Boho Faux Fur Shawl to keep you warm this winter

 I know that I blogged this luscious shawl when I had it listed, but it's been a couple of years ago and I can't find it now.  Soooooooo  I really think it bears repeating, since I have found the crochet pattern to make this lovely.  That was the question I received numerous times while I had it listed, and before it went to a new and loving home.

Shaggy Faux Fur Shawl to Crochet

As you can see, the one I had wasn't quite as shaggy and fluffy as the one in the photo, but that is due to the type yarn that was used.  I do believe that the maker can do what they wish and have it extremely full or less so.

1971 Revisited The Hippie Peasant Dress

When I found this pattern in my stash the other day it brought back so many memories......   The summer and fall of 1971.  I had this dress and wore it to death....literally, until it was a rag.  

It was so comfortable and appropriate to wear anywhere at anytime of the day. 

  

http://cemetarian.com/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=8004&=SID#MOREINFO

This was another favorite of mine that year.  Both the long and short version.  Perfect as a cover up for the pool or beach or to wear anywhere.

Simplicity 9415 Super Jiffy Wrap Dress

As a matter of fact I think I just might need to make both of these to wear next summer.  Think I can pull it off again?  LOL

Everything Old is New Again! Especially in the World of Vintage Fashion

When you handle as many Vintage patterns as I do in a weeks time, you start to see the same concepts over and over and over again.  But seldom do you actually have such an example of the 25 year rule as I ran across this week.  Listed now are these three Bib Overall Shorts patterns from 3 very distinctive Vintage Eras.  Rosie the Riveter from 1946, Hanna the Hippie from 1974, and the latest in 1996.  Who knows what version of this comfortable attire will show up in 2021?  Just hope I'm around to see it.

This Summer's Hottest Sellers!!!!!!!

It's always a surprise to me what people want and what they pass by.  I do my best to offer a wide range of eras and styles.  All authentic and all vintage.  And I do my best to keep up with trends so I can find just what the fashionista is looking for.  But I'm still often surprised.  These beauties are this summers hottest sellers on www.cemetarian.com.

All are available in PDF format and you can download them immediately from your Paid PayPal invoice.  So easy, breezy and fun to do.

Vintage 1970s Crochet Lacy Cloud Top Pattern PDF

Vintage 1960s Mini Square Mini Dress Crochet Pattern PDF

Juliet Dress Vintage 1960s Hippie Ren Faire Crochet Pattern PDF

Chevron Crochet Maxi Sun Dress Pattern Vintage 1970s PDF

Vintage 1970s Hooded Pullover Crochet Pattern PDF

Vintage 1970s Crochet Chevron Tunic or Mini Dress Pattern PDF

Summer Means Swimsuits and Bikinis and Skimpy Little Shorts

If you Knit or Crochet www.cemetarian.com has the perfect Vintage Swimand Summer Sportswear Pattern for you.  From the 1930's through the 1970s.  There are Tank suits, skimpy shorts, halter tops, bikinis, monokinis and coverups of all shapes and sizes.
So it doesn't matter if you are going to the beach,

swimming with the dolphins,

or just hanging out poolside.

We've got you covered.

Knitting Patterns for Swim and Sports

Crochet Patterns for Swim and Sports

True Vintage versus Vintage Style

I received the following email this morning: 

"Hello,

Below is a copy of my receipt and the recipent just advised me that the wrong size was shipped. Please advise the best way to exchange the pattern for a size 4 and not the size 12 that was shipped."

When I informed her that a size 4 did not exist in 1962 for sewing patterns and that the bust, waist and hip measurements given on the envelope was what you needed to utilize when buying vintage sewing patterns, she responded:

"Thank you, the recipient & I were not aware of that."

This communication, triggered me to re-post this very valuable bit of information.

Most people who sew know that a manufactured dress size and a dress pattern size have nothing in common.  This guide is purely for fun and to show the changes in standard sizing for dress patterns through the years.  It has nothing to do with the little tag on a dress in the department store. Sizes weren't routinely listed on all patterns until around 1940.  Prior to WWII the sizing was strictly related to the bust measurement. Here is a brief look at the changes in a  Size 12  from 1930-2000

1930- Bust 30  Waist 25   Hip 33	1940- Bust 30  Waist 25   Hip 33
1955- Bust 30 Waist 24 Hip 33	1960-Bust 32 Waist 25 Hip 34
1970-Bust 34  Waist 25.5  Hip 36	1975-2000 Bust 34 Waist 26.5  Hip 36

So, as you can see there is quite a difference in the fit, silhouette, and sizing of vintage patterns throughout the past 60 years.

Most Pattern sellers will list the Bust Size in the title of the listing so you can browse at your leisure instead of plowing through multiple listing only to find the pattern won't fit.  An experienced and talented person who sews can always moderate and alter a pattern up or down, but it's nice to know what you are getting from the beginning.

And to add a new addendum for those just entering the world of true Vintage and not Vintage Style.  True vintage sewing patterns are not easily found and can't be produced with the click of a finger.  They are no longer manufactured, and those offered for sale are found in various places in various conditions and they are old.  They weren't printed last week or even last year. Your seller has found them in an Estate Sale or some other type of situation and they have taken the time to check the pieces and make sure the pattern is complete and if it has been used lovingly or abused terribly.  So please read the descriptions and make your purchasing decisions based on your own personal needs and the information (or in some case, lack of information) given.  And never hesitate to ask questions if you are in doubt.

My sincerest wish is for each and everyone of you to have a Joyous Holiday for whatever occasion you celebrate this season.

