Measuring for 1921 Butterick Patterns

Here we have more from "The New Dressmaker" put out by Butterick in 1921. These are the measurement guidelines you need, even for your doll. 

"It is absolutely essential that you buy your pattern by the right size. In no other way can you be sure of securing the perfect lines of the original design. The right size will save you time because it means there will be no unnecessary fitting. It will save your material. A size too large takes more material than you require while a size too small might make your dress unwearable. Insist on being measure each time you buy a pattern. New corsets or an unsuspected change of weight may have altered your bust, waist or hip measure. Before buying a pattern put on your best corsets and lace them properly. Wear a waist or dress that fits nicely. Never be measured in old corsets, over your coat, or in a clumsy dress or a negligee."

Altering Waist Patterns - 1921

"Altering Waist Patterns For Figures That Vary From The Average"

"For a Figure Broader at the Back than at the Front, for Square Shoulders, for Sloping Shoulders, for a Full Bust, for a Small Bust, for Round Shoulders, for an Over Erect Figure."

This helpful advice is from The New Dressmaker, The Butterick Publishing Company, 1921. "The New Dressmaker is the accepted authority on dressmaking and tailoring and the methods which it gives may be used whenever the current styles call for them"

Something Blue - A Story from 1956

Here is a charming story "Something Blue" from The New We Work And Play, New Basic Readers, 1956 Edition. 

Two Beautiful Bird Cushions - Gorcy Catalog, 1928

  Hot-iron transfer patterns from the 1928 Gorcy Catalog. Because this was a Canadian company several of the ads are in English and French. 

You could also get this image hand painted on ecru or black satin. Yes please!

New and Attractive - The Japanese Design

This is one offering from the August 1928 Gorcy catalog. Gorcy was based in Montreal and many of the ads are in French and English. This one caught my eye because I haven't seen a Sewing Machine Scarf or one for a Phonograph. These were stamped patterns that came on different fabrics (at different prices) . Then you could buy cotton or silk embroidery floss 'make the article'.In 1925 Emile Gorcy patented his Transfer Ink with mutton fat as the main ingredient. 

"Be it known that I, EMILE Gorcy, a citizen of the French Republic, residing at Montreal, Province of Quebec, Canada, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Transfer Ink...This transfer ink is formed of the following ingredients, preferably combined in the proportions indicated, namely: mutton fat,49 parts; black soap. 14 parts; and aniline coloring, 7 parts."

How I feel when I go shopping...

The New Shape Tiered Jacket

This is from a Modess ad in Life Magazine, February 1951. The often featured fashion in their ads, but this jacket is pretty terrific and I wonder if it was ever a real thing.
And don't miss the text...the box was "so cleverly formed that, when wrapped, it looks like one of a dozen purchases...never like a napkin box." So what did a napkin box look like before?

Four Gifts To Sew - McCall's Golden Do-It Book - 1060

This wonderful treasure - McCall's Golden Do-It Book is chock full of "Crafts, projects and activities for boys and girls from 6-14" These were mostly from the grown-up version, McCall's Needlework and Crafts Magazine. These were adapted by Joan Wyckoff, edited by Nan Comstock and delightfully illustrated by William Dugan.                               

                  "Children Love to DO things"

 

The Going Fashion - Barbara Feldon in 1966

The Going Fashion according to the Journal Magazine in 1966. They featured Barbara Feldon. And she is sure showing off these swinging outfits!

 

Happy, Happy Valentines Day!

You might think this is a portrait of me, but in fact it's the cover of Western Family magazine in 1955. 

They were nice enough to include a short bio of the artist, Buckley Mac-Gurrin. 

Love Potion Punch!

Just in time for Valentines Day we have  Love Potion Punch from Western Family Magazine in 1955..."No one will be able to resist trying it."
Let us know if it works it's magic! 

American Motherhood Magazine Fashions from 1919

OK, sorry about that. Just as I was back in the blogging swing of things a family issue took me away. But now everything is peachy and I'm happy to start showing you treasures again.
 Let's start with some patterns featured in American Motherhood Magazine, September, 1919. These were mailed out when you sent 10¢. Chances are they were sent from a central clearing house and you could have ordered these same patterns from several magazines. But wherever you got them they were wonderful.