Introduction In my previous posting, CLOTHING CARE FOR WASHABLE HANDMADE AND VINTAGE CLOTHING, PART 2, I presented screen shots from the 1930 book Paris Frocks at Home. The instructions in this chapter of the book present useful pointers for hand washing the lightweight, delicate garments coming into vogue as the 1930s started. It was noContinue reading “Hand washing vintage clothing and lingerie, modern lingerie, and delicate clothing”
Author Archives: EmilyAnn Frances
Clothing Care for Washable Handmade and Vintage Clothing
Introduction Many vintage sewing books have chapters devoted to the hand laundering and pressing of delicate and handmade clothing. Detailed instructions also include how to block wo0len sweaters, pre-shrink wools, and prepare silks for ironing. Paris Frocks At Home was published by the Butterick Publishing Company in 1930. It, too, includes instructions on how toContinue reading “Clothing Care for Washable Handmade and Vintage Clothing”
Clothing Care & Storage
Introduction Proper storage and care for our vintage and handmade clothing prolongs the life of the garment for the future. An investment in the materials and accessories to achieve this goal are well worth it. I will share some of my own tips on how to provide the care your clothes need before being putContinue reading “Clothing Care & Storage”
Happy Holidays
With best wishes for a happ holiday season. May you have good health, happiness and satisfaction in your creative endeavors now and in the new year. –EmilyAnn l
Draped Princess Bodice and Flared Skirt Jumper 1950s Style
Introduction I always wanted a princess seamed dress or overblouse. Now that I have fulfilled the realization of my idea I have to say that it did not fulfill all my expectations. It did turn into a good learning experience about fit, style lines and individual body shapes. Photos of the Jumper Background of theContinue reading “Draped Princess Bodice and Flared Skirt Jumper 1950s Style”
Dressmaker’s Library: Drawing the Fashion Figure for Body Positivity
Introduction The standard croquis favored in fashion illustration is an elongated, slender figure that can be 8, 10 or 12 heads high. However, this style of croquis is not a modern model of beauty. It has come and gone with variations throughout the 20th century and into the current time. Fashion designer Erte favored anContinue reading “Dressmaker’s Library: Drawing the Fashion Figure for Body Positivity”
Inspiration Board: High fashion Sketches 1968
All illustrations from “Illustrating Fashion” by Edith Sloan, published circa 1969. Some of the looks popular in the 1970s were already coming to the fore in 1968. The longer skirt lengths brought the look back to that of sophistication. The Dolly Girl look of the Mod 60s was phasing out.
New Precision Draping Project: Pencil skirt and blouse with ruffled collar
More practice in Precision Draping. Half-toile of pattern made from tissue paper drape. First fitting. Sleeve made through flat patternmaking. Ruffled collar made off of the drape through flat patternmaking. Facing and buttonhole extension to be added. To be paired with a pencil skirt drafted from a pattern created with instructions from the 60s. Style influences areContinue reading “New Precision Draping Project: Pencil skirt and blouse with ruffled collar”
Spring Vacation 2022: Shopping and Styling Fun
Introduction I’m on vacation from work this week. I decided to stay home and immerse myself in all my beloved hobbies and activities. I have not gone clothes shopping at a bricks-and-mortar location since before Lockdown of Spring 2020. I decided it is about time that changed. There is a lovely boutique on Wood AvenueContinue reading “Spring Vacation 2022: Shopping and Styling Fun”
Draping in tissue paper, part 1
New work in progress…I am taking up the challenge to drape in tissue paper. During WWII there was rationing of consumer goods including fabrics like cotton and silk. To conserve resources for the war effort, fashion schools and books about patternmaking taught students how to drape in tissue paper instead of muslin. The technique was usedContinue reading “Draping in tissue paper, part 1”
Pour Moi 