Hint of History: Vintage-Inspired Patterns

2010-11-13T12:08:00.000-08:00

NEW!

Victorian Walking Ensemble Doll Pattern

Knitting Pattern Collection

2009-04-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

Easy Lace Half Circle Shawl with Ruffled Edging

Hint of History Knitting Pattern #k01

This shawl combines two great features: elegance of appearance and simplicity of construction. Even a beginning knitter can handle this yarn-over based lace pattern. Since the shawl is knit on large needles, it can be finished in a few afternoons.

File size: 0.38 MB

Download Price: $5.00 Download Now

Cherry Blossoms Knitted Felted Purse
Hint of History Knitting Pattern #k02

An easy knitted felted purse pattern with a cherry branch embroidered on the bag and then felted in! The bag is knit in one piece, embroidered, and then thrown in the washing machine to shrink. Snap or magnetic closure.

File size: 2.16 MB

Download Price: $5.00 Download Now

The 1940s Scalloped Apron pattern is here!

2008-10-24T09:36:00.000-07:00

I know I promised you this pattern months ago, but I have been so busy wearing an apron made from this pattern that I haven’t had a chance to finish formatting the pattern!

Since I practically live in my apron during the late summer/fall canning season, I have very particular requirements for the apron I wear:

It must not need continual attention (straps falling off your shoulder, straps around your neck shifting forward, skirt twisting around, etc.).

It must cover my skirt well--not only the front, but the sides and back!

It must have pockets that are of a practical size.

It must be flattering--after all, can’t you cook better when you’re satisfied with your appearance? (Ok, maybe you can’t, but still...)

This apron meets all of my requirements. Believe me, it has been extensively kitchen-tested, and has come through with flying colors!

Download Price: $6.00 Download Now

Fashion [re]Model: Dress to Skirt

2008-06-13T09:33:00.000-07:00

Here is one of my latest sewing projects: a 25-cent thrift store dress that has been remodeled to become one of my very favorite skirts! With so many colors in the floral print, it can be matched with almost every shirt in my closet!

First I ripped out the sleeves and shoulder seams. I tried it on and pinned the side seams before I cut the extra material off. Below is a diagram showing the approximate cutting lines:
The dress had a short zipper in the center back. I ripped it out and moved it down to line up with the new waistline, and finished the waistline with a simple, narrow hem that won't add bulk.

So there it is: the best quarter I've spent in a long time!

Be sure to visit the Biblical Womanhood blog for more Frugal Friday ideas!

Cross-Over Braids

2008-06-07T09:33:00.000-07:00

Stop by my friend Janna's blog, The Joy of Home,
for some great hairstyle instructions!

How Do E-Patterns Work?

2008-04-15T07:19:00.000-07:00

Here is a step-by-step guide to downloading and printing Hint of History e-patterns.

Once you buy the pattern, you will be sent an email with the download link. Save the patterns to your computer as instructed on the download page.

The patterns are in .pdf format. If you do not already have it, download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader which you will need to open the .pdf files.

Included in the download package for the Basic Kimono Dress are three files:

All files are formatted to print on standard 8.5" x 11" paper. When you click on "print", check the printer settings to make sure that "page scaling" is set to "none".

Once you have printed out the pages, check the reference line which will be on one of the pages and make sure that it is 4" long.

Each pattern piece has a number and letter in the corner. A diagram is included in the pattern file that shows you how the pieces go together. Simply tape the pieces together in the correct order, and you're ready to go!

The Day-Before-Easter Circle Skirt

2008-04-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

On the Friday evening before Easter, my sister decided that she wanted a new skirt to wear on Sunday. Fortunately, the size of our fabric stash makes such spur-of-the-moment projects possible! We found some pretty spring-colored calico and sent it to the washing machine so it would be ready to cut out on Saturday morning.

I folded the fabric to form a square, then cut the pieces out without a pattern, using pins to mark a few important lines. Because of the size of the fabric, the skirt had three seams: one at each side and one in the center back. The only measurements I needed were the waist to hem length (though that was determined by the size of the fabric) and the waist measurement. We decided to put in an elasticized waistband, so the waist measurement took that into account.

Here is a diagram showing how the pieces were cut out:
My sister did all of the sewing herself (with the exception of the top stitching on the bias tape, when I took pity on her!) and was able to finish the skirt by early Saturday afternoon.

We decided to bind the hem with double fold bias tape for three reasons:

1. The fabric was so lightweight I thought it would benefit from a heavier and more defined hemline.

2. The pink of the bias tape helped bring out the pink flowers in the fabric, which were otherwise lost in a sea of blue-green.

3. Circular skirts are a pain to hem. =D

Adapting the Shawl Collar Dress for Nursing

2008-04-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

A mother asked me if I had any ideas for altering the Shawl Collar Dress so that it can be worn as a nursing dress. After a much-too-long delay, here is my proposed solution:

There would be an inner front waistband sewn to the skirt and the center front inset. The outer waistband, sewn to the two fronts of the bodice, would be attached to the inner waistband and each other by snaps (the circles) and skirt hooks and eyes (the dots).

Here is a diagram showing how to cut out the inset, using as a guide the bodice pattern and the original triangular inset piece.

I have not tested this idea, so I will not guarantee that it works! If you try this, or have discovered your own way to adapt the pattern for nursing mothers, I would love to hear about it.

And I though it was springtime . . .

2008-04-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

The sun was warm but the wind was chill.
You know how it is with an April day.
When the sun is out and the wind is still,
You're one month on in the middle of May.
But if you so much as dare to speak,
a cloud comes over the sunlit arch,
And wind comes off a frozen peak,
And you're two months back in the middle of March.

- Robert Frost

(I took these pictures on Friday and Sunday, respectively!)

Dressing up . . .

2008-03-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

. . . do you ever outgrow it?

High-Heeled Shoes

I like to wear my Mommie's shoes.
I mean the pair she doesn't use.

I pick the ones with highest heels,
You can't imagine how it feels

To walk around, go out the door,
Clump-clumping all across the floor.

--Kate Cox Goddard

Bias Tape on a Curve

2008-03-07T09:19:00.000-08:00

Putting bias tape on a straight seam is one thing. How does a curved seam (such as a neckline) affect the way bias tape works? Here are instructions for putting bias tape on a curve.

The green bias tape is single fold, and the dark pink is double fold. The finished double fold bias tape hem is narrower, but slightly thicker.

Before you pin or sew the bