Simplicity and a Vintage Set of Sleeves

Simplicity has done it again with their latest pattern collection.  It would seem that they really are listening to their customers.  And to prove it, we finally have a vintage multi-sleeve pattern!  How fabulous is this?!?  Definitely hoping they will continue to release these wonderful patterns because there are so many glorious 1930s sleeves to choose from.  Contemporary fashion may think they have created the "statement sleeve," but they've got nothing on sleeves from this period.

They also have re-printed one of those elusive 1930s lingerie patterns that sell on e-bay for crazy amounts of money.  And I have recently been thinking about making myself a pair of tap pants . . . now I guess I don't have any excuse.

But even more exciting than that . . . would you look at this 1930s reproduction dress.  I am in love!

The sleeves are fabulous, of course.  Smocked sleeves?  Sign me up, please!  But the style lines are pretty darn fabulous, as well.  And should you think those puffed bits are over the top, just look at the more tailored version.  Still pretty gorgeous, right?!

To top it all off, you really can't go wrong with a 1950s swing coat.  I have promised myself not to purchase new fabric until I get through more of my stash (no room for more fabric), so I am going to have to think about what to do with this one.  Because I need this coat in my life immediately!!  Just look at those dramatic cuffs!  The illustration shows a checked print, or perhaps a plaid, but the only plaid coating I have is probably too over the top and heavy for this particular design - but I may have to make it work.

There is also another lovely suit to add to the collection!  This looks late 1940s to me, so I would probably throw that swing coat over my shoulders in extra chilly weather.  And that vintage purse the model is holding is pretty great, too.  How about adding more vintage bags to the catalog, and maybe some hats as well, Simplicity?

This design probably looks best in a magazine editorial paired with dramatic posing.  I think it would be difficult to pull off in everyday life, but I do like that they chose something slightly different from the expected vintage look.  And the skirt is not another basic pencil, it has some lovely pleating through the back; but are those loops used to corral the stole may look slightly odd without that accessory.  I also wish that illustrated blouse was included because I really like the looks of it. 

I love the idea of this Sew Chic design, but I think it needs a few tweeks.  First, I believe the addition of a gusset would greatly improve the fit of those sleeves.  Part of that issue may be that the fit is not very good on this particular model.  The other thing I am not sure I like is the addition of the shoulder piece and the back closure.  Without that piece, the line drawing looks just like a Ceil Chapman design, which I love.  The drape also looks a bit clumsy in the silk dupioni, but that is easily fixed with a different fabric choice - perhaps a multi-layered chiffon drape to contrast with the structured silk and add a pleated overlay of the chiffon to the waistband to tie it all together?

And while I have no need for stuffed animal patterns, look at how adorable these vintage Disney characters are!

Totally fabulous.  Can I come up with a need for one of these?  Probably not, but I still think they are a lovely addition to the catalog.

So much for not adding to my pattern stash this season . . . .