Thursday, November 27, 2014

Free Pattern Friday! Trixie the Donkey


FREE PATTERN FRIDAY - 

Trixie the Donkey
Courtesy of RetroMonkeys

 11 1/4 inches high by 6 1/2 inches long





For this week's Free Pattern, I decided since it's the official kick-off of the holiday shopping season, that I would post a toy pattern. This is one of my favorites. I named her Trixie - she needs a bow. She is made of felt with contrasting stitches and twisted tail. She measures 11 1/4 inches high and 6 1/2 inches long. She's an easy to make little toy. She can be made to be a boy donkey too!


What will you name yours? 


Click HERE for Pattern!

Originally published in Workbasket Magazine, January 1956

Monday, November 24, 2014

Skirt Styles Over the Decades

SKIRTS - Which is right for You? 


by Mary Beth, RetroMonkeys

A couple of months ago when I was in the middle of my five part series on necklines, some readers expressed an interest in learning more about the different styles of skirts. Sherri from SewBettyandDot did an article on skirts. To read, CLICK HERE.

Well, here is the first insttallment of two.






The A-Line Skirt is a wardrobe essential. A simple modified triangle. Barely modified - the top cut  off and the base slightly curved. It can be made in any length from Micro-Mini to Evening length.

         Vintage Needle Finds      Pattern Memories        Vienna's Grace                 Bessie and Maive
       



The Broomstick
The traditional broomstick skirt is tiered and has vertical creases or wrinkles. It has several names - Gypsy, hippie, peasant, bohemian, or tiered. They can be made out of gauze and twisted around a broomstick to create the wrinkles.



            MBChills                           Virtual Vintage                  OddRoom               Historically Patterns 
       

The Bubble

The bubble skirt is a full skirt that is gathered inward and upward at the hemline.
    Pengy Patterns                        FancyWork                        Fragolina                       DejaVous


Circle 



Everyone loves  a circle skirt! A great style for every body type. It is what it's name more than implies! It is a circle with a waistband. It served as the iconic 1950's poodle skirt and is still a popular and versitle style for today's wardrobe! 


    RetroMonkeys                       Jantiki                             Pengy Patterns                 KinseySue



Dirndl



The dirndl originated in Austria. It was called Dirndlgewand which means maid dress. Dirndl was originally the entire outfit. Skirt, Blouse,bodice (vest), and the apron. Modern use of the term apples to the circular skirt with gathers usually concentrated at the center front. Below are some examples of the variations and wide range that is the Dirndl! 

         Sydcam              SoVintageonEtsy                      BeththeBookLady               DesignRewind