Polka dot dress

Jeff took me to a party, and I made a new dress for it

It's a reproduced pattern from 1952, and it's constructed very interestingly. I reviewed the pattern, and that's here.

I really like this dress. It makes me feel pretty, especially when I'm wearing it with a petticoat, like I am in the picture. :)

Free patterns from 1943

Here are three patterns from The Complete Book of Sewing from1943. Patterns are from a plain slip-on blouse, panties, and a bra. Click on the photo, then get the biggest size for greatest usefulness.

Enjoy!

Vintage sewing pattern up for grabs

Want a vintage sewing pattern for free? I'll even pay postage.

So, as you can see, the cover's in a bit of a state. Every time I touch it a little more flakes off, so I've put it in a page protector and stopped touching it. The good news, however, is that only the cover is in bad shape. Here's the back cover.

The pattern size is 18 1/2, which is bust 37, waist 31, and hip 40. The instructions are yellowed, but intact, and the pattern pieces, while cut, are in great shape. The waistband is missing, but should be easy to reconstruct. See here for proof of size:

So what do you have to do to get this pattern? Just tell me why you want it, promise me you'll make it soon, and send me a photo of the finished outfit when you're done. If you can't do all those things, don't ask for the pattern.

To ask for the pattern, just leave a comment on this post with:

• your email address
• why you want this pattern
• your intention to make it soon and send me pictures

That's it. I'll pick the person who gives me the best reason, in my opinion, on Sunday, July 27. I'll even pay for postage, so this is 100% free to you, so if you don't intend to make this pattern, please don't ask for it.

Thanks!

Simplified Sewing booklet

Jeff and I hit our favorite antique mall, Heritage Square Antique Mall, yesterday, and I scored. I got a nearly complete set of booklets for a correspondence sewing course from the 1920s for $1.50 each.

Not only are the booklets very helpful in explaining sewing, but they're a fascinating look at the time period. I've scanned in the "Simplified Sewing" booklet, which includes a bunch of patterns that can be made using only measurements, including aprons and kimono nightgown.

Access it here. It's a big file, so be patient.

Let me know if you make anything from the booklet, I'd love to see!