Vintage 1970s Mens Sewing Patterns; A Stroll Down Memory Lane

Awhile back I picked up a box of Mens Vintage patterns, some from the 1960s, but most from the 1970s.   Being a teen from the 1970s, I'm finding the fashions fun, and some of the models immensely attractive.

Butterick 5965  - 

This one is fashionably bold with just a hint of arrogance.  Vest, with an optional belt, and pants.

                                                               Vogue 9374 -

This mens caftan is basic, and quite sexy. I like at both lengths and thinks the hood is a great extra touch for use in getting out of the shower.  Shorten it to hip length, add a couple more ties, and you'd have somewhat Jim Morrison tunic.

                    

McCall 5275 --

This is the  very classic Donny Osmond look.  This vest and shirt is what the Mothers wished their sons were wearing.

 

 

Simplicity 6593

Simplicity tried to make this appeal across styles.  We've got a bit of the late 60s bad boy and a little bit of hippie plaid.   These jean jackets come back periodically.   I wouldn't be surprised to see a return soon.

Sew Lovely M36C -
 Okay, so it is a timeless fashion.  Titty Whities do not change much, but the model is such fun.   Notice that he has that fine head of hair and mustache, but not another hair on his body.

 

 Simplicity 5161 -
Cuffed pants are gaining polularity, as is the band and vent on the back of the jacket in this three piece suit.

McCalls 3521
This sports jacket is starting the conversion to the more casual shirt-jacket.  

 

Simplicity 9435
This is a combo pattern (Mens & Misses) with alot going on.   Lace-up ties, long rounded collar, wide cuffs, puffy long sleeves.   There just a little swashbuckler and a little Robin Hood. 

Simplicity 8255
Low waisted, hip-hugging, bell bottoms.   Need I say more?

Simplicity 9483

More Hip-hugging, bell bottoms pants with a little extra - patch pockets and front button fly.

  

 

Simplicity 8823 -
This is a great cargo kinda shirt.  But, what had me going was the man in blue with those shorts.   Why did men's short shorts go away?  And, when are they coming back?

Hope yo enjoyed this short Fashion Show.

Lorrie,
 

What about those Coconut Lyrics - Widespread Panic

Do you every get hung up on Song lyrics?   We were leaving the Chinese Restaurant yesterday afternoon, Margaritaville was tuned on the radio since Beau was at the wheel (driver gets to choose the music).   I'd never heard the song playing, but a couple lines of the lyrics jumped out and hit me. 

"I have a friend named Jack,
Looks like he was born in a Paper Sack"

Born in a paper sack?   Just what would one look like if they were born in a paper sack?   I asked Beau, who persumed that would mean they were VERY white in that no light would be exposed in a paper sack.    I didn't question him further.    Like really, is there much light in the womb?  Or, how about our natural inherited pigments.  I found myself thinking about it off and on all afternoon.    Later, when Alex came through, I suggested he ponder on the idea at work and we could talk about it later.   He gave me that 'ya right' look. 

So, several hours later, I did a Google; I thought I'd see what other folks thought it meant.    The first site I pulled up said the line was
"I have a friend named Jack,
Look like a bone in a paper sack". 

U-Turn. Now I'm wondering what one would look like if they were a bone in a paper sack. 

I continued searching Google and I think that 'Jack was born in a paper sack'.  At least that's the way Widespread Panic actually play it. 

So, what do you think you'd look like if you were born in a paper sack.   No response required, however, I must admit I'm interested in what you might think.


Lorrie

Applique Cat T-Shirt and Pants

I have several stacks of quilting and craft patterns that I've started going through to list in my shop.  It seems some of these would be a great place to start sewing and have set aside several for consideration.   Then, I picked up this one - Versatile Calico Cats by Yours Truly. 

This one seemed simple enough.   It's one of those multi-purpose patterns that can be used to create anything cat related from an adorable wall hanging to a doorstop.    At first I was thinking about trying a simple pillow.  BUT, I don't really need a pillow.    Then the thought started, I'll start real simple and make an applique T-shirt for Lilly (for her Valentine box).     I don't quite feel up to sewing a t-shirt (don't I need a serger for that?), so I made a quick trip to K-Mart and picked up a couple packages of Toddler Undershirts. 

