See It Sewn: Simplicity Patterns from a 1960 Catalog
Psst! Want to see something cool?
It has been a long time since I did a See it Sewn blog post and I'd like to show you how fun it can be to take a peak at a vintage pattern catalog that had a (not so) revolutionary idea: Photographs of patterns sewn!
What is this madness? At sometime in the late 1950s (this is a loose estimate, as I do not have hundreds of catalogs to reference) someone finally had the brilliant idea of sewing up and photographing sewing patterns to make pattern counter catalogs look more like fashion magazines.
In today's particular instance, the models were styled flawlessly and provide a snap-shot of how these garments were meant to look on a real woman's body. The pattern illustrations alone could often make some styles look boring or dated.
That is possibly the case with Simplicity 3630.
This could look like just another early 60s coat to most pattern sellers and collectors. It's ok, sure, but not cutting edge, not wildly chic. Or is it?
A few pages later in the same catalog, we see Simplicity 3642. Here is the original pattern illustration.
Not bad, a bit more stylish in illustration. And here it is in our 1960 catalog sewn in a "Winter Plum" plaid similar to the coat above.
Note again her stylish hat, the semi-long gloves, her choice of belt and brooch. Notice how the upper seamed panels over her bust have been cut on the bias to give the plaid a different effect? It's sheer brilliance! Not to mention, that plaid matching is ON POINT.
It makes me look with fresh eyes at patterns that I would normally pass right by!
Copies of both of these patterns can usually be found from your favorite pattern sellers on Etsy.
Happy sewing!