1900's Corticelli Crocheted Bedroom Slippers - Free Pattern

From the 1916 Corticelli Lessons in Crochet Book 1

Slippers are an easy to make and always welcome gift - even if it is a gift to yourself. This is another free slippers pattern from the Corticelli Lessons in Crochet Book 1 from 1916 found at the Antique Pattern Library (Love this site!!). The Antique Pattern Library is a website offering a wealth of public domain pattern books in needle arts, woodworking and other home crafts to download and share but not to sell. Have something to contribute to this site? Please visit the Antique Pattern Library and inquire about submitting something for their archive.

Princess Louise Crocheted Evening Bag - 1916 Corticelli Lessons in Crochet - Free Pattern

Princess Louise Crocheted Bag Number 275

Last week I posted the pattern from the 1916 Corticelli Lessons in Crochet for the Princess Phoebe Slippers. Today I am posting a pattern for the Princess Louise Crocheted evening bag. The pattern appears to be a pretty straight forward circular design with an edging to accommodate a drawstring. Lined with a pretty satin or velvet this bag would be a lovely accompaniment to any evening attire. 

Download HERE or visit the Antique Pattern Library for this and more from their online library of patterns to share (not sell).

The Mid - Century Japanese Kimono — Easy To Make Pattern from Woman's Day

From Woman's Day May 1956

Several years ago I met a woman who had served as a WAVE in occupied Japan after the bombing of Hiroshima. She was a seamstress in Evansdale, Iowa, and due to her failing vision was purging her pattern collection and she called me. During our visit she made a trip to the spare bedroom and emerged with kimonos. A few were those she purchased while stationed in Japan in the 1940's. The rest were those that she had made herself. They were all beautiful and her fascination with the culture was evident in more than the kimonos. Her entire 1960's ranch style house was furnished in the spare, Zen-like manner and her sense of peace and presence reflected that philosophy.

The fascination with Japanese culture dates back to the 1850's when Commodore Perry ordered Japan, under threat, to open its harbors to trade with the West. The cultural tsunami that ensued has influenced generations of artists, writers and designers to this day. 

So it is no surprise that in 1956 Woman's Day Magazine published this easy to sew Kimono pattern for the whole family. I have reproduced it HERE for you to download and recreate for your family.

A. Neely Hall Craft Patterns

A. Neely Hall Craft Pattens No. 115 1941 Mail Order Woodworking Pattern

1941 and the world is at war ..... again. It seems no matter where you look, all hands are on deck. The war effort at home reached deep into the day in and the day out of every person in America and abroad. Everything was being rationed from sugar to tires to silk stockings. A. Neely Hall Craft Patterns, a company offering mostly woodworking patterns that were available as mail order patterns (just like sewing patterns), contributed to the war effort with their do-it-yourself patterns to make everything from pencil holders to boats and cabins using wood and not precious metal.

This very rare pattern for spool holders in the guise of Military Men was published in 1941. You could use a scroll saw or coping saw to cut these pieces out - or an Exacto knife to reproduce in chip board. Either way you choose to replicate this quintessential World War II era memorabilia, the result will be both useful and nostalgic. Download this pattern HERE to print out on 8.5" x 11" sheets of paper.

Make them for gifts for those very special retro sewists on your gift list.

The Potholder

Cast iron pans are my favorite to fry or saute with. My pans have been handed down from from my grandmother to my mother and to me. Plain black or enameled. They conduct heat evenly and maintain the heat at a lower flame. No scorching if you are attentive. The downside of these sturdy vessels is that their handles are usually of the same material as the balance and thus get hot. 

Enter the lowly potholder. Two pieces of fabric with a couple of layers of flannel sandwiched between and tacked or quilted to place between your hands and the hot handles. Of course, as a child the potholder loom with cotton loopers was all the rage. But In my thrifting searches I have occasionally happened upon fanciful shapes that were from an earlier era. Some were crocheted with multi-colored pearl cotton, others were fabric.

McCall 1940 Potholder Pattern

This 1940 McCall pattern with instructions to make these fun potholders for fish and chairs and granny's panties must have been popular. My copy was well used and in the envelope were multiple tracings on brown paper, newspaper and tissues from other patterns. Few of the original tissues have survived but I have included the Strawberry and the Fish patterns for a free instant download for you to make for gifts or to brighten up your own kitchen. Download HERE. 

Find more apron and accessory patterns at my CynicalGirl shop on Etsy.

Resources to Share - Sew Grateful Week

Sew Grateful Week - My Happy Sewing Place

Growing up in a large family, sharing was one of the first rules to maintain civility in our home. I still love to share. I share recipes, ideas and resources. This blog is all about sharing resources and ideas for sewing. Please visit the left bar for oodles of vintage sewing booklets. Find vintage pattern catalogs HERE. And odd little patterns I have found over the years HERE. And don't forget the ever so important tutorial on altering a pattern HERE. All are downloadable for free. I add more when time allows so bookmark me and pop in now and again.