Ever Wish you had known the original owner?

I do.  Often I fantasize about the life they lived in the wonderful clothes they left behind.  This was one fiesty lady in the 50's.  She loved her circle skirts and kept them all.  And I'm so glad she did.  Now I can pass them on to another generation who will love them too.

 This is possibly my favorite.  It is hand painted by Carmona and shows the premier Bullfighter of the 1940's and 1950's,   Miguel Baez Litri
.

This one is unsigned, but is exquisitely done and shows the Sunset Skyline of Mexico City.

Beautiful Black on Ecru Aztec print is embellished with silver clad sequins.  Scrumptious.

A Mariachi Band borders the hemline of this tie waist circle skirt.  Then it is banded with colorful musical instruments, exotic flowers and Fiesta Jugs.

This one is not Mexican but is homemade with the sweetest and most fantastical mythical beasties prancing all over it.

All are or will be listed soon on cemetarian on eBay.

The time has come, the Walrus said, To talk of many things:

 Of Tweed .... and Mink ....  and Jackie O
of Mad Men .... Dior and Things

Of Lacy Baby Christening Gowns .....

And remember Cowboy Kings?

All are coming soon to cemetarian on eBay.

Every Man Needs a Sock Wardrobe and Maybe a Matching Tie 1950s Style

If your man dresses vintage and you want him to be authentic, then these fabulous 1950s Knitting patterns are the thing for you.  I am in the process of putting together several 1950s knitting patterns for men, women and children's socks and booties.  With a few ties and scarves thrown in.  So be watching the website for these in PDF format..........

 

 

How Silhouettes Change in 15 years 1950 to 1964

It doesn't matter if it's patterns, advertisements or actual clothing, when you are working with a large lot of fashion over a period of years, you learn to date certain silhouettes at a glance.

In listing these 4 patterns today, I realized that the finer points of the changes aren't just in the price, logo placement and art work, but in the width and length of the skirt and undergarments, placement of the waist and emphasis or lack of such, on the bust line.

This lovely 1950 party dress is strapless and fitted, but has emphasis on the hips with the peplum. The skirt is full but lays gracefully instead of being puffed up with petticoats. Skirt length is mid calf.



By 1955 the emphasis is on an Hour glass figure with a dropped waist (this style is often called a Long Torso), and very full skirt held out by layers and layers of petticoats. The skirt length drops to 3/4 of the way below the knee almost to the ankle.


In 1961 choose slim or full skirt under a fitted midriff with major emphasis on the bustline. Puffy skirt stars at the waist and is once again held out by layers of petticoats but the puff starts at the waistline, not below. Skirts are shorter but still well below the knee.


1964 brigs us slim but not the form fitting sheath of the 50's. This styling is softer and less structured and emphasizes the bust without being obvious. The waspish waist is gone and slim hips prevail. The skirt is still below the knee but higher than the past 15 years.




All of these and many many more can be found at www.cemetarian.com

Does This Make my Backside Look Big?

Body image and perception is and has been major factor in fashion for centuries. Emphasis on particular body parts change as often as the weather.

Today we'll take a brief walk through a 30 year span where body styles made some drastic changes.

In the 1930's the emphasis was on softness..........soft bodies, and soft fabrics. Non structure is seen in not only the fashions but in the beautiful models who showed the fashions. The Bust to Waist ratio was minimal and the overall look was feminine and rounded.




The 1940s was more structured and tailored. Still very little emphasis on Bust to Waist. The lines were crisper and not as soft. As women entered the workplace in the absence of men during the war, heavier materials and a more masculine flair was introduced with broader shoulders and narrower hips.


The 1950s brought a new femininity back to fashion. As women went back into the home and women's interests, the whole silhouette changed again. Now the fashion directive was on tiny waists with form fitting sweaters and huge circle skirts that emphasized the Hour Glass Figure.



The 60s started with the same Hour Glass body image, but soon morphed into a more casual feel as women worked both in the home and outside the home. We demanded comfort as well as fashion. Pants were more accepted in casual settings than they had been previously. But close fitting pants demanded longer tops to cover them (for modesty's sake).

This brings me to today's title.............I love this sweater and would wear it in a New York Minute (as a matter of fact I did wear one comparable in 1963)...........but I can't help wondering what the photographer and the company was thinking when they did this shoot.

All I can think of is today's classic question.

Does this make my butt look big?


These fabulous crochet and knitting patterns can be found at both cemetarian on Etsy and cemetarian.com

Julia Sugarbaker Rides Again!

It can happen to the best of us. That embarrassing moment (with the emphasis on bare and ass).

It happened to Julia in this Episode "Julia's Fashion Model Debut"

And then it happened with my Manikin (whom I think I'll rename Julia). I didn't notice it until I was processing the photos to upload. I think I'll leave it this way, cause it brings a bit of reality to an otherwise Fantasy occupation.



Watch cemetarian at eBay for this beauty. It'll be listed in a few days.

Shawls Play on their Charm and Versatility

Throw it! Drape it! Wrap it! Tie it! Wear it Loose!

Versatility is unlimited with a thousand ways to wear a shawl. Thus adorned, depending on the hour of the day or your mood, you can be .....

SCANDINAVIAN

PERUVIAN

HUNGARIAN

GREEK

FLEMISH

ANDALUSIAN

All you need is a little something, a detail -- fringe casually thrown over the shoulder or draping gracefully over the hip.

Try it and you will understand why the shawl has stood the test of time from ancient days and is still very much in fashion.

This crocheted and knitted beauties from the 1970's are available in pattern form at www.cemetarian.com