EvaDress 2012 Vintage Pattern Contest

It's on! Xandra just announced the 2012 EvaDress Pattern Contest which will start at midnight EST on the 15th of January. 

The Details:
There are four categories for which one may sew and each entrant is welcome to submit as many projects as desired within each category. Each entry will be judged according to quality of construction (as best we can tell online!) and creativity.

The BIG theme for this year's contest is completing that project you have always wanted to do:

Category 1~Any EvaDress pattern garment project that you have only thought about doing, but never took on. When you submit in this category, tell us why you only dreamed about doing the project and never made it. For example, perhaps your technical or pattern grading skills just weren't there yet.

Category 2~Any EvaDress pattern garment project you started some time ago and have been meaning to finish. It doesn't matter if it has been years (hey, it happens) or weeks, when you submit in this category you need to tell us why you didn't finish it until now.

NOTE: Category 2 is exempt from the pre-January 15, 2012 contest start date for obvious reasons, but if you are entering in this category, you are not to pick that project up and continue it until 12 a.m. January 15, 2012.

Category 3~Best use of pattern in its original form = Any garment for men, women or children created devoutly from the pattern (that is, with no changes to the design, although grading or alteration to the pattern for proper fit or length is a must).

This is the category I won last year (thanks to all your votes) for the Katherine Hepburn frock:

Category 4~Best use of pattern as adapted for contemporary-wear = Any garment for men, women, children created from an EvaDress pattern that has been modified for a more updated look (design changes allowed). One may not use pattern pieces from pattern companies other than EvaDress but, may incorporate pieces from an original vintage pattern, if desired.

No purchase necessary to enter (one may use from one's EvaDress pattern stash).

The winners will be voted by all participating EvaDress customers, fellow entrants and members (followers) of the EvaDress blog.

$100 of EvaDress patterns will be awarded to the winners of each category plus free shipping (international included).  Isn't that generous??? The awards (in the form of EvaDress gift certificates) are redeemable for up to one year from March 15, 2012 (the contest ending date).

Projects are to be started no sooner than 12 a.m. EST on January 15, 2012 (with the exception of Category 2-see note above) and the contest will close for submissions at 12 a.m. EST on March 15, 2012. Voting will take place from 12 a.m. EST on March 16, 2012 until 12 a.m. EST on March 26, 2012.

Visit the EvaDress blog for more details on how to enter your submission!  Are you going to do it??

The 1912 Project

Oh my deary! Where has the time gone?  Sorry I've been MIA this week--between attending a conference, two work events and my latest sewing project--my regular blog posts have suffered!  I do want to share a quick post with you all about a fantastic project going on over at the Vintage Pattern Lending Library called 'The 1912 Project'.

This next April marks 100 years since the sinking of the Titanic!  There are lots of titanic-era inspired historic events happening next spring.  The Vintage Pattern Lending Library will be transcribing patterns, graphics and information from ALL the 1912 editions of La Mode Illustree – a beautiful French fashion journal of the period – with the goal of making all of the patterns from the entire year available.

If you love to sew, and are intrigued by the 1912 era – you can help! The Library is looking for test sewers willing to post to the blog their experiences and photos in working with these vintage patterns.  If you already have a blog, all you need to do is post there and send them a cross link to the entry.  In return the Library will send you copies of the patterns to sew from as they are transcribed from the journals!

For an information package about the project  – you can email direct to vpll.librarian@gmail.com

Here's two of the first patterns available:

Oooh...I do love the blouse pattern!

I'm definitely going to participate as this is a time period I haven't really explored yet!  What about you?  Do you want to try it out too?

Sewing Circle Pattern Swap

Yesterday I got a lovely package in the post:

It's from Trish who was my pattern swap buddy over at the Sew Weekly Sewing Circle! Awhile back we all decided it would be fun to build on our notions swap and do a pattern swap! We were each assigned a person to send a pattern and a little goodie to (most people receive from one person and send to another person). I'm so delighted with the pattern--isn't it lovely? Trish also sent me coconut buttons all the way from Australia!

The extra goodie was this amazing vintage teatowel from New Zealand! I love it so much! Thanks Trish!

Resistance is futile...or why I am adding a new yummy pattern to my stash

 

 I couldn't walk away, I just couldn't.  McCall 4114....I think I am in love.  This pretty pattern is coming home to me from the amazing etsy shop called 'Miss Betty's Attic'.  She's got an AMAZING assortment of 1930's and early 40's patterns (as well as 50's and 60') and what's even better?  She's giving readers of this blog a 10% discount to her etsy shop!!  Just enter the code: SEWHAPPY

That's what I am right now :)

Found McCall 9036 and it's coming home with me....