1950 Laura Wheeler Designs Mail Order Pattern Catalog with Free Handbag Pattern

Laura Wheeler was a powerhouse of Mail Order needlework patterns. Perhaps as early as the 1930's, patterns for knitting, crochet, needlework and crafts were distributed through syndicated newspaper advertisements. This 1950 pattern catalog offers patterns for 25 cents for huck towels, crochet shrugs and sweaters, fascinator hats, dolls, holiday decor and more. It even includes a pattern to make a handbag. 

1950© Laura Wheeler Designs Needlework Pattern Catalog

You can view all of the patterns in this Vintage Laura Wheeler Catalog and download it for the handbag pattern. Or you can simply download the pattern for the handbag. Either way, enjoy perusing these fabulous patterns that turn ordinary household items into cheerful and beautiful fashions and decor.

1950© Laura Wheeler Handbag Pattern - Prints on 11 x 17 paper

Prims Masquerade 4 in 1 Hat Pattern

Another fab Prims pattern for you to download. Masquerade 4 in 1 Hat. Make it Pill Box or add a brim for your summer beach accessory. A nifty hood is smart for fall.

From the Home Economics Department of the William Prym Inc sewing notions company of Dayville, CT, now part of the Pryms/Dritz corporation. Visit my other Prims posts for more patterns from the inventor of the "Cover Your Own Buttons" and buckles too!

Prims Convertible Tote Bag Pattern

Another Prims 1960's Cover Your Own Buttons pattern. This is the Convertible Tote Bag. Download the free pattern HERE.

The William Prym Company of Dayville CT, a sewing notions manufacturer, who, together with Dritz, developed the first patent for fabric covered buttons.

The Smocked Dress

 

Preen

Before elastic there was smocking. The art of folding and stitching fabric to allow stretch was often used in the collars and cuffs of garments for men, women and children. Any fabric that can be folded into pleats can be smocked. Smocking can also be used as a purely decorative element as well.

I remember wearing this sweet little dress with the smocked detail on the midriff section. This is my sister Ann wearing the dress. Our dresses passed down from cousin to sister to neighbor. What a lovely detail on this little cotton dress.

Years later I purchased this vintage dress at a thrift store. It was well worn but the detail at the yoke, pocket flaps and cuffs was so beautiful that I had to have it.

 

The front yoke shows a method of pintucking or more likely tuck pleats worked in a chevron pattern.

The pleats are machine stitched after carefully folding and pressing. These surface details transform this ordinary sheath style dress into a Couture garment.

Smocking as a garment detail for other than little girls dresses has come in and out of fashion. This lovely Anne Adams dress pattern from the 1930's with neckline and sleeve smocking details is one example.

Anne Adams 2365

Or this lovely gown featured in Threads magazine:

Threads Magazine Issue 167

The smocking on the back of this dress from Bottega Veneta creates fullness. Imagine this triangular smocked insert inverted on the back of a halter dress with the full skirt trailing behind.

Honeycomb Smocked Evening Skirt McCall's 1746

That same smocking detail is featured in this elegant and dramatic 1950's honeycomb smocked evening skirt from McCalls. Find it HERE on Etsy.

Or this simple elegance in the yoke of this Simplicity pattern from the 1960's:

Or this charming 1940's McCall smocked blouse pattern for women.

McCall 1406 ©1948

The Dritz Smockruler made the addition of smocked accessories and decor so much easier with it's easy to follow instructions. Now more than ever decor and fashions such as smocked hats and bags became easy to make. 

For more Smocking Patterns to Download for Free Click HERE

Many of these vintage sewing patterns are still available though becoming rarer.Click HERE for free downloadable patterns for accessories and decor.

Prims Camelot Casual

Prims Camelot Casual Skirt, Apron, Plastron and Babushka

Another 1950's Prims pattern. Do take a look at the 

caterpillar kilt pin. Download this pattern HERE.

Pleated skirt, Apron, shaped plastron, and head scarf. I suppose the term "Camelot" comes from the kilt and breast plate of the plastron.

The Prym sewing notions company traces back to the 16th century where it is the oldest family business in Germany. Hans Prym immigrated to America and in 1924 he established Prims, a sewing notions manufacturing firm as an autonomous offshoot of the historic Prym family business in Germany.  The Long Island plant expanded quickly and soon moved to a larger plant in Dayville, Connecticut. During World War II it's specialized machinery was applied to machine shop production of defense products. Today Pryms Consumer USA products include Prym Sewing, Dritz and others.

1940's Prims Clothespin Caddy Pattern

The Prym sewing notions company traces back to the 16th century where it is the oldest family business in Germany. Hans Prym immigrated to America and in 1924 he established Prims, a sewing notions manufacturing firm as an autonomous offshoot of the historic Prym family business in Germany.  The Long Island plant expanded quickly and soon moved to a larger plant in Dayville, Connecticut. During World War II it's specialized machinery was applied to machine shop production of defense products. Today Pryms Consumer USA products include Prym Sewing, Dritz and others.

