1916 Fall Fashion Advertisement: Cat's Paw Cushion Rubber Heels

Fall leaves blow in this advertisement for "Cat's Paw Cushion Rubber Heels" that dates from 1916.  Published in a women's sewing craft magazine, this eye catching striped skirt ensemble was very popular during that era, and hints of the historical styles from the late 1700's that were so popular then.

How to Copy: 1963 Party Dress & Draft an Over Skirt

This adorable vintage illustration from 1963 shows a navy or black brocade cocktail dress with a bustier type bodice and gathered skirt with a folded over-skirt or apron. It has a simple concept that appears more complicated than it is. By using current patterns, it's possible to copy this dress on your own.

Fashion Illustration: Three Books on Fashion Drawing

Here are a few suggestions for building a fashion illustration library with three books: Colors for Modern Fashion by Riegelman, Fashion Illustration Techniques by Lafuente and Fashion Illustration Today by Drake. All three have merits and could be inspirational as well as instructional when it's time to illustrate a fashion, costume or work with advertising illustrations.

1960, Gloves by Crescendoe, Illustration by Grau

"(Have you seen Crescendoe "Leather gloves by Superb" fabulous)"

"Crescendoe's Caresse, Suddenly beautiful things happen to your hands"

"Miraculous, the flattery of leather tailored gloves in Caresse, Crescendoe's marvelous new matte-nylon! Won't shrink, pill, or loose its shape when washed.
Poco, $3.00, young button shortie
Fidelio, $3.50, Long and elegant"

Illustration by Grau

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Don't these seem perfect for fall weather?

How to sew a Vintage 1950's Capri Set: Quadriga Cloth Advertisement

This capri set from 1956 was used to advertise a fabric called "Quadriga" cloth, available for home sewing in prints and solids. This outfit is a fun 50's retro look that could be sewn today using contemporary patterns that are easy to find.

Book Review: Fashion Illustration for Designers, by Katheryn Hagen

Fashion Illustration for Designers, by Katheryn Hagen is probably one of the best books on this subject. The market is flooded with books on how to create fashion illustrations, but few bring together skilled life drawing techniques, sketch and drawing, along with color media and Photoshop technologies.

Draping a Victorian Bustle: How to Create a Bustle Skirt

Reinactment Bustle Gown?  Costume for a Play? or a Steam Punk lady?  All must have her bustle. I thought it might be fun to take a look at this layout of a bustle drape from the late 1870's to learn more about how to drape a Victorian bustle.

1920's Flapper Coat: McCalls 7259 Archive Collection

If you've ever wanted to own a 1920's Flapper coat, then McCalls 7259, a new addition to the Archive Collection, is just what you need.  This coat pattern from a 1927 inspiration reminded me of an authentic vintage 1920's coat that I documented.  Shown below are several images of it that it might help put this new McCall's pattern into perspective, along with showing how to create a version with real 1920's style details.

Sewing Vintage Fashion: How to Flat LIne a Dress

1960's Print Dress in a cotton screen print, I.Magnin label

What is 'flat lining and how is it sewn?  Making vintage styles can be a new experience if you have only sewn crafts and easy modern fashions. One of the best ways to learn how-to sew dresses, especially vintage dresses, is to look at real examples. Trying to get the right effect usually means following the same, or similar sewing techniques along the way.  In this post we'll look at 'flat lining' in fashion sewing.

1950s Sportswear: Paddle & Saddle Summer Separates

Vintage women's spring and summer sportswear during the 1950's opened new ideals for leisure fashion. Pants in all forms became an option to a cotton sun dress as women played sports and sunned on their vacations and at home on the weekends. These were often designed as separates with matching details like the the two outfits shown here by "Paddle and Saddle".