Look what I found and bought yesterday that should be arriving in the next week or two:

aaaackckk! McCall 9036....yipppeeee.  This was one of the patterns missing from yesterday's post.  I had no idea it would be a blouse and a blouse with all the yummy features I adore in the dresses!  This one's definitely fitting in the 1936 slot in the Sewing Through the Decades Challenge!

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Notions

I just got the most lovely package in the mail all the way from Australia from Amanda over at the Sewing Circle:

There was a group of us on the Sewing Circle that were so inspired by the Common Thread Project.  For those who may not have seen it, Mena over at Sew Weekly started the Common Thread Project by sending 5 yards of lace to 8 amazing seamstresses to see how they used it!  Check out their projects: there is the totally adorable pajamas made by Mena, the wonderful and awe-inspiring 1930's blouse made by Lauren, the awesome secretary blouse made by Sarai, the elegant and romantic 1918 blouse made by Casey, the va-va-voom beautiful dress made by Sunni, the fun and sunny dress made by Tasia, and the feminine and beautiful 1940's dress made by Charlotte.

So a few of us wanted in on the fun when Kat who blogs over at Macskakat had the lovely idea of organising our own travelling notions swap!  Anyone who wanted to participate just sent Kat their address and she randomly selected someone for each of us to send a packet full of notions to!  It was SO MUCH FUN!  It's really nice receiving something in the mail from across the world!  Our project now is to incorporate these new notions into our upcoming projects and document it!

Well, Amanda went beyond that and sent me two bonus goodies: the 1940's home notes magazine and this lovely pattern:

Isn't that so beautiful!  Amanda wrote a sweet letter to accompany the package that really touched my heart! Thanks so much Amanda!!

Oh and check out these buttons...I LOVE these tiny thistle buttons:

If you haven't already, definitely check out the Sewing Circle. It's so much fun and allows for much more interaction with fellow sewers than blogging usually allows.

Speaking of interaction, I'm also gearing up for the biggest UK sewing blogger meet-up that will be in London in the middle of May.  A big group from the Sewing Circle (from around the UK) will be meeting and going to the V&A exhibit AND we are planning to meet up with Karen from Did you Make That and more sewing bloggers for a The Goldhawk Road Fabric Fandango!  Ack! So much excitement!  No idea how many of us there will be but it will be big!  Plus, the ladies from the Sewing Circle are all planning on making outfits for the meet-up in the colours of red, white and blue (not necessarily all three together) for the occasion.  These are definitely my kind of people--we are going to have sooooo much fun! 

Lastly, a tiny (and I mean tiny because this picture is small! haha) sneak peek into what I've been working on this week for the 'Television' challenge over at the Sew Weekly.  I've coincided this week's Sew Weekly challenge with filling the gap for 1932 in my Sewing Through the Decades goal:

And that's the back of a dress (I know it might look like something else but I'm not that creative or daring, yet)!  :)

Aprons, Aprons, Aprons

Everywhere I look there are aprons.  Who knew that such a specific utility item could have so many interesting variations?  Here are a few apron scans I thought you would enjoy:

This is a McCall apron pattern from 1940.  Such a cute rick-rack planter pocket!  I have this pattern and hope to make it up sometime in the near future.

This is also a McCall pattern, this time from 1941.  I really like the way the apron folds up to look like a necktie.  I see this pattern all the time and EvaDress also has a reproduction of this pattern.

I've been seeing loads of really neat large flower petal design aprons from 1950's on ebay.  The one above is from the Pattern Peddler.  I would love to make one of these aprons one day!

This pattern is from 1947 and like the ones above has a neat design and features an applique as well as heart shapes in the pattern.  This is also from the pattern peddler but from their etsy shop.

I love 1940's aprons particularly.  For this week's challenge I'll be working with McCall 917 from 1941:

I'm going to forgo the embroidery (though I would love to make one up with embroidery at some point in the future).  Which leads me to a question for all of you.  How do you preserve iron-on embroidery sheets?  Can you use them more than once?  Do you transfer them to something else?  Thoughts on this would be great!

Spring suits on the brain

I've been daydreaming about vintage suits lately! I am really itching to make up a few this spring!  They are perfect for the Scottish weather and you can wear them to work....  Here's a few that I've had on the brain...

