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

I thought I'd show off this wonderful 1950s party dress she sold on eBay. I wish I'd had a chance to snag it before it was sold, because I'd have loved to make a pattern from it! I'm still filing it away in my mental cabinet for future inspiration, you can be sure! This reminds me very much of "Liesl's" party dress in the 1964 film, "Sound of Music."

Here is an adorable trio of Advance patterns. All are from the early-to-mid 1950s. I think my favorite is the first one with its matching jacket.

This is a classy and tailored eight-gore 1950s skirt pattern that creates 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.

ll 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. Midriff

This 1950s Vogue pattern illustrates how a very simple design can make the transition from day to evening. The long skirt and dramatic back are truly striking. My 1958 Party Dress pattern has a similar style, including the kimono sleeves and V back option. Lovely!

Suddenly we're slim again! This is a 1957 McCall's pattern which shows a return to the slim look of twenty years before, albeit with shorter skirts and bared arms this time around.

The flared skirt look lasted well over a decade--even when the slimmer skirts started coming into vogue. Here is a 1959 dress pattern with options for the both the slim and the full look.

Here is a Simplicity ladies' playsuit pattern from the 1950s. What drama! Note the one-shoulder bodice styling and the "pannier" wrap skirt.

This 1950s Simplicity dress pattern is a lovely example of the early 1950s look with the full, hip-emphasizing skirt and pretty horizontal bodice detailing. It's the dawn of the "New Look" after the fabric rationing of WW2 came to a close.

A 1954 pattern for blouses. Note the interesting angled sleeve/armscye details.The "Atomic" age brought with it a vogue for more defined shapes. You see it in the furniture and home design as well.

A gorgeous 1950s formal gown pattern--probably for bridesmaids' dresses. The one on the left would be for a formal evening wedding, while the one on the right would work for a daytime wedding. Dreamy!

Early 1950s dress pattern, just beginning to show that 1950s "New Look" silhouette. I love the notched collar and the belted waist. This is a tailored, chic look for daytime.

Perhaps more than any other item, the circle skirt instantly brings the '50s to mind! My late grandmother wore these all the way into the late 1960s and looked fabulously glamorous in them. I love this feminine silhouette!