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Dec. 26 - Dec. 30 The Week in Patterning - 55, Pattern Tour 1943 Dress & Redingote

Alexandra Reynolds 1940's coat D40-4662 dress EvaDress Patterns redingote shirtwaist dress The Week in Patterning Storyboard Vintage Patterns

Dec. 26 - Dec. 30 The Week in Patterning - 55, Pattern Tour 1943 Dress & Redingote

Simplicity originally designated this a dress & coat pattern.  I refer to the coat as a redingote as I feel its single-button-at-waist closing really aids in revealing the dress underneath (would also be smashing with trousers underneath)!   In testing this design, I found much more ease in the redingote sleeve cap than I prefer.  It may be advisable to reduce some of the sleeve cap height no matter what size you are sewing, but see what your muslin says about that (of course).  That goes ditto for the dress sleeve. The collarless redingote is clean, yet brimming with details.  Princess...

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Dec. 19 - Dec. 23 The Week in Patterning - 54, EvaDress fabulous 40's Pattern Challenge!

Alexandra Reynolds 1940's coat dress EvaDress Patterns Pattern Challenge redingote The Week in Patterning Storyboard

Dec. 19 - Dec. 23 The Week in Patterning - 54, EvaDress fabulous 40's Pattern Challenge!

A little food for thought as you unwind for the holidays and prepare for the New Year, I have posted my next challenge well in advance as I have largely advertised it in print! Everything 40's fashion is-FABULOUS!  Suits were highly tailored for men AND women, drapery on an evening gown lent luxe details, even the humble and comfortable at-home house dress was loaded with interesting lines; everything was so well fitting. Projects may not be started earlier than 12:01 a.m. EST on February 1, 2017 although a muslin for fitting may be created any time before the challenge kick-off...

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Dec. 12 - Dec. 16 The Week in Patterning - 53, Developing a Raven

Alexandra Reynolds 1930's costume crinoline EvaDress Patterns faux fur raven The Week in Patterning Storyboard Vintage Patterns

Dec. 12 - Dec. 16 The Week in Patterning - 53, Developing a Raven

...an 18th Century-esque raven, that is.  Actually, a costume pattern from the 30's as a retrospective on a crinoline costume per The DuBarry Pattern Co. I modified this design to come up with a raven costume and now it is in the finishing stretch! Just a few 'teaser' (throwback process) photos until I have it all together and share it for The New Year! I plan to make the pattern available in multi-sizes in 2017.       (Funny enough, my muse perched atop a pine outside my window and 'sang' as I worked up the costume!)    

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Dec. 5 - Dec. 9 The Week in Patterning - 52, Balancing Patterns

Alexandra Reynolds 1940's EvaDress Patterns The Week in Patterning Storyboard Vintage Patterns

Dec. 5 - Dec. 9 The Week in Patterning - 52, Balancing Patterns

As everything in life, sewing patterns are a balancing act-especially VINTAGE patterns! After being folded for who-knows-how-long after having been treated who-knows-how by the one(s) who previously owned it and after warping the ease in the fragile tissue paper to create as careful a draft as possible, chances are a vintage pattern will be un-balanced at best. When I first started drafting from vintage originals back in the 90's, I did so verbatim.  That is, I drafted each piece as it lay on my table (after CAREFUL iron pressing) without matching the balance between front and back, side seams, etc....

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Nov. 25 - Dec. 2 The Week in Patterning - 51, New Fabrics/Notions Shop!

Alexandra Reynolds

Nov. 25 - Dec. 2 The Week in Patterning - 51, New Fabrics/Notions Shop!

I added a new department this week.  I am selling yardage and notions as I can stock them. Fabrics are sold by full yards, although upon order I will advise on increments in between when available.  Watch for the offerings to expand to select colors of Gutermann silk over soon. 

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