I got this AMAZING 1940 suit pattern from my lovely sister for my birthday:

And I'm dying to make up this 1950s/60's suit.  I actually featured it in my spring palette but I don't think I'll get it sewed up before the end of the month--but I do plan on tackling this sometime before the summer! I love how Joan-esque it is:

And I've mentioned this one before....but I absolutely adore this Eva Dress reproduction pattern.  I particularly like the jacket.  I'd probably do a sheath dress underneath (as opposed to a wrap dress)...but the jacket is STUNNING:

This would be the perfect jacket for the Tailoring Sew-Along I'm hoping to participate in....

Lastly, I'm almost done with my UFO suit:

Thanks for all your lovely comments on the UFO post--I'm going to tackle all of my UFO's this next month! YAY!

What sewing ideas have been on your brain lately?

Resources for 1930's and early 40's patterns

Several people have asked me where I find my patterns.  So I thought I would put together a list of resources that I go to for 1930's and early 1940's patterns.  I thought it would also be good to highlight the resources that are good for those living outside the U.S. as well!

The best places to get really good deals are:

1. Ebay (including Ebay UK), and
2. Etsy

Ebay tends to be the luck of the draw.  Sometimes you find a really good deal that doesn't include a lot of competition.  Ebay UK has less 1930's and early 40's patterns but I have still managed to find a few (my 1935 cape pattern for example) for a really good price.  Interestingly enough, there tends to be loads of competition on Ebay UK for patterns that start out at really low prices (i.e. 0.99) but not a lot of competition for patterns that start at £7 or more (which is where the 1930's and early 40's ones usually start).  Again, it depends on the luck of the draw.

I often buy from the Ebay U.S. site because there are LOTS of patterns and many sellers mail to the UK for very reasonable rates.  PLUS, it's in U.S. dollars so there is a bit of an advantage (though it's becoming less nowadays).

Here are several U.S. Ebay sellers that have fantastic shipping to the UK:

1. Vintage4Me2:  This ebay seller often has 'buy it now' and 'make an offer' for patterns.  Most patterns are listed for under $20 (sometimes for very early patterns as well--great selection of 1920's, 1930's and 1940's).  The shipping costs are really good and shipping is very quick.
2. Oncillakat: A tremendous selection of patterns.  Mostly 40's and 50's though I occasionally stumble across a late 1930's pattern.  Again, really good shipping to the UK.

An invaluable resource for Ebay is Collector's Weekly.  They have a vintage pattern section that lists the most popular patterns currently listed on ebay by highest price but also by most watched.  This is a great resource because if there is a pattern you are watching you can look at this list and see if it is on it AND you can tell how many other people are watching it!!  It changes daily.  You can also check lots of other ebay listings (they have a section for vintage sewing machines, 1940's hats, etc.).

On Ebay UK some of the vintage pattern sellers include:

1. Lookingforabargains: Great patterns (mostly 40's and 50's) but the starting bid is low.  Sometimes lots of competition depending on the pattern.
2. *butterfly*vintage: Another great vintage pattern seller on Ebay UK.  Sometimes there are patterns that start at low prices and othertimes they start at a specific price.  Oftentimes there is free shipping.  I have found quite a few 1940 patterns from this seller--all for really good prices!!

Etsy is a treasure trove of patterns and it has the added benefit of not having bidding.  That said, if you see something for a really good price you have to act quick (especially for 1930's and early 40's patterns).  Oftentimes sellers won't have the option for shipping to the UK.  I have found most sellers are willing to ship and will add that option after I contact them to find out how much it will be.  If you really love a pattern and it's for a good price, ask the seller to reserve the pattern for you while they add the UK or overseas shipping option.  Just be sure if you do ask a seller to reserve a pattern for you that you go and buy it in a short timeframe (I would say within 24 hours if it is a cheaper item--you can ask for longer if it is a seller you know or the item is more expensive).

There aren't many 1930's or earlier patterns on etsy for cheap--but occasionally you'll find a gem and then you have to act quickly!  There are lots of etsy sellers that I love for patterns: Patterns from the Past, Sydcam123, Selvedge Shop, Wearing History, KallieDesigns, CherryBubblesVintage, MidValeCottage, Pattern Peddler, and NewVintageLady to name a few.  There are loads more and oftentimes the best thing to do is to search by '1930 pattern' to see what comes up!   

