I’ve finally broken down and joined Pinterest. It took me a while to be convinced due to copyright concerns, as I want to be careful that original creators get their due (photographers, designers, etc.). I’ve always been happy for visitors to my site to repin any of my images. They’re mine to share and yours [...]

One of my customers purchased this gown at auction a few years ago and sent me detailed photographs so I could study the drawstring closure and short sleeve/undersleeve combination. I didn’t end up making the drawstring bodice in my Elegant Lady’s Closet as gathered as this one, but I absolutely love this look. You’ll note [...]

This breathtaking gown is in the collection of the wonderful Valentine Museum in Richmond, Virginia, which boasts one of the largest historical costume collections in the South. I photographed this during a visit in 1998 to file away.

We have a lovely consignment shop in our small town in Alabama that often sells vintage clothing. The owner said I could feel free to share her images with a link back to her site, so I thought I’d show off this wonderful 1950s party dress she recently sold on eBay. I wish I’d had [...]

Back when I used to sew professionally, I often received requests to reproduce gowns seen in portraits or fashion plates. This is a gown I made in 2001, savoring every moment of this delectable project! My customer asked me to copy the gown and the chemisette with standing “ruff” collar seen in the Regency portrait [...]

This confection of a dress was sold by Vintage Textile. I’d never seen a dress with a large floral print like this from this time period, but I really like it. From a distance, the effect is one of a soft pink blush. It is only on up-close examination that you see the flowers. Breathtaking! Can’t you just picture afternoon tea on the lawn beneath the shady oak? Love it!

Here is an adorable trio of patterns by Advance. All are from the early-to-mid 1950s. I think my favorite is the one on the far left with its matching jacket. The gored skirt is flattering and feminine. The jumper/blouse combo in the center reminds me of Leslie Caron in “Daddy Longlegs” or Audrey Hepburn in [...]

Classy and tailored eight-gore skirts exactly like two I have in my collection (handed down by my fashion plate grandmother). These have the fullness without all the gathers around the waist, making for a very flattering fit.

All of these delightful images were shared by Magic Dog Enterprises. The donor has also been kind enough to provide the text from the pattern backs where she could! Top left: “Jr. Misses’ and Misses’ One-piece dress with two skirts: Dress has wide shaped collar with notched detail, set-in sleeves, midriff sections and top-stitching detail. [...]

This pattern illustrates how a very simple design can make the transition from day to evening. The long skirt and dramatic back are truly striking.