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Simplicity marketed this pattern (1210) design in Summer of 1933 headlining it, 'Daytime and Evening Fashions of Cool Charm and Smart Line'.  It is one of the earliest street trouser patterns I have found for women: As one from the Simplicity Three-Style pattern series (a 1930's take on the 'Capsule Wardrobe' concept, if you will), this ensemble includes the epaulette-shoulder blouse, wide leg trousers, vest and jacket with French cuffs. A piece for the Ascot-style scarf is not given, but dimensions and instructions for creating it are included. Curiously, this ladies' Tuxedo was issued at a time when Simplicity released their...

I found this Pictorial Review 9079 with a motherlode 1920's & 30's patterns (which included the ultra rare and desirable Katharine Hepburn Ensemble) in 2004! When I look at this Pictorial Review, I think of it as a 'retro retrospective'. That is, the 1930's stylized perspective on a previous year in history. We usually think of the 1930's recalling Colonial or Federal times, so this is a prized example from 1937 referring to the 'Directoire' Federal sensibility in fashion for it's almost-Empire waist line. When looking at it against adaptations from the early 1900's, a close-fitting, almost-corset line is read in...

This is a very unusual 13-piece pattern originally by Simplicity (1241), the 1933 Garden Ensemble of Pajamas and Apron.  I offer it in sizes: Set A fitting 12-20 (30" to 38" bust, 25" to 32" waist, 33" to 41" hip) or, Set B fitting 40-46 (40" to 46" bust, 34" to 40" waist, 43" to 49" hip). It is part of the Simplicity Three-Style pattern series of the early 1930's; a series which afforded the home sewist of the Great Depression better economy by availing 'three entirely different and charming styles' from one pattern (a 1930's take on the 'Capsule Wardrobe'...

This is a 16-piece pattern originally by Hollywood (1519).  I offer it as the three-piece ensemble or just the blouse, as a separate in size: Set A fitting 14-20 (32" to 38" bust, 27" to 32" waist, 35" to 41" hip) or, Set B fitting 40-46 (40" to 46" bust, 34" to 40" waist, 43" to 49" hip). Linda Przybyszewski has presented the concept of framing the face with flattering necklines in vintage designs (be sure to pick up her book, The Lost Art of Dress, Basic Books).  This kimono blouse is cut rather long and when it is worn...

In honor of my newest pattern, the 1940's Suit Dress with Blouse, I am hosting a 1940's EvaDress Pattern Challenge for a top-finalist to win a non-expiring $150 gift certificate to EvaDress.com!  Projects may not be started earlier than 12:01 a.m. EST on March 1, 2019 although a muslin for fitting may be created any time before the challenge kick-off date. No purchase necessary to enter, so 1940's EvaDress patterns from stash are fair game! The closing date to submit projects for this challenge is 11:59p.m. EST on May 1, 2019.  Full details for participating are here. I will soon blog a...