Tuesday, May 21, 2013

May 1939



I do my best to avoid ebay whenever possible.  The bidding brings out my competitive nature, which often leads to spending more for vintage patterns than I mean to.


But every once in a while, vintage lovers everywhere seem to be asleep, or avoiding their computers.  This was one of those lucky finds. 


My, oh my, how pattern catalogs have changed.  Vintage fashion illustrations are just the bee's knees!


I have a few of these adorable pamphlets to share.  But seeing as it is May, I thought it was fitting to start with May, 1939.


Not many contemporary designs have this much lovely detail!


Do you own one of these designs?  Or better yet, have you made yourself a fabulous outfit à la 1939?


I am completely in love with 8385 and the matching tilt hat!  The model is actually through the looking glass!   


8 comments:

  1. I really like your description of those times when fellow bidders are sleep or ignoring their computers - I've had a few marvelous moments like that over the years, too. Congrats on winning this seriously fantastic vintage pattern catalog - it's so lovely!!!

    ♥ Jessica

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  2. Oh I love that suit in the first image you showed!!! I would wear that in a heartbeat!!

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  3. Love it! They are just such beautiful designs, and I can't wait to see the other pamphlets too! :)

    Brigid
    The Middle Sister and Singer

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  4. What an awesome find! (I love sewing from vintage patterns because they just don't make clothes like this anymore.) I try to stay off ebay too for those same reasons. It's just so darn tempting!

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  5. These are so beautiful and inspiring! Thank you for sharing, I love these kind of posts! x

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  6. These make me swoon! Why can't pattern catalogs look like this anymore? Notice how the clothes actually fit the models, even if they're just hand drawn.

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  7. How incredibly adorable!

    I have a blue velvet dress that looks like it is late 30s. But unfortunately the dark velvet doesn't make the details stand out as much as I would like. However, it's still an amazing piece of wearable history.

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