Friday, October 30, 2009


Butterick 5526 Convertible Collar Knit Top 1970's - nothing fancy here but this really caught my eye. Classy casual. I picture putting that black and white or solid white on and heading down to the harbor for a sail. There were several oldies I could have put in but loved this one.

Forgot that yesterday was International Wear a Dress Day. I didn't catch Erin's blog about it - dang. Do wish it was in the summer instead of early winter. Sundresses rule here in the summer. Did any of you know about the occasion?

I'm ahead for once so listings ready to blast off tomorrow too so we are heading out this afternoon to do some target shooting (okay I know it's hard to visualize LOL). There's a great range in the mountains near us and with the temps in the 70's a perfect day to be outside. No blog this weekend so here's hoping you all have a great weekend and for those of you getting all that snow stay warm.

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1940's Patterns
1950's Patterns
1960's Patterns

1970's Patterns
1980's Patterns
1990's Patterns
2000's Patterns (24 Butterick New Retro Patterns)

Thursday, October 29, 2009


I can't believe I missed yesterday! I was on a scanning and picture editing frenzy and drifted into a black hole. The good news is lots of great patterns all ready to list and a rare occasion when I am ahead. Wow. Vogue 7018 Ethnic Unisex Caftan 2001 for all you caftan lovers. It's a Koko Beall design.
Ran across a website that shows how to resize patterns. So if you are looking at a pattern that just isn't the right size check it out: Resizing Patterns - if there is a better one out there let me know so I can share it.
Finally cold here. It went from 80's two days ago to 70's and now it will be in the 60's today. Arctic. It was 43 when we got up this morning. Long jammies, long robe, tall furry slippers in place and ready to get coffee. Those of you in those cold climes are probably thinking I am such a whiner. But been there before! At Mono Lake where we used to live it is 20.1 degrees. Goosebumps happening right now!
Here is what went in yesterday: October 28
Here is today's: October 29

Tuesday, October 27, 2009


Oh So Retro Beret & Hand Bag / 1940's a one of a kind pattern for sure. Unfortunately it is missing the "Hat" but the beret and bag are uncut and ready to go. Frankly IMO that hat is too boring to bother with - that kitschy little beret is the bee's knees. Don't wear it in a strong wind or even bend over - it would be terribly undignified to be chasing it down the street. Oh wait - is this where hat pins came in?

Are hats back in fashion? Did they ever go out? The only time I wear a hat is when I have to. In the sun (that dang Irish skin sunburns badly) or to keep my hair from turning into dredlocks when on the motorcycle or off roading. Only in the movies do ladies take hats off and their hair looks "perfect" -

Listed Today!

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1940's Patterns
1950's Patterns
1960's Patterns
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1980's Patterns
1990's Patterns
2000's Patterns

Monday, October 26, 2009


Marian Martin R 9154 Vivacious Dress - Crossover Buttons 1950's this may even be late 1940's it's hard to tell without an envelope. But ooh la la! Add on that one side pocket and this one blows my skirt up!
I am having a sale from today until late Wednesday night for my readers and also Erin's Dressaday readers. You all have made my business so successful and I want you all to know how much I appreciate it. So use keyword BIGTHANKS during checkout to get 15% off and happy shopping!
I am listing today's patterns right after this blog so no breakdown of patterns as they are going in after posting. Click on the featured pattern link for easy access to my site.

Friday, October 23, 2009


Butterick 5015 Outstanding Button-In-Back Blouse / ca. 1949 which covers the gamut from June Allyson to Joan Crawford. Another one of those patterns that just isn't to be found - it's pre-cut tissue and is missing the "tab" piece which fortunately is a no big deal. Even "I" can replicate that LOL. The big lot of old patterns I picked up last week has a ton of blouses that I'm still going through but this is one of my favorites.
After I finish this blog my honey and I are heading to the swap meet and then maybe later today or tomorrow for sure we are loading up the bicycles for an adventure at West Wetlands Park. We got handlebar coolers with a cup holder so we can bring some water (or in Harry's case beer) and an energy bar which I will need to drag my lard butt down the trail. It's that time of year here at last. Oh oh - I got one of those upside down tomato planters for the patio which I'll get going this weekend. Anyone have any luck with that? Maybe I'll put in some squash in a pot too.
Do any of you do Facebook? I put some pictures in of our trip last weekend to the sand dunes. I'm not in the shots luckily - this was a "guy" trip and I was back at camp relaxing. If you Facebook look up Sheila Savell.

Thursday, October 22, 2009



Okay not an oldie but oh it is so cute. Looks like a 1940's swing dress. McCall's 8622 Swing Looking Dress & Belt 1983 and how odd to start feeling that the 1980's are now IMO falling into the "vintage" category. It doesn't seem that long ago but this is a a 26 year old pattern! That is yesterday to me. Oh and it's a Foxy Lady design woo hoo.

