Introduction Dressmaking Past & Present is a new feature at Pour Moi. Fashion History provides us with inspirations for our personal style. Understanding and learning about techniques used in the past and the present helps us find a variety of methods for possible use in our own projects. This week, I put up some scansContinue reading “Dressmaking Past & Present: Tailoring a dressmaker’s suit-Tips from Coats & Clark in the 1940s”
Category Archives: Sewing Techniques
The Linda Walking Skirt and Short Dolman Sleeve Blouse, 1940s style
Introduction Last Spring I began development of a walking skirt and short dolman sleeve blouse based on two vintage pattern illustrations. I studied the wardrobe basics of 1940s everyday women’s wear. Clothing in the early to mid-1940s had to be functional. Fabrics, threads and notions were not easily available due to rationing. All resources, includingContinue reading “The Linda Walking Skirt and Short Dolman Sleeve Blouse, 1940s style”
Tutorial: How to sew an all-in-one facing
Introduction The neckline and armholes of the 1950s styled Dirndl Dress were finished with an all-in-one facing. The instructions I followed are from Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing, seventh printing, July 1980. Preparation I cut the interfacing for the neckline and the armholes separately. The interfacing can be cut on the bias to giveContinue reading “Tutorial: How to sew an all-in-one facing”
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”
How to refine a Denim Sheath Skirt look
Introduction In this posting I share some of the fitting and sewing techniques I used to refine my favorite denim sheath skirt. The skirt is made with a bottom weight 100% cotton denim by Kauffman. The fabric was laundered and dried prior to marking, cutting and sewing. The pattern was developed entirely through draping inContinue reading “How to refine a Denim Sheath Skirt look”
Photos of me wearing the Pat Perkins 1950s dress and my 2021 version
Please note: I forgot to button the second button on the Alice Elizabeth dress when putting it on for the photo. Also my version of the dress was created for a Misses Size 8. I did not alter the pattern or the dress because this is part of my portfolio, not my personal wardrobe. TheContinue reading “Photos of me wearing the Pat Perkins 1950s dress and my 2021 version”
Pat Perkins Everyday Dress, circa 1950s – Analysis
Introduction Further consideration of my plans for my next project is needed. The sketch of the chambray shirtwaist dress expresses my idea. However, the details I had envisioned must be changed. I had planned on having in-seam buttonholes. I have been wanting to try this kind of buttonhole for a long time. I want toContinue reading “Pat Perkins Everyday Dress, circa 1950s – Analysis”
Hand Worked Buttonholes
Hand worked buttonholes are an acquired talent. They take more practice to become good at. There is a benefit to using them. First it is the mark of a custom made garment. It sets the garment apart from mass produced clothing. There is also more control in the stitching and less risk of stretching orContinue reading “Hand Worked Buttonholes”
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