Back home, I selected some green Calico Fabric, of which there is about 3 yards.   This excess fabric led me to decide on a pair of bottoms to go with the top.   Having a couple thousand patterns in the house makes this type of decision quite easy.    I decided on Simplicity 8213, primarily because it had the elastic waist (easy), it was the right size and it is already cut.  

Then, here and there over the next four hours, I did it !   I sewed a little pair of pants with a t-shirt that has a matching applique.  

The pants seem huge.   I hemmed them up further than the pattern called (look Ma, I'm already doing alterations!), but I'm afraid they will be huge on her.   But, I'm pleased that I conquered both these simple projects with no major issues.   

Okay, what next ????

The Dispensable Sewing Pin

On average, I check around a dozen sewing patterns a day.  This involves removing them from the envelope, checking each piece, the instructions, etc. to make sure it is complete, and then putting it neatly back to the envelope.    To make the job easier,  keep the pertinent tools close at hand ....

• an iron (makes neatly just a little more obtainable)
• tape dispenser (for small tears)
• glue stick (Simplicity is real stingy on the glue)
• a seam ripper (to remove taped alterations)
• scissors (remove stitched alterations)

And, last, but not least, the pin container.  A pin container you might ask .... Yep.  Mine is a little white condiment bowl.  

In patterns, I find an amazing number of sewing pins that were obviously used for littler alternations here and there.   And then, when the seamstress is finished, they remain with the pattern; holed up in the envelope.   These pins fall into two categories ... the Perfectly Fine (which go into the little condiment bowl) and the ones that have been in the envelope for a really long time, The Rusted.   The Rusted ones go to the trash container.

In the beginning, I put the pins in my pincushion, which quickly became very full, and I adopted a second pincushion.   Well, I certainly didn't need more, and that was the originating point of the white condiment bowl.  

I've been collecting this particular set of pins for about 2 months. 

Apparently, sewing pins are dispensable.   I found myself wondering it this is due to the low cost factor, or, more of a fact that the seamstress is anxious to move from the cutting to the sewing process and just doesn't want to take the time to remove them.   I know, if I'd get past the thinking about sewing, and start sewing, I might find this out myself. 

So, what do I do with them .... I typically give them away.   The last set went to an unexpecting customer.   She ordered multiple patterns and sent a note saying she was teaching a group of young teens to sew.   Thought she might need some pins, so I included them in the package.   I never did hear anything, so don't know what she thought when she opened her package ... 6 patterns and about 300 sewing pins.

So, in the future, if you happen to need any sewing pins, just send me a note with your order and I'll empty out my bowl.  

McCalls Advertising Page Embroidery Sewing Patterns

I am what you may call a 'Stacker'; loose odds and ends of books, magazines, loose papers are stacked in a corner of my studio beside the printer. They all have a purpose. Sometimes it's something I want to try, think about, or just don't know what else to do with at the moment. Right now, the stack must be close to two feet tall. But, that really is beside the point.

Yesterday I was digging through the stack and came across this single piece of paper.  My guess is it came out of a lot of patterns and was simple put into the stack. 

 

Some of the pattern numbers at present over at Wikia Vintage Patterns.  Based on that, the page must be from early 1940's as I've found dates between 1937 and 1942.      

This is delightfully fun !    Enjoy.

Lorrie

Two Birds Art Quilt Practice

Here's the second painted applique piece I put together the other day for practice.

It's smaller, about 10 x 8.5"  Again, same thing ... lightly painted fabric and some applique inspiration from Summer Garden Quilt pattern, which I've now drained of inspiration and placed in my shop. 

I stitched in the birds, the rails and some free form color here and there amongst the paint.

I was surprised how dramatically different they look .... the difference being the camera (first pic), and the scanner (second pic).   The scanner dramatically washes out the color.