Looking to make some Christmas decorations? Now's the time - start early! Ornaments, stocks, tree skirts, Santas, snowmen and more.

Now is the season for yard and garage sales to be exploding in our area. The snowbirds are flying home and cleaning house and that's my big project this weekend. Anyone else addicted?

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1940's Patterns
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1990's Patterns
2000's Patterns

Wednesday, October 21, 2009


Simplicity 4967 Pretty Pilgrim Collar Dress 1950's - the pilgrim collar "makes" this dress. Oh well except for that multi-gored skirt! There is alot of stitching to make this dress - but worth it.
While researching to find a Chanel jacket pattern for a customer I found a fun blog site just for Chanel Jacket Lovers - Go Chanel or Go Home which I enjoyed tremendously. So Chanel fans head on over and check it out.
Do you have any favorite blog sites or Facebook sites relating to patterns or fashion? Let me know and I'll post them.
Any special plans for Halloween? We have friends going back out to the sand dunes to camp but too many drunken goblins for us to go. But we could get talked into it LOL - what's sad is we live in a neighborhood with no kids. The first year we lived here I had my big bowl of candy and was all excited and not one kid showed up. I almost cried - oh okay I did cry. Hope you gets lots of kids!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Simplicity 8110 Razzle Dazzle One-Piece Dress & Cape / ca. 1949 - I love this one! A hard to find 1940's Simplicity Designer's Pattern (I only have one other but another one to list this week!). Sometimes I am speechless over a pattern and this is one. I keep picturing a tweed pattern instead of the B&W checks.

Oh oh if you are into "muu muu" styled patterns check this one out:

McCall's 6056 Uber Retro MuuMuu Lounger 1961 a fun kitschy house dress. Couldn't decide between the Simplicity or this one to feature.

After my newsletter I had quite a few wish list requests and with one exception (A Chanel Jacket Pattern) found them all. One of my customers has a long list that I'm going to go thru today and tomorrow and hope I don't disappoint - smile. As a crossword puzzle addict this is fun for me so send in your most wanted!

Here's what's up today:

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1940's Patterns
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1990's Patterns
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Monday, October 19, 2009


Woman's Day Pattern 3138 Offset Button Dress & Apron 1940's or early 1950's. Can't quite place the date on this one! Can't you see grandma in the kitchen with this outfit? I picture decorative buttons all the way down the offset on a soft cotton fabric.
Great time camping - it was a bit too hot at about 100 degrees during the day so I did alot of sitting in the shade but kept the air conditioning on during the main hot part of the day for the kitties! They are so spoiled. Tested out a pomegranite margarita mix that was very tart and satisfying. Just right for cooling off in the evening. Some toughies actually sat out at the campfire but I enjoyed the cool of the evening away from the fire. Next trip in a month so another sale next month!
Here is what went in today:

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Not sure if this is a San Francisco Saloon Girl dress or from the 1940's. Well okay it's 1940's. Simplicity 1453 Dazzling Evening Dress / ca. 1946 - a bit "different" looking. It's a teensy size (I haven't been in that range since junior high) with a 29 bust so only bitsy girls need apply! So for all practical ladies' sizes it's just put in for eye candy and wishful thinking.

Sale started today and a newsletter shot out this morning too. We are almost ready to go - just those few last minute things to add. Having a 5th wheel is handy - I got over the taking things in and out and just keep a full kitchen etc., with the trailer having its own towels, sheets, etc. So throw in some food and beer and margarita mix and we are good to go. Sadly the stinkin' weather has warmed up again and it's going to be 100 this trip. Dang. But the evenings will be wonderful so I'll sit in the shade and visit and relax during the day.

So have a great weekend and hope you can find some fun patterns to get on sale!

LISTED TODAY: View All Listed Today

1940's Patterns
1960's Patterns
1970's Patterns
1980's Patterns
1990's Patterns

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Winter is racing toward us (well not here in Yuma - smile) and this outfit will be right in time. Butterick 3084 Dynamic Duo Cape & Skirt 2001 with or without Hooded Cape. Pretty spiffy! It is from the Essence Collection.

We are packing away getting ready to leave tomorrow morning. Can't wait! Three nights sitting around a campfire with good friends. Oh oh just got a huge box with 173 old patterns that I'll be going thru this weekend too. A glass of iced tea, sitting in my chair in the shade counting pattern pieces - relaxing yet accomplishing something. I've already spotted a couple of the large Simplicity designer patterns from the 1950's. Getting goosebumps!

SALE STARTING RIGHT NOW FOR MY BLOGGERS ONLY! 15% off all orders use COUPON CODE - GLAMIS. I am starting it for everyone else tomorrow morning but you get the cream of the crop! I won't be able to ship tomorrow as we are leaving too early but all paid orders ship Monday or Tuesday. HAPPY SHOPPING!