There aren't many sellers for the UK, but Top Tottie's Vintage has fabulous vintage clothes and sometimes has 1930's patterns!

There are lots of independent websites for vintage patterns and some have really good deals. 

1.  Wicked Lady Collectables: A UK online pattern shop! whoohooo!
2. Best Vintage Patterns: One of the best vintage pattern sites I have seen, unfortunately, they don't ship internationally.  But if you know someone in the states that you can have the pattern mailed to--then it's perfect!
3. Woodland Farms Vintage:  I just found this website yesterday and what a treasure trove especially for early patterns! It looks like they ship internationally (not sure how much), you can also reserve items for 10 days (if you are an international customer) and they have layaway!
4. Vintage Martini:  They ship to the UK but it's in a flatrate envelope (which isn't that cheap: $13 or so)
5. Main Street Mall Online, Vintage Patterns:  This includes several independent online stores including Stitches and Loops, Miss Helene's Vintage Sewing Shoppe and the lovely What-I-found shop (Tina has a lovely blog as well).  I just use the mall's homepage search engine to search all the shops at once.  It takes a while as all the pattern photos have to load but I like looking at all of them at once.
6. Patterns from the Past:  Though limited for 1930's and earlier, this shop has a great list of 1941 McCall patterns and other early 1940's at very reasonable prices (not sure about their international shipping).
7. Lanetz Living: Lots of variety! Some weeks it's early 40's and 1930's, other weeks there are 50's and 60's gems.  Definitely add the Lanetz Living blog to your RSS feed as new patterns are featured once they go into the store! And they get snapped up pretty quickly as the prices are so reasonable!  Reasonable shipping as well.
8. Moms Patterns:  The patterns start at the 1940's and the cheapest shipping option is $6 for one pattern (but cheaper if you buy more patterns because then they ship with a flat rate box).
9. Out of the Ashes:  Again better for 1940's patterns.   Shipping prices are very similar to Moms patterns.
10. Your Pattern Shop:  Some 1930's patterns--prices are variable.  1st pattern ships for $5.50 to the UK (approx. £3.40)
11. The Blue Gardenia: Denise has an amazing selection of 1930's and early 40's patterns--plus lots of gowns.  Denise also has a blog (with lots of giveaways) and good sales.  Shipping usually via flat rate envelope.
12. So Vintage Patterns: A load of patterns with lots of gowns.  I believe this site also has layaways and pretty affordable international shipping (though the patterns tend to be pricier--but you'll find lots of unique patterns here).
13. Echo Vintage:  A handful of 1930's patterns and international shipping is based on your location. 
14. Mystique Vintage: Some really nice 1930's/40's patterns at reasonable prices. Both domestic and international shipping is included in the price!
15. Vintage Stitching: Patterns start in the 1940's, good prices AND shipping is included in the prices of the pattern (for both domestic and international)!
16. Dandelion Vintage: International Shipping dependent on location and weight of item(s).  Several 1940's patterns.
17. Heavens to Betsy: Lots of vintage patterns starting at the 1940's, tend to be a bit more expensive, flat rate shipping of $6.00 and then will adjust according to actual cost.
18. Davenport and Co.: Not sure if they have international shipping but have several vintage patterns...located in New England.
19. Cemetarian: Lots of vintage patterns.  I've gotten a few 1940 patterns from them and I seem to remember the shipping being very reasonable.  Great section on dating vintage patterns.
20. DeWitt and Co.:  They've just added lots of 1930's patterns.  Not sure how much international shipping is...
21. The Cupid and the Swan:  A few 1930's beauties (tend to be more expensive then their early 40's counterparts).  Not sure about international shipping.
22. Tangerine Boutique: Several lovely 1930's patterns (mid to higher price range..i.e. $30-40)
23. Hawk Crossing: Great selection of 1930's (and some reproduction patterns as well). Not sure about international shipping.
24. Ballyhoo Vintage:  I just found this site and I am swooning over the patterns.  Variable prices and shipping via global priority mail (I'm assuming this is weight-based).
25. Stonehill Collectables:  Vintage sewing patterns by decade (with 1930's and much earlier as well).  International shipping (not sure of the rates). 

Another EXCELLENT resource for dating vintage patterns but also for finding vintage pattern sellers is the Vintage Pattern Wiki.  I LOVE this wiki and can spend hours browsing the patterns!  Sometimes the patterns will have a link to a place where you can buy it.  I find many new sellers this way.  In fact, that's how I found the Woodland Farms Vintage (#3 above)!