As I was working on the birds, the term thread painting popped into my head  and I took a quick break to Google it for tutorials.   I, just as quickly changed my mind.   I definitely don't have the right equipment and setup for that, at this time.   But will put it on my consideration list for that new sewing machine sometime in the future.    For now I'm content on playing and experimenting with the fabric.   I'm looking for my style.   I've also set this one aside, and will come back to it later when I'm ready to experiment with finishing techniques.   Other than that, it is not a keeper.

As I worked, I found myself thinking about how, in my mosaic days, my centerpieces were typically in threes.   I always equated that to be three of us.   I noticed, that I now seem to be doing things in Two's.  How interesting that this evolves ... empty nestors and the subconscious mind.

Lorrie,


 

Art Quilt Stitching Practice

As I was stitching yesterday, I noticed that my machine did not mess up once ... no dragging, no tension issues.   Perhaps it knows I've been talking bad about it.  

I decided to continue right where I left off and pulled out the same brown patterned fabric used in the first practice session.   I cut two smaller pieces; added bits of watered down acrylic paints and let them dry.    

 

Here I have two appliqued flowers and 10 leaves with batting only on the back.  As I was laying them out the name of Standing Guard kept jumping out at me, but I'm certainly far from having anything worth naming quality.     I added stitching to, of course, the leaves and the flowers, as well as freeform stitching here and there to compliment a few of the paint strokes.  

 The stitching is not prominent enough to much tell at a distance.     So, I layed it on the scanner bed (what would fit anyway) and it picks up a bit better.

I'm stopping at this point.   (I'll set it aside for practice when I start on finishing techniques).  What did I learn

• My focal applique pieces are not enough contrast to the background paint.  
• My stitching does not even begin to draw out the features.   

Practice will continue; I have the second piece of semi-painted fabric, which I'll start practice tomorrow.

Lorrie

Brother XL3500 Sewing Machine and Continued Quilt Practice

If I decide I'm going to sew on any kind of a frequent basis, whether it be clothing or art, I'm going to need a new sewing machine.   

Now, in defense of this sad little machine, Brother XL3500, I bought it with the idea that I was going to play with some paper quilting collage and needed it for texture and effects.  I had previously used a machine I inherited from a mother; an inexpensive machine from the 70s that had never had it's finer moments (from my distant memory, she called it alot of different names ... none of them that kind).  I listed it on Freecycle and it was gone really fast.

To pick this machine, I spent a fair amount of time online reading reviews and had reached the decision that this one, for the $129, would meet by paper collage needs.   I realized that the site I was planning on ordering, Precision Sewing, was only a couple miles from the house (go figure the odds of that!).  So, I called them up to see if I could place my order and just drive over and pickup.   I always like the idea of bypassing shipping charges.    The man I reached, after a considerable hold, was what I would call .... UMMMM Really Rude.   He told me that I shouldn't waste my money on a piece of ***** like that and if I wanted to buy a real sewing machine that I should come in and he would help me out.    When I insisted that I wanted this machine, it would my needs, he said they didn't carry it.   (Like why was it listed on their site anyway?).    Needless to say, I was somewhat perturbed and immediately ordered it online from another company and paid the shipping.

When it arrived, I assigned it a designated place in my studio.   I played with it a little, a couple pieces a paper collage, a dress for Lilly, some clothing repairs.   Not much.   Now, about this machine.   It mostly reminds me on when my son was a teenager.   It's hard to get going.  I don't know what you call it, but if its been more than a couple days, you have to manually turn the wheel for several minutes to get it started.   Then, it takes many opportunities to get jammed up on the way.   And, on top of that, it only fills the bobbin half way, making necessary stops every time you get it going well. 

Now, I have an online shop, Todays Treasure, with close to 3000 sewing patterns in inventory and at least another 1000 waiting to be added.   I pick up some of these and have all the ohhs and ahhs of a seamstress.  Just not the talent.  Perhaps, it's time I relearned to sew.  Beau offered to buy me a new one (of my choosing) for Christmas.   I told him, however, that  before I decide on a machine, I should decide just what I'm going to do with it.     Then, perhaps, I'll only have to buy one more machine, versus go through this particular scenario over and over. 

