Film Noir Sweater Girls - 1946

Talk about drama! These 1946 sweaters are all modeled by serious gals with shadows and dim lighting...very stylish, but a bit hard to see what you were suppose to knit. But I suspect they were all starlets trying out for film noir roles as gun molls.

We're just little people - 1944

This brings home just how good we have it now...and let's remember who we have to Thank.
(click twice to see details)

"A United Staes War message prepared by the War Advertising Council; approved by the Office of War Information; and contributed by the Magazine Publishers of America"

The Big Top In Crochet - 1952- The Greatest Show On Earth!

Inspired by Cecil B. De Mille's Paramount Production - The Greatest Show On Earth, with Dorothy Lamour and Betty Hutton.
And some pretty cute things to crochet!

And don't forget the stars!

Buy a Sewing Machine of the Present, and not one of the Past - Get A Singer - 1898

"Singer machines are so simple that a child can understand them; they are so strong that a bungler can hardly get them out of order"

As you read this substitute the words 'sewing machine' with 'computer' and consider what a technical miracle these were. Plus they "they never get the "fits" which try a woman's patience", who can say that about their computer?

Sewing Machines of the present are very different from those of the past. Very few users of sewing-machines to-day know the technical differences; patents have expired on generic features, but " the world moves," and radical improvements have been made in sewing machines, so that the one of today shows a tremendous improvement on its predecessor. Women who have used both kinds quickly realize the difference between a cheaply made imitation of some ancient type and the modern light-running machine which is easily adjusted, does all kinds of work, and is always ready to go. The Silent Singer of to-day is the latest result of constant improvement in mechanical excellence. For practical use it compares with the old-time sewing-machines sold at Department stores much as a modern railway train surpasses a stage-coach of the last century.
Singer machines are so simple that a child can understand them; they are so strong that a bungler can hardly get them out of order. Every part is made with such scrupulous care, from the best materials fitted in its place with the utmost exactness, and tested and re-tested so many times before leaving the factory, that they never get the "fits" which try a woman's patience, destroy the fruits of her labor, and consume her time in vexing attempts to coax the machine to a proper performance of duty. Singer machines are sold directly from maker to user; they are guaranteed by the maker, always ready to furnish parts and supplies in any part of the world, and not by a middleman totally unable to render this service.

Tailor-Made Suits - $5 "When you wish the latest styles write to us"

These models don't look very happy. In fact they look like elongated Barbie dolls. And their necks hurt from holding up those hats. I don't think fashion was very forgiving in 1898.

The New Idea Pattern Company - "Guaranteed as Perfect in Fit as any Dollar Pattern"

The New Idea Pattern Company existed from 1894-1920 and then merged with Butterick. (from Commercial Pattern Archive).

I have never come across a New Idea pattern...have any of you seen one?

"Coordinated Plan for a Woman's Wardrobe" McCall's 1964

I think the emphasis here was on Woman...this was intended for the mature, older woman. You were to wear muted tones and "handsome tapestry" while your hippy kids were wearing rainbows and afros.

"The whole trick is starting with a congenial, fashion right color (not necessarily a basic) and resisting all temptation to change your plan on impulse."

Is that understood? Resist all temptation!

"You can buy this dress for $55.00 or you can enjoy making it for $15.27"

"It's great to save money, but there's a lot more to sewing than that. You can get better quality material. You can be sure of a better fit. And the more you sew, the more you enjoy it. " Discuss.

High Fashion For The Kindergarten Set - 1964

These are exactly what we little girls wore back in the day...I'm really old. ;-) The hats, gloves and purses would have been for church or something special like a party, but these were everyday wearables. And mind you they had to be ironed each time too!

Buy The Golden Way - Part 2 - Hosiery, Slips, Pajamas and Men!

The rest of this booklet has more great gowns, slips, hosiery, pajamas and men! I especially love the insert of colors for your stockings. Do you want Atmosphere, Sombrero or Tortoise?

Buy The Golden Way - Teddys, Gowns, Step-ins!

This sweet little booklet is undated, but sure looks 20's to me...can anybody get us closer? Be sure to click twice to see all the details. (More tomorrow)

Miserable Models in McCall's - 1964

These gals look like they stayed out way too late last night, or maybe these gowns are what they wore to the party and they haven't made it home yet.

Baby-Mode - 32 Knitted Garments for Baby

This charming Baby-Mode booklet has 32 knitted garments for baby from birth to 2 years. It's undated, but maybe some of you can help figure it out. We also get Washing Instructions - remember "In No Circumstances Should Woolies Be Boiled Or Twisted"!

"Fall Ideas for the Home Seamstress" - 1934

These were True Story patterns for dresses and hats. Again all the interest was up top, just look at those collars. A pin-tucked funnel neck? Then topped off with a jaunty little hat.

Smart New York Styles That Flatter Your Figure - 1934

From True Story Magazine, these were fully made dresses you could order all the way from New York. This group seems all about the collars, each one more fabulous than the last. And at prices ranging from $3.95 to $7.85 how could you go wrong?

When I think of the days I lost...

Please bear with me. I have had one sort of tech diaster after another, but now I have my new laptop, the electricity is working in the RV and soon I'll have the new scanner program under control. The good news is I have lots of new goodies to share, so stick around!