Listed Today:

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1940's Patterns
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Tuesday, October 13, 2009


McCall's 5176 Irresistible Lace Skirted Dress & Slip 1959 - probably the loveliest dress I have seen in a long time. The sheer top and skirt over the "slip" is so eye popping. I found one other on the internet at a site well known for extremely high pricing. I'll admit to pricing some very special patterns a bit higher than usual but I'm not in their league! Truly I don't want to be that elite - sometimes I'll pop a bit more for something I really really want but we all have a budget especially in these times. In fact I don't ever remember being on such a strict budget before. Not much eating out for us which is probably good as we are eating healthier LOL.
SALES RULE! I'll be starting a 15% off sale Thursday morning. We are heading out for our first sand dunes camping trip of this winter. We'll be back Sunday and orders ship Monday or Tuesday. I'll be using the coupon code GLAMIS. So make out your shopping list before Thursday!
Listed Today:

Monday, October 12, 2009



Kitschy is how I describe this Hollywood 1066 Movie Star Men's Pajama 1930's pattern. Whoever did the graphics should be shot. Are they the dorkiest guys you've ever seen? There's only one other on the internet and I could speculate because the men were too ugly to attract buyers for this pattern.

Most wonderful weekend! My brother-in-law's 50th birthday and a huge party with 100+ guests. I stumbled off to bed (it was at my sister's house where luckily we got the guestroom) at midnight, my husband at 2 and the last few sprawled on couches at 3 a.m. She had a lady with a taco cart with the most wonderful homemade tacos and salsa and she also had rented a margarita machine. Before we ran out of mix the machine had made 60 gallons of margaritas! Music, laughter, seeing old friends - one of the best parties I've ever been to.

Listed Today!

1930's Patterns

1940's Patterns

1950's Patterns

1960's Patterns

1970's Patterns

1980's Patterns

1990's Patterns

Thursday, October 8, 2009


Butterick 6271 Tailored Blouse - Deep Bib-Type Yoke / ca. 1952 - Classic schoolmarm blouse. This is 1950's but sure looks like 1880's. I get alot of orders for modest sewing patterns and this fits that description to a "T" -
Early tomorrow morning is the lunar impact - apparently if you have a telescope you can see - something - not sure what. Here is the NASA link if you are interested. Okay - I'm a geek.
I won't be posting this weekend (which I normally don't anyway - ahhh days off) as we are going to SoCal (see prior post) -
Here is what "lifted off" today:

Wednesday, October 7, 2009


McCall's 7247 Trendy Knit Blouse,Skirt & Vest 1980 - something just caught my eye with this wardrobe. It is so "together" - maybe I just like the color combo with the peachy top and spotted black accented skirt. If you look up the word "versatile" in the dictionary there is a picture of this pattern - just kidding!
It is by Designer Evelyn De Jonge who has a very smoooooth style about her.
Sorry I missed yesterday - by the time I got my head above water it was too late in the day to bother. I have some really old kids patterns listing tomorrow and Friday if you collect those.
We are leaving Friday afternoon and coming back Sunday (no sale sorry but the following week starting the 15th or 16th another 15% off sale - we are going camping!). It's my brother-in-law's 50th birthday and my sister is throwing the "mother of all parties" - we are bringing the tequila for the margarita machine she rented. Probably 100 people. Luckily for me as I am a huge wimp - after a few margaritas I can retire to "our" bedroom and recuperate.
Here's what went in today:

Monday, October 5, 2009


Here's a project! Look at the pin tucks top to knees then flaring out into pleats. Mail Order A846 Fantastic Tucked & Pleated Dress 1970's

A very rare pattern - one of the Prominent Designer Mail Order patterns.
Finally a cooler weekend - in the mid 80's. We took our bicycles to the West Wetlands Park and rode the bike trails for about 3 hours. Just a beautiful ride on a beautiful day. On the way home we stopped and got new bicycle seats that fit our butts - I mean those bicycle seats that come with bikes do not fit anyones behind! They are more like "thong" seats.
Here's what went in today:

Friday, October 2, 2009



This pattern shouts: Oh look at me! Mail Order 4970 Heartbreaking Beautiful Wrap Dress 1970's - not only a striking wrap dress but that heart shaped pocket rules. I could just run on at the mouth describing how much I love this dress!

Found a number of these unique mail order patterns and will post some more next week so keep checking. Why are mail order patterns often more unique and uncut than the usual maker patterns? hmmmmm

1940's Patterns

1970's Patterns

1980's Patterns

1990's Patterns

Thursday, October 1, 2009



This lady is obviously dressed for work at a fashion magazine publisher's office. So very with it! Simplicity 6874 Smashing Jacket, Blouse & Skirt 1966 - a bit Jackie looking too.

Fall is here - I think? Still over 100 here and we are all begging for relief. Hope you are all having a cool fall with lots of color!

1940's Patterns

1950s Patterns

1960's Patterns

1970's Patterns

1980's Patterns

1990's Patterns