Haslam System of Dresscutting: Two Books of Draftings

These two treasures are my recent covetous eBay win. As much as I am meant to be saving for Christmas buys, these come up so rarely I just couldn't hold back. There were a good twenty plus books listed as separate lots, something for which I am very grateful, and I allowed myself two. I bid on a few of them, but these were the two I came away with: books number 9 and 21. Though they have no dates they will most likely be late '40s.

If you haven't come across the Haslam systems before, it was designed as a three part drafting system, requiring a chart of your measurements, a special drafting curve/template, and a set of draftings like these. Having finally got to see the draftings for myself, however, you could easily draft these pattern up without the chart or the template, as they are very thorough with the measurements on the diagrams. The original curve templates do come up on eBay occasionally, though they can be hard to find amongst listings as people so rarely know what they are if they are found out of context. Alternatively, I came across this blog post, where you can download a PDF version to print at home! I love the generosity of the blogging community.

Book number 9 is for "Lingerie: with blouses, skirts, overalls and maternity wear".

There are several dressing gowns and house robes

Nightdresses...

Pyjamas...

And lots of lingerie, including slips, bras and different styles of knickers.

I love the pockets of this skirt, and the blouse is a classic 1940s style:

There are also some maternity styles including dresses and smock tops. This lovely swing jacket would be beautiful for non-maternity wear too- it looks so comfy!

 

Book number 21 is for "Spring and Summer" wear, and has pages of full colour illustrations in addition to the black and white sketches.

The ruffled peasant dress is so feminine and sweet.

Beautiful scalloped details. I'm also in love with the simple shawl collar and clean silhouette of the pink dress below: I'll be on the hunt for some winter fabric to make this one up soon I think.

Suits and coats. My favourite is the ruffled peplum design on the pink jacket.

Le Petit Echo de la Mode, June 1951

Today I have images from the 24th June 1951 issue of Le Petit Echo de la Mode. A bit out of season at the moment, so perhaps one for my southern hemisphere readers!

This one is a bit tatty, mostly due to the fact that it has no staples so the pages have slipped out of line, but it still has some lovely pages. Hopefully some of you may have use for French knitting patterns, because this issue has lots!

All images should open up full size if you right click > view image.

Crazy collar anyone?

Modes et Travaux, June 1953

As promised, the other one of these recent buys. This edition comes from June 1953, and is packed with beautiful beach wear, sun dresses and children's play clothes. Is there still time to sew up a couple of copycat items while the weather lasts?

Changing an outfit with a bolero or overskirt:

Oh how I love the turquoise striped dress. Yes, I'm still drooling over that colour, particularly when striped with white!

These embroidery designs are something I will definitely use at some point, as they are included on the transfer sheet. I love the bows and the little kites.

 

Modes et Travaux, August 1952

Last week I was lucky enough to get my hands on two issues on Modes Et Travaux (out of the 6 that I bid on), both complete with their embroidery template sheets. First up today are pages from August 1952.

 

I love these lace blouses- it's hard to choose a favourite between them!

 

 

A set of very sweet embroidered detachable collars (transfer is on the sheet included).

Diagrams for embellishments with embroidery thread woven through a simple row of machine stitches.

Free pattern: Greenocks cap sleeve jumper

This pattern was bought in a charity shop just this afternoon. It is for a simple lace-patterned cap sleeve sweater in sizes 34" to 38" bust, by Scottish company Greenock. It dates from the early 1960s, though the style is typically '50s.

The pattern calls for 3-ply yarn, though with a tension of 6 stitches per inch on fairly large needles it could be made up in a 4 ply or light double knit with smaller needles, giving a slightly denser knit.

Home Notes, September 1947- Free patterns

These are a few pages from a copy of Home Notes dated September 19th, 1947, including a couple of sewing and knitting pattern freebies.

I love the striped dress the girl on the cover is wearing- so bright and cheery!

Free drafting instructions for a basic short sleeved evening sweater, to be sewn in silk boucle. This pattern would make a great starting point for adaptation to so many forties styles.

The only coloured printing inside is reserved for these two adverts for mail-order patterns and fabric cut-out kits. The short sleeved blouse is certainly catching my eye!

And finally a free pattern for a "Two-way Cardigan Jumper", knit in a zig-zag ribbing with a high neckline and choice of sleeve lengths.