On another note, I continued working on yesterdays practice session.    I fused the applique to my painted fabric, cut out backing fabric and batting and sat down to start the stitching work.     I didn't get too far and what was wrong become obvious very quickly .... it's bunching up.    I decided this was a result of having back the backing sheet on there.    This one I'll toss, and start over again.  

Definitely Not the Summer Garden Applique Wall Hanging

A couple weeks ago, searching for inspiration, I picked up a lot of 23 quilt/applique patterns on Ebay. The picture of the lot was somewhat vague, but when you are in search of inspiration, one must start somewhere. They came in and I placed them on the table of my workbench (where I've been processing patterns) and have been glancing through them.

After much consideration, I decided to start with this one.  (Notice how the two example pictures are just floating ... one over the table and one in the chair seat ... what's up with that!). 

I started to evaluate the fabrics in my cabinet, when I decided that all I really liked about this pattern was the flowers.    (Well, perhaps the birds too, but that will have to be some other day).    So ....

I selected and cut a piece of fabric.  

 

Next, I pulled out the acrylic paints and added a little color. 

Then, selected fabrics and cut out two flowers, their centers and some misc. leaves.

To be continued ....

Simplicity 7607, Basic Vest Sewing Pattern, Full of Long Lost Memories

I was processing patterns (something I do an hour or two each day), and I came across this one - Simplicity 7607.  

 This was simple to process, just four small pieces and a page of instructions.  Super simple beginners pattern.   Then as I was recording the envelope condition the words caught me -- Paula Hundle 4th Hour.     And there I went .... back to 1970.

I'm in the 7th Grade at El Cajon Valley Junior High.    This was the first year in my school life that I am allowed electives.   I studied the choices and had my heart so set on Wood Shop and Art.  But no, my mother required (as she would continue to do), that I take:

1. Sewing; because buying purchased clothing was expensive, and 
2. Typing so that I would have something to fall back on later when my husband left me and I had children to support.

And sewing and typing it was.   But, this entry is about the sewing .... I'll tell you about the typing some other time.

So, sewing it was.    The class (about 15 or us per period, I believe), had an assigned pattern to make.   It was for a skirt and vest combination.    It was this pattern - Simplicity 8917.

Mom and I went shopping for the pattern and materials.   Shopping for us was always a painful experience, we never agreed on much and she liked to look at everything and I was more the grab the first thing and dash kind of person.    Finally, 'we' selected a white, brown and red plaid  type fabric.  I'll never forget it.  
 
And then, for a couple months, about 45 minutes each period, we discussed sewing, learned to use the machine, cut out the tissues, finally the fabric and then began stitching it all together. 

I don't remember hating sewing class until the day, when we were almost done, the teacher made her big SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT.   All the sewing classes, who were making the same pattern, were going to have a BIG FASHION SHOW in the Auditorium.  in front of THE ENTIRE SCHOOL.  

Now, what I've failed to mention, was that I was SHORT, overweight, PERHAPS FAT, with RED HAIR and FRECKLES that led a life of their own all over my face and arms.   Or, in other words, I would rather have died than paraded in that plaid outfit, that made we look like a brick firehouse.

As the day approached, I tried to explain to Mom that I couldn't do it.   Everyone would tease me and I would be humiliated, but she gave me the typical OVER REACTING line, and went back to napping through Merv Griffin.

Each day dragged slowly by as we mastered the zipper and the hem.    (Did I mention the days dragged by).   And then, the end of the semester happened; just like I knew it would.  


It dawned a bright and sunny day, of course.   Fortunately, Mom had to work and wasn't able to to come to our fashion show.    The morning lasted an eternity.   And then, right after lunch, all of us 'sewing class' girls went to the gym and put on our outfits and proceeded to the auditorium (aka cafeteria).    Now, I suppose that I wasn't the only girl not looking forward to this.  But I don't really know. I didn't have any friends in the 7th grade; they were not something Mom looked favorably upon.  I now wish I had a picture to show you; but to my knowledge, one was not taken.

