My favorite project I completed for the NHS/Audrain exhibition was a toile of a dress for a tableau in the 1920's dressmaker's shop exhibit. The dressmaker, Mollie O'Hara, actually had her shop on the premises which is now the Audrain Museum. Image from Mrs. Depew's Patterns. I was limited on time and resources, so while… Continue reading NHS/Audrain Exhibit: 1920’s Dressmaker’s Toile Reproduction
Category: 20th century
Bonfit Patterner System from 1995
In the Vintage Sewing Pattern Nerds Facebook group, there is a unit on antique pattern drafting systems. As I saw the content being uploaded, I mentioned that it seemed similar to the much younger Bonfit Patterner. Since not everyone is familiar with Bonfit, I am sharing my small collection of Bonfit materials. I have not… Continue reading Bonfit Patterner System from 1995
Research: Vintage Guide to Sewing Slips
This post is meant to complement a project I am working on for my other blog, What Would Nancy Drew Wear? I am replacing a wardrobe staple, a bias-cut (silk) slip. Even though I am using a modern pattern, I wanted to consult my vintage sewing manuals to see what advice they had to offer… Continue reading Research: Vintage Guide to Sewing Slips
Saturday Sartorial Cinema 1: The $20 Miracle [Dress]
I often forget that I don't just have to post about what I'm studying and making, but that I can share all the interesting and educational media I come across as well. One place I frequent to find videos about fashion and dress history is Youtube. There are a few channels which regularly post older… Continue reading Saturday Sartorial Cinema 1: The $20 Miracle [Dress]
Choosing a 1920s Bra Pattern Part 4: Which Pattern I Chose
In this series of posts, I will be covering my research into choosing a pattern for bust coverage/support for my 1920s wardrobe. Part 1: ResearchPart 2: Available Tutorials and PatternsPart 3: Other Resources - Pattern Reviews, Books and FilmsPart 4: Which Pattern I Chose Starting my 1920s Wardrobe The first step in my 1920s wardrobe… Continue reading Choosing a 1920s Bra Pattern Part 4: Which Pattern I Chose
Choosing a 1920s Bra Pattern Part 3: Other Resources
In this series of posts, I will be covering my research into choosing a pattern for bust coverage/support for my 1920s wardrobe. Part 1: ResearchPart 2: Available Tutorials and PatternsPart 3: Other Resources - Pattern Reviews, Books and FilmsPart 4: Which Pattern I Chose Pattern Reviews (by pattern date) 1921 Wearing History Circa 1921 Brassiere… Continue reading Choosing a 1920s Bra Pattern Part 3: Other Resources
Choosing a 1920s Bra Pattern Part 2: Tutorials and Patterns
In this series of posts, I will be covering my research into choosing a pattern for bust coverage/support for my 1920s wardrobe. Part 1: ResearchPart 2: Available Tutorials and PatternsPart 3: Other Resources - Pattern Reviews, Books and FilmsPart 4: Which Pattern I Chose Tutorials This video tutorial, which Pathe dates at 1921, is quite… Continue reading Choosing a 1920s Bra Pattern Part 2: Tutorials and Patterns
Choosing a 1920s Bra Pattern Part 1: Research
In this series of posts, I will be covering my research into choosing a pattern for bust coverage/support for my 1920s wardrobe. Part 1: ResearchPart 2: Available Tutorials and PatternsPart 3: Other Resources - Pattern Reviews, Books and FilmsPart 4: Which Pattern I Chose General Research As much as I've tried to pin down any… Continue reading Choosing a 1920s Bra Pattern Part 1: Research
What to Wear on New Year’s Eve, 1919
In response to the influx of online articles disguised as "what to wear to a 1920s/2020s NYE party" that are really ads for expensive and poorly made sequined "flapper dresses", I thought it would be interesting (and hopefully educational) to dig up some images of what most women would have been wearing on December 31,… Continue reading What to Wear on New Year’s Eve, 1919