I have uncovered several patterns that originated from the Home Economics Department or the Educational Bureau of William Prym, Inc, as this one does. Probably dating around the late 40's because the company first introduced the "Cover-Your-Own" buttons, snaps and buttons after 1946. This little gem is a whimsical take on a once useful accessory. And what a creative way to sell buckles and buttons. 

I don't know how these patterns got into peoples hands. Were they high school Home-Ec projects? I have searched newspaper archives and they do not appear to have been mail order. I have several packages of the buttons and buckles and none have any offers for patterns. I did see an advertisement for a sewing fair that had representatives present from many companies including Singer and Prims. They were doing demonstrations of their products and perhaps that is where they originated? The mystery continues.

For a pattern and instructions to make this nostalgic clothespin caddy click HERE.

How To Decorate Sweetheart Soap

I don't know if any of my sisters remember the big glass container in my grandmother's powder room that was filled with pastel colored oval bars with raised filigree and arabesque shapes. I didn't know it then but I recognize now that those were Sweetheart soaps. I still remember how they filled that powder room with their sweet perfume. They were right next to the jar of Tums.

How to Decorate Sweetheart Soap

I recently discovered this little 1960's fold out pamphlet with directions for decorating those little oval soaps. The kit, which originally contained the sequins, beads, tulle, felt and even the little head and hat, were sold for fifty cents and one Sweetheart Soap foil wrapper.

I have the entire booklet to download HERE. Sweetheart soap is no longer available except in vintage shops but this still might be a fun craft idea for the kids on a rainy day.

Vintage Sweetheart Soap from PrettyKeepers on Etsy

Prims Precious Pets Pattern

The Little Pet Jewelry Case and The Big Pet Lingerie Cache

I am trying to track down just where one acquired these Prims Patterns.  I have several that span from the 40's thru the 60's. They all have clever ways to use covered buttons and buckles. Watch for more patterns to be posted soon.

Click here for the pattern to 1" scale.

The Prym sewing notions company traces back to the 16th century where it is the oldest family business in Germany. Hans Prym immigrated to America and in 1924 he established Prims, a sewing notions manufacturing firm as an autonomous offshoot of the historic Prym family business in Germany.  The Long Island plant expanded quickly and soon moved to a larger plant in Dayville, Connecticut. During World War II it's specialized machinery was applied to machine shop production of defense products. Today Pryms Consumer USA products include Prym Sewing, Dritz and others.

Fascinator Hat Patterns

Lovely Vintage Fascinator Hats

Prims Yummy-Yum Lounger with Mob Cap

 Sew up this sweet lounger and cap for your favorite little girl.

This 1960s pattern for a girl's Lounger Nightshirt and Miss Muffet Mob Cap was included with the purchase of Prims covered button kits. Click HERE to download pattern in easy to draft 1" scale.

Prepared by the HOME ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT, William Prym, Inc. Dayville CT
Prym Consumer USA 

Prims 1960's Jumpsuit Pattern

This 1960's jumpsuit pattern was included as a free insert in packages of covered buttons. And for good reason. This groovy jumpsuit is bedecked with covered buttons galore. 

Prims 1960s Jumpsuit

The Devil is in the Details.

Hem, Sleeve and Martingale Belt Trim

Click HERE to download pattern in easy to draft 1" scale.

Prims
Prym Consumer USA

Brides Blue Garter

Thomas Wilson Lace & Co., Inc. New York, NY, was producing fine lace as early as 1902 and perhaps earlier. Known for it's lingerie lace, Warner Brothers Company was one of it's important clients. After a dispute over infringement of it's 1964 copyright on a pansy lace design first embodied in an elastic "spandex" and later a rigid nylon fiber, and a labor dispute in 1971, the company dissolved in 1986.

 

Wilson Maid Lace

This 1950's insert for packaged lace from Thomas Wilson & CO., Inc. Wilson Maid Laces, includes instructions to make a Brides Blue Garter. Click to download instructions here.

Thomas Wilson & Co Lace

 Lace Frosted Balloon Sleeves

Download Here

This 1950's insert for packaged lace from Thomas Wilson & CO., Inc. Wilson Maid Laces, includes instructions to "Make a sleeveless jumper or dress seem new and different. Add 1.5" Nylon Val Galloon on standard balloon sleeve pattern. Elasticize both ends."

Trio of Neckline Changes

Download Here

Use detachable collar. Ruffled yoke effect achieved with Nylon Alencon Edge, 2.25" width. Scarf that ties-on for jabot effect is edged with 5/8" Nylon Val lace. For ingenue look, add row after row of 5/8" gathered Nylon Val Lace to collar.

Thomas Wilson Lace & Co., Inc. New York, NY, was producing fine lace as early as 1902 and perhaps earlier. Known for it's lingerie lace, Warner Brothers Company was one of it's important clients. After a dispute over infringement of it's 1964 copyright on a pansy lace design first embodied in an elastic "spandex" and later a rigid nylon fiber, and a labor dispute in 1971, the company dissolved in 1986.