We were lined up single file, and one by one, about a minute apart, we walked out onto the stage, made a turn around, and walked to the back where we were set into rows.  When my turn came, I dragged out.  There were of course, some laughs, and a few mean remarks hurled towards the stage by the up-and-coming guys and hip girls.    I wanted to die, but I made back to my spot in the rows.   And then, it was all over and we were dismissed to go back to the gym to change.   I went home instead.    School never asked why I didn't go to afternoon classes, and Mom didn't remember at all, but just came home and snoozed through Merv Griffin.  

I never took another sewing class.

Which brings me back to Simplicity 7607.   Other than being slightly dogeared, the pattern is in perfect condition and awaiting some beginner sewer wanting to make a slightly mandarin looking vest.    Who-ever you are Puala Hundle, I hope it was an okay experience !

Hoodie Jacket Re-Do

Two years back we went to California for vacation and did the Coastal drive.   The weather was much cooler than we anticipated and we made a quick stop by a Target to pick-up something to keep us abit warmer.   For me, that was a plain Hoodie Jacket, that I recall, was on final clearance for $4.  (it being May and the demand for Hoodies apparently being low).  It did a good job.  When I got home, it was placed in the laundry closet, along with the other 'seldom worn' jackets.   Fast forward almost three years and I started the task of cleaning the closet.  (Still dabble in my downsizing concept .... with very little progress).   I tossed the Hoodie in the 'Give Away' box, then, started having second thoughts ..... maybe a Re-do is in order !

A couple hours later .... Hoodie Jacket Re-do.   Now, I know this isn't going to win any prices, but I will, most likely, wear it once in awhile.   AND, it felt really good having a creative thought.

Completion of the closet awaits some other day.

New Years Resolution - 2011

Every year I make a New Years resolution.   Typically it is the same one .... I resolve to be a nicer person.  Well, not this year.   I've decided that this a probably as nice as it gets.

So, after two weeks of thoughts, I'm resolving to give up online Mah Jong Solitare.   Why ... well, because I go in for a game or two and emerge two hours later.   It is eating up large amounts of time (not that I have a whole lot to do),  and it is time I move on. 

In case, you would like to take my place, it's Dark Dimensions.





P.S.  I'm starting to feel much better and hope to return to a state of creativity soon.

Safe Harbor Fund Raising Event, Honey Gold & Vista

The other day, I met a very nice woman who is part of an upcoming event for Safe Harbor House, a domestic violence help organization for women and children.    She is helping to sponsor a fundraiser to benefit Safe Harbor.   In our conversation, she indicated some of the items they had received and other items that people were making to donate.   

Right about there, the lightbulb went on .... the Downsizing Box a Day Project that seems to have fallen on the back burner ... and I immediately committed to donating two pieces of art that I have stored away in the attic. 

On Friday I climbed up the fold-down stairs and started looking.   Well, most of the boxes are gone, but there are stacks of pictures, some framed, some panels and a number of concrete disk works, along with a few tables and mirrors.     I selected two items.  

They took a minimal amount of cleaning.   Surprising how clean the attic actually is ... more dust in the house than the attic. 

The two pieces I chose to donate for this event are :

Honey Gold

18" x 18" Mosaic Mirror

This piece was named for the china pattern of the primary glass.  It also incorporates in a few beads and glass gems.   Believe I created this around 1983.  

Vista

32" x 26" Mosaic, framed wall art

I'm not sure that I ever named this piece.   I went back through the Art Diary looking for it, but to no avail, which would imply that it was created 1986 or 1987.    The back was blank.  Apparently, I completed it, and had it hauled on upstairs to make room for the next project.    

I hope these two will assist in raising a few dollars to help a family. 

Just Like Moms' Electric Sissors

Last year I added a pair of electric sissors to my Christmas list.   I thought if I ever started any real 'sewing' (you know, versus the pretend) they would come in handy.    Beau bought me a pair online that he claims he even researched and they had good reviews.   The did a real good job cutting paper; but anything more than 1 layer of lightweight fabric, was out of the question.    I decided to keep them, however, as I do periodically go off on paper cutting spells. 

Sometime, earlier in the year, I brought home a big box of fabrics.   Stuck down in the box was a pair of electric sissors.    Although I didn't check to see if they worked, I tucked them away in a cabinet.

