• Rosie the Riveter, 1942

    Rosie the Riveter, 1942

    During World War 2, women engaged in wartime work could choose from a variety of sewing patterns for work wear. The array of coveralls available included the mechanic suit, a close cousin to the siren suit or air raid suit (see my earlier post here). This 1942 pattern from Simplicity shows a khaki version paired…

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  • Make the Clothes that Make the Woman

    Make the Clothes that Make the Woman

    The slogan for McCall’s Patterns in the mid-1950s was “Make the clothes that make the woman.” The advertising campaign with this slogan shows two identical women, one dressed in McCall’s pattern pieces, the other in the finished garment. It’s a charming campaign from the Golden Age of Advertising. Here’s a selection, in roughly chronological order:…

    View post: Make the Clothes that Make the Woman

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About the Author

Sarah Sheehan has published articles on couture patterns in DRESS and Selvedge. She launched the PatternVault blog in 2011 with a series on Givenchy sewing patterns by Alexander McQueen. This blog explores the intersections between high fashion and DIY culture. Read full bio.