Boleros - cool or ugly?

We have all seen Jennifer Hudson on the red carpet.

Here is my nomination for a Better Bolero.

McCall 7970

Or maybe something simple like this:

McCall's 8068

Both of these jackets have a nice line to them. With the top one having a cool collar. Both straight out of the 1950s. They would go great with a Marilyn Monroe like halter dress like the one below.

Butterick 7280

Are these really that far off from something you might wear today?

To find these patterns and many more - check out Patterns from the Past.

Build a Better Caftan

For the Muu Muu and caftan crowd I suggest an upgrade on this 70's fashion.

Simplicity 5628

Try something at least more colorful. I'm sure these are the same pattern - if not something really similar. It is a 2 piece pattern with a collar facing. Add your own cool fabric and hit the beach, or wherever you want to relax.

This is at least better then what J. Peterman wants you to wear.

High Waisted Pants

What is it with people wanting high waisted pants from the 1940s this week? I had these two patterns last week and three different people wanted them at the same time!

Simplicity 1971 and Simplicity 4279

To find original 1940s patterns to sew for your self - please check out my companies 1940s pants page!

I saw there was recent article in Daily Candy which recommends them as a sharp classic. Was there been a Katherine Hepburn memo that I missed?

Are we going back to the past, or just tired of hiking up our pants? Maybe it is the roomy legs we want, or do we all just want to be free like Kate?

Women in Ties

I have been following the TV show Ugly Betty from episode 1. Fashion, drama, humor - what wouldn't I like? There is one character that catches my eye - Amanda, played by Becki Newton.



I love the way she marches around the office. I also love that she wears ties. Should we start wearing ties again? What about jumpers?

Butterick 6440

or is this how we should be wearing ties?

Here is how to make one of those.

I KNEW I had a tie skirt pattern - or a skirt that looked like it was made out of ties! No ties would be destroyed to make this skirt. I'm not sure if that is a blessing or a curse...

Prominent Patterns 955