The other day, I was processing patterns for the Todays Treasure shop and I came across New Look 6720 and thought I'd make myself a pair of these wonderfully comfortable looking shorts.      I selected a piece of maroon, lightly pattern fabric from the cabinet and then, remembered I had the electric sissors.    Out they came.

Now, these sissors are quite old, evidenced by the lack of a polarized plug.  I cut out and pinned down the pattern and plugged in the sissors.   With great anticipation, I pressed the 'Geaux' button.

I remember in my early teenage years, Mother had a pair just like these, except they were pink; and I was never allowed to use them.   When she had the time, she loved to sew.    She layed the fabric out, and it seemed, just when I was watching something really great on TV, she'd turn them on and the loud HUMMMMMMMM, accompanied the the vibration from the tabletop, would drown out everything.   Well, maybe it's a slight exaggeration, but, they were loud.   Just like these.   And, not only did they make that vibrating I sound I recalled, I could feel the vibration in my hands.    And, do they cut ?   Why yes, they do.   Wonderfully.    The only deficiency I can find is the light doesn't turn.    I'll have to see if these tiny bulbs are still available. 

I image someone became to old to sew, or perhaps past on, and their loved fabrics were put into a yard sale.   Perhaps they were sad; perhaps they didn't care.   But either, whoever you are, I love these sissors and promise to put them to good use.  

Yard Sale Saturday, 9/25/10

A local Church hosted a yardsale to raise funds for their Youth Group.   The sign said it started at 8am.   I drove over around 7:30 with my coffee and a book, thinking I'd just hang out and watch the people until it started.    I don't know what time they actually opened the doors, but it was in full swing when I got there. 

I don't know who oversaw pricing of the donations, but they obviously were not very interested in raising very much money for their youth.    Case in hand, fabric (often several yards), marked at 10 cents each !

I didn't haul very much away, because the truth of it all is I don't need much in the line of arts/crafts supplies, coupled with the fact that I'm supposed to be downsizing !!!  

Finds:   
3 pieces of fabric, each with more than 2 yards.    They have no immediate plans other than inventory.
2 unused rubber stamps for 25 cents each
1 plastic bag with jewelry related items for 50 cents (these also put away as inventory)
A set of Tandy Leather working tools & supplies for $1.00.   I purchased for the tools.   They have a variety of shapes, hearts, leaves, sun, moon, etc.    I don't do leather work (not yet anyway), but thought they could by used on soft metals, clay, etc.   I also kept the leather laces and put in my 'strings' box.   The rest, a couple wallet kits and quite a few leather patterns, I put into a big plastic zip-lock bag and dropped in the Grans Donation box.

Well, although I love a great bargain, just like anything else, $2.30 was way to little for these objects (particularly when the money if for the teens) and I gave them $5.00.   Which still isn't much, but better than the $2.30

Yard Sale Saturday, 9/4/2010

As I've going though 'stuff' and trying to downsize just a bit, I haven't been going to yard sales.   The idea seemed abit counter-productive.    Beau, however, each Thursday, has been dutifully laying out the yard sale ads for me ... just in case.   I'll admit, I have looked, with the idea that should one of the churches have a sale, I might consider that.     Which, is just exactly what happened.    This morning the church up above Mr. Fish was having their annual.   And, since I go to that every year, I had to go.  

They didn't have nearly as much 'stuff' as was usual, but still enough to keep me occupied for an hour.  

Finds ....

• A fabric covered sewing box filled with embroidery threads.    I didn't need the box, and, after taking out the threads, gave it back to them to sell again.    The threads are good timing; I'm running low on the bright colors for the Padillies.
• A variety of laces.    One of these is a collar that I have immediate plans for; the rest will go to inventory. 
• 6 Pins ... the type that go on clothing or bags.    Not sure why I'm still collecting these; must have at least 70 or 80 by now.   By, I am, and a quarter each is a fine price. 
• A necklace made up of different sized silver metal disks.   Think I'll take this partially apart and attach it to a bag.  

Although it was fun, I still don't plan to return to my established yard sale circle until, at least, October, or later.