The Western Shirt - The Iconic Symbol of American Individualism

               McCall's 2118 Men's Western Shirt                           McCall's 2119 Boy's Western Shirt

The "Western" shirt is often attributed to the cowboy; that rugged individualist who forged the path across America at a time of great discovery. That early "Western" shirt was an incarnation of what we now recognize as the "Cowboy" shirt. The embellished, yoked shirt really began as a costume for the singing cowboys of the 1940's and 50's like Gene Autry.

Gene Autry - Singing Cowboy

My father was a singing cowboy of sorts too. He was a square dance caller in Milwaukee from the 1950's until his death in 1995. He wore "Cowboy" shirts with pearl snaps and a "Bolo" or string tie. Of course my mother wore the full skirt dresses with the layered crinoline underneath. It was quite a spectacle to watch from the bleachers when their club would perform their routines .... all the twirling and swirling skirts ... a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes.

The Western shirt has never fallen out of favor. It is the mainstay in many a man's (and boy's) wardrobe. No doubt Hollywood has romanticized the whole "Western" culture with cowboy movies, and TV shows that we all grew up with like Bonanza, Branded and The Lone Ranger. John Travolta gave the Western shirt a bit of a giddyup in Urban Cowboy and fashion followed with Western wear everywhere. 

             McCall's 2367 Kid's Western Shirts                                               McCall's 2366 Men's Western Shirts 

But a personalized shirt, in your choice of fabrics and trim, is the ultimate statement of individualism. And wouldn't it make the most cherished gift for that special boy or girl in your life? Original patterns from the 1950's give you the authentic look while offering total artistic license. Do Western shirts really have to be plaid or gingham? Mix your Rockabilly with a bit of calico or China silk. Irish linen with an Ultrasuede yoke? The sky is the limit. 

These father and son or daughter shirts are classic Western styles with wonderful flourishes that would be great beginnings for adding your personal touch.

These 70's Western shirts have the basic elements of the classic 50's Cowboy shirt updated for a more homogenous look. Whatever the look you are comfortable with, the cowboy shirt has a place in everyone's wardrobe.

Find these and more at my CynicalGirl shop on eCrater.

Make It With Towels - Cannon Towels Pattern For 1950's Playsuit

The Educational Department of Cannon Mills produced booklets with sewing patterns and decorating ideas using Cannon linens such as towels and sheets from the mid 1940's to the mid 1970's. This late 1940's booklet features clothing and accessories for women as well as toys, baby items and this fabulous playsuit pattern for a stole, shorts from a 1948 Simplicity pattern and a tutorial for making a washcloth bra top. 

Download the entire booklet for slippers, apron, drawstring bag and more made with towels HERE!

Visit my CynicalGirl shops on Goodsmiths and Etsy for more vintage and newer patterns.

Fast and Easy Gift Ideas from Wrights

Wrights, founded in 1897, sold pre-measured lengths of trim wound around little cardboard rectangles in flat little packages making distribution possible to even the most remote department, dime and dry goods stores. These ingenious packages are the same trims we buy today. 

Wrights Trims and Laces

To encourage the use of these packaged products Wrights published patterns that used their trims. These little pamphlets were distributed at fabric stores and anywhere a notions display of Wrights trims happened to be. Others were included in the packages.

Wrights Sunburst Apron

Easy to make and economical, Wrights patterns were perfect for the 1950's homemaker. This Sunburst Apron pattern is quite sophisticated with it's dimensionality. Definitely one to make for anyone's retro apron collection.

Wrights Terry Guest Towels

These sweet little Finger-Tip Guest Towels with minimal embroidery are easily made with Wrights Bias Tape. Download the entire brochure with these and other fun Gifts and Bazaar Ideas HERE.

To find more Vintage Apron and Accessory patterns please visit my Etsy Shops, CynicalGirl and CynicalGirlAnnex.

Prims Cutaway Bolero Pattern

Another wonderful Prims pattern. This one is for a Cutaway Bolero Jacket pattern using none other than the ever so versatile Cover Your Own Buttons with front or back button closing.