A few things... including a free pattern, of course.

Hello my lovelies. It has been an incredibly busy month! I've been working full steam on folding and packaging paper versions of some of my patterns, working on pattern drafting projects, and some other stuff...
I've had a bit of trouble getting motivated lately. I haven't mentioned it much, but I have an as-yet undiagnosed chronic pain thing, and it can be kind of a bummer. I'm allergic to just about every pain pill my doctors have prescribed, so I mostly just grin and bear it, and try to get on with my day when its bad, but that can be really exhausting. It's been about 3 years since it started and I'm going in for some more tests soon to try and figure things out. I'm a bit hopeful for a diagnosis and a plan, so I can get back to feeling more like myself!

But on good days, boy have I been working on some goodies! Mrs. Depew Vintage recently released a reproduction pattern of the lovely negligee robe I sewed back in January, and it's now available in both paper and digital forms.

1920's Kimono Negligee Reproduction Pattern

I also updated our cart software and relaunched MrsDepew.com. The updates allow for multiple items to be purchased, coupon codes, and free pattern downloads.

Which of course, brings me to the freebie! Today I have for you a lovely little Make Do and Mend style pattern for a set of Collar, Cuffs and Jabot to update old frocks!

1940's Collar, Cuffs and Jabot Pattern

The pattern comes from a 1940's catalog featuring L-85 friendly fashions. L-85 restrictions refer to a fabric and resource conservation effort during the war.
The idea behind this pattern was to use fabric scraps to update an old dress. This was a popular fix during the war to conserve fabric while still staying stylish. 
The pattern is a free download for A Few Threads Loose readers only!  Simply click on the "add to cart" button and at checkout, add this coupon code: ITTYBITTYFREEBIE.
You won't have to add any payment info after that, there's no requirement to buy anything else, and the free pattern will be sent to your email address.

I hope you get some use from the pattern. I had a lovely little 1940's rayon dress but sadly the collar was moth-eaten in a most blatant spot. I'm going to sew up a quick collar for the dress and then it will be good as new!

Happy sewing,

New This Week...

 With the advent of chilly weather I've had warm wool coats and dresses on my mind. I got back to work on my vintage French draft-at-home patterns and here is the first batch of warm and toasty winter wear!

 #1735 Dress and Coat: The dress features a long sleeve and a simple neckline with cutout front details. The raglan sleeve box coat is finished with a right draped collar that becomes a scarf at one end.

 #1735 Day Dress: The dress features a darted sleeve, a square neckline with panel front details, two-piece cuffs, and an inverted pleat skirt.

#1117 Dress with lapel Collar: The 3/4 length dress features a slim, long sleeve with cuff and button trim. The skirt is shaped to form pockets in an overlapped seam and the dress is trimmed with contrast revers and collar.
 

 #1081 Bouffant- Sleeve Coat: The full-length coat features a fur trimmed collar ( the old pattern suggested nutria, a rodent similar to the beaver, but synthetic would work great!), puffed sleeves that end in a cuff, flap pockets and a self belt.

#1107 Side Button Coat: The full-length coat features a fur trimmed cravat (you can use real or faux), cuffed sleeves, a small cape at back shoulders and a self fabric belt.

And last but not least, and my absolute favorite.
#1119 Autumn Coat: The full-length coat features a fox trimmed collar, wide stitched lapels, a two-piece sleeve with cuff, and a self or suede belt.

For those who either can't afford fox fur trim (it can be rather pricey, not mention guilt inducing) there's a great synthetic alternative found in nearly every color at Fabric Depot.

See It Sewn... Simplicity 3511 from a 1960 Catalog

Hello my dears,
In our last See It Sewn Post, we got a look at two sewing patterns with rather underwhelming illustrations. These were patterns that one might normally write off as not-worth-the-trouble; that is, until we got a look at how stunning they could be when cut from the right fabric and styled to perfection.

Today for See it Sewn, we have another pattern from the same 1960 catalog, but the envelope illustration for this dress is far more charming.

Meet Simplicity 3511.

Image courtesy of Pattern Peddler on Etsy.

 The envelope back reveals that the pattern has several nifty features:

"JUNIOR AND MISSES' ONE-PIECE DRESS WITH DETACHABLE COLLAR AND SLEEVE TRIM: Dress has kimono sleeves, with underarm gussets, softly pleated skirt and front button closing. V. 1 has elbow length sleeves, self fabric belt, self collar and contrasting detachable collar and sleeve trim. V. 2 has stand-up collar, short sleeves and purchased belt."

Our first glimpse from the catalog points out that the pockets are indeed as gloriously large as the illustration would have you believe. Just think of all the things a modern girl could fit in those... no need for a purse! No, this lady has it all on her including keys, cell phone, day planner, a snack, lipstick, garage door opener and Glock 19, all with room to spare!

Our second catalog picture does the "American Classic" coat dress even more justice in a forest green print and crisp, fresh white removable collar and cuffs. One could really have so much fun also making this dress in a demure solid fabric and then letting large, stand-out vintage buttons in bold contrast do all of the talking.

Happy sewing,

P.S.
Copies of this pattern can usually be found from your favorite pattern sellers on Etsy.
Below is a link to a search that will show you who currently has it for sale.

Simplicity 3511

Sew Expensive... Butterick 3402

For today's Sew Expensive I present to you the lovely Butterick 3402, which recently sold for a meager $126.56.

This amazing little gem has a beautiful asymmetrical panel hem option (swoon) with fur cuffs and collar. It is, in a word, show-stopping.

Is it just me or does the price seem a bit low? Perhaps I've been blogging about too many high-priced evening gowns lately. Even with sewing patterns, I suppose everything is relative.

Also, on a silly side note, Butterick is apparently not in the dictionary that this post editor uses. It kept auto-correcting it to Buttermilk. Buttermilk 3402... such an expensive, tasty beverage...

On another note, the very clever and talented Debi of My Happy Sewing Place has written a blog post detailing most of her favorite places to buy vintage patterns online. Many of my favorites are on this list and if you haven't seen it yet, it's well worth a read.

How about you? Do you have a favorite place to look for vintage patterns?