Probably the BEST way of getting a 1930's pattern is by purchasing a reproduction pattern.  The great thing is that you get the pattern but on new stock paper (so it's not as fragile).  Plus, the repro pattern sellers are fantastic and often have great deals, competitions and discounts!  The only downside for international customers is that the shipping is often more (because they are a bit heavier).  Usually you can buy 2-3 repro patterns in a flat rate box BUT then you may get stuck with paying customs on the UK side because you've spent more (you are supposed to pay customs on anything over £18 which the post office will flag up and won't let you have your package until you pay---though it's not very consistent).  We just need a UK-based reproduction pattern seller!!

But these repro pattern sellers are fantastic:

1. Decades of Style: Some really cute 1930's patterns.
2. EvaDress:  EvaDress is currently having a competition! The prize is that you win $100 worth of their patterns!
3. Sense and Sensibility:  Mostly early regency patterns but they have an early 1940's pattern that Casey is using for the swing dress sewalong!  Also Lisette from What Would Nancy Drew Wear is doing a sewalong using the S&S patterns for a regency dress (I am seriously considering joining this as there are tons of Jane Austen events in the UK in the Autumn!)
4. Vintage Fashion Library: They also sell original patterns
5. Vintage Pattern Lending Library:  If you review or provide a picture of one of their patterns that you've sewn up then you get another pattern free! Whoohooo....they are also on Ebay.
6. Wearing History:  Don't forget you get a 10% discount until the end of January by entering 'sewinghappyblog' in the comments box!

Phew! Sorry for all the text!  I'm sure I'm missing LOTS of links/resources!  Especially for 1950's and later patterns (I only included resources for 30's and 40's here).  What are your favorite vintage pattern sites?  Are there other repro pattern sites?  What are your experiences of buying vintage patterns (especially if you live outside the U.S.)?  Any good resources for 1930's and early 1940's patterns you would like to share?

Hollywood patterns featured in September 1940 Glamour magazine

I wanted to share with you all some great scans from the September 1940 issues of Glamour magazine:

I somehow managed to snag this magazine for super cheap on ebay (not quite sure how that happened) but I am loving EVERY page of it!!

It features several Hollywood patterns including # 494 and 498 below:

Hollywood 498 (on the right of the photo above) has a bloused jacket and an inverted front pleat in the skirt!  So cute....

Hollywood 494 has a long jacket which is double-breasted with a front that can be buttoned high or low below the notched collar.  It has also has pocket flaps at the hips.  I managed to find this pattern on the Vintage Patterns Wiki and it features Lucille Ball on the cover:

The magazine also features these two beauties:

The dress on the left is Hollywood #500 which is a "serene little dress for important afternoons".  It features a high curved neckline which "makes it a perfect background for some of your new Autumn jewelry".

The dress on the right is Hollywood #502.  Isn't that neckline pretty?  This pattern also contains a shawl with deep fringe to knot at the throat.  I found a picture of this pattern from nnaloh on the Flickr Vintage Sewing Patterns Group.  It features Jane Wyman from the movie "My Love Came Back" on the cover:

The last two patterns featured in the magazine are Hollywood #501 and 495:

The lovely and talented Mena from The Sew Weekly has made #501 in one of her early dress posts.  Check out the wonderful photos of her in the finished dress!

Do you have any Hollywood patterns?  Have you seen any that you just adore?  Have you sewn from any?  Do share!!

Another 1940 film that inspired a pattern...

The House of the Seven Gables isn't alone.  There are several other films that have inspired McCall patterns during this time period.  One that I particularly love is Pinocchio!

Check out McCall 742 for a Pinocchio inspired outfit: 

Oh dear! How cute is that?

There's also McCall 746 which is an embroidery pattern of some of the favorite Pinocchio moments of the film and McCall 748 which is the house in Disney Land with Pinocchio walking up the walkway to the house:

Here's the description of the little boy's pattern:

Hail, Pinocchio!  The 1940 Movie star gets a warm welcome from McCall with three new Pinocchio patterns. Fitting right into the every-day lives of little flesh-and-blood boys, we present first the Pinocchio Suit No. 742.  It has the same bolero he wooden boy wore.  The same shorts and shirt.  The same feathered hat.  Even the trim at the sides of the shorts is featured as Pinocchio wore it.  With everything set for the Pinocchio moving picture to be seen all over the counry, very little American boys will lvoe to wear this suit.  Just see! It's a good design for linen, cotton broadcloth, pique or flannel.  The trim may be embroidered in outline stitch or carried out in soutache braid.  Then there's a costume-party version (small view) which older boys will enjoy.  This would be nic ein sateen or chintz, and felt could be used for the bolero, hat, gloves and shoes.

