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A Piece of History From 1960

 

Hi all,
I recently found this vintage sewing pattern, McCalls 5495, on eBay. 


Printed in 1960, this pattern is older than I am! It's in pretty good condition considering it's nearly 60 years old. Just look at the waistline on that skirt!

Anyway, I got it because of the hem line on the shirt. I love that pointed look. So I'm going to have a go at sewing this up.

The pattern has been cut, which is a shame. But - it hasn't been altered, so the pieces are intact and all are present. Which is rare. Most older cut patterns I've picked up, even from the 2000s have something missing. Pattern instructions usually. Or the pieces for the garments the original owner constructed.

Talking about pieces. Just look at the detail on these. The markings tell you which direction to sew the seams. There are even instructions telling you how to sew the darts. This is amazing. New patterns don't have this kind of detail on the pieces.



The pattern instruction sheet is a lesson in paper saving. All the directions for sewing each view - are on the same sheet. That's right! This pattern only has one sheet for the instructions. Modern patterns have 2, 3 even 4 sheets. Of course, modern patterns do tend to have larger images and less text, but even so, the sheer volume of information on this one sheet is just mind blowing.
 

 

It isn't just instructions for construction either. This sheet includes details on how to straighten fabric and how to alter shoulder length. 


 

I think I mentioned in a previous post that I always trace patterns. Well, in this case I am definitely tracing as there is no way I'm altering or adjusting pattern pieces from 1960!

However, I seem to have misplaced my pattern weights. Last time I saw them, our cat was watching over them...

Never mind, they'll turn up! A reel of elastic and some string will do the job of keeping everything still.

Oh, and I think I might have to find my glasses for this one. That text is minuscule. Meanwhile, I need to do a search for the right fabric, so I'm off to the shops.

Bye for now
Olly

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