32" bust).

Below is a screen shot here showing a few sleeve pieces in the CAD program I use to work on the patterns.  The sleeve at bottom left is the cut sleeve trimmed with a contrasting band.  Another nice detail about this sleeve style, it is shirred at the bottom for 4" so it fits close to the arm and really accentuates the open design.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

New Single-size Pattern

This is the 1935 German Street Frock and Coat from Beyer's Modenblatt.

I will make it available in multi-size depending on demand and I will notify to the effect from this blog in future.
This pattern has some moderatly difficult detailing with bound buttonholes. Also, the Right Frock Front is top-titched through many layers. As well, the sleeves are finished with self-bias before the lap and top-stitching are in place.
The raglan sleeve coat is faced with contrasting fabric to match the dress, if desired.
Photos of a muslin version in progress:

With right front facing in place before turning.
Clipping and trimming the top curved edges before turning the facing.
Stitching the facing along the bottom edge the same depth as the hem (1-1/2").
Clipping and trimming the bottom curved edges before turning the facing.
Top-stitching on the upper portion of the right front after the facing is turned and pressed.
Top-stitching on the lower portion of the right front after the facing is turned and pressed.
Ink line indicates the top-stitching line on the sleeve lap after the facing is turned and pressed (I didn't make the buttonholes, I only marked bound buttonhole placement on the muslin).