I also just saw this pattern on ebay--I hope whoever bought it, sews it up for a little boy...it really is just so adorable!

What happened to the pants?

I recently ran across Simplicity 3935 on etsy and I thought it looked familiar....

It's the pattern reissued by Simplicity that I made my hot pink blouse and navy trousers from!  But wait, where are the trousers?  The repro pattern shows the woman in the yellow blouse wearing trousers!! 

Bizarre....What do you think happened?

Suits vs. Suit-Frocks in 1940

Some more fashion inspiration--this time from 1940.  The question McCall's asks is 'suits versus suit frocks'?  Hmmmm...which is more versatile?

I love this dress (McCall 3588).  I actually think the dress looks better with a suit jacket.  But I do love the dress details on their own as well (the yoke is cut in one with the front panel).

Then there is McCall 3592---A-DOR-ABLE!  I love the short nipped in jacket with the dress:

And the suit of the bunch is McCall 3557.  I must say this is probably my favorite.  I love that the lapel of the jacket can match the skirt.  I also love the lines of the jacket!

And just look at all the different hats!  I love it!!

Dickey patterns on etsy

Interested in trying out a dickey?  Or just interested in seeing different styles?  I've found some great patterns on etsy that I wanted to pass along your way....

Simplicity 4477 from nancesnostalgia on esty.  $18.95

Advance 9045, a 1950's dickey pattern from Kimaroo for $7.99 on esty:

1940's Advance 3247  from StudioGPatterns for $12.50 on esty:

Speaking of finding patterns on Etsy, Eileen from Eileen's Basement found the same 1940 McCall coat pattern that I am hoping to sew this winter (McCall 3941)!!  

How great is that?  We'll have to have a mini sew-along :-)

I heart McCall

I think I'm in love....with vintage McCall patterns.  Turns out the McCall pattern company was founded in 1870.  The Cemetarian vintage pattern website had some interesting information on the history of the McCall company.  It was started by a Scottish guy named James McCall (I knew there was a reason I felt drawn to these patterns!).  Mr. McCall worked as a U.S. agent for the English pattern company 'The Royal Chart' in NYC.  I've never seen any of the Royal Chart patterns...have you?

Mr. McCall then began to design his own patterns and published a magazine called "The Queen" to promote and advertise the patterns.  James McCall passed away in 1884 but his company has continued to this day.  The magazine changed its name to "The Queen of Fashion" during this time period.  You can view pages from the June 1905 'The Queen of Fashion' magazine here.

What I especially love about the McCall patterns is that they are in beautiful color.  The McCall pattern company was one of the first that made colored covers for their patterns (in 1920's!) and they made printed patterns even before then (1919).  They are so lovely.  Here is a pattern from 1939 I got for my birthday that I can't wait to make up:

The other great thing about vintage McCall patterns?  They are almost all dated with the copyright year they were produced.  I find this really helpful in terms of dating fashions.  I've run across a few that are undated and I'm not sure if there is a rhyme or reason to this.  But as far as I know, they are the only pattern company to have consistently dated their patterns.

Lastly, I just love their designs.  They seem to fit my tastes really well. I wonder if there was a lot of brand loyalty with patterns back in the day?  I definitely consider myself a McCall gal.  Is there a vintage pattern company that you feel drawn to?

A Very Merry Christmas Indeed!

Lo and behold, under the Christmas tree was all of the patterns I had been longing for!  My sweetie really outdid himself with the presents and I am super excited to start sewing them all!

He got me this lovely blouse that I really wanted (remember I said I had a thing about ruffled collars?).  I am going to try sewing all 4 versions!

Then I got this fantastic looking suit from the 1950's.  Isn't the silhouette great?

 

And this amazing suit from the 1930's....

The jacket pockets have inverted pleats on them and there is an inverted pleat on the bottom of the skirt as well (love the details!):

But by far the best piece (and I know how hard David must have worked to get this one) is this pyjamas pattern from the 1930's.  I absolutely love the lines, the low back and the ties.  I am planning on making this up as pyjamas but also as an everyday outfit:

This is a close-up of the back:

Yipppeeee!  Can't wait to get some great fabrics for these patterns and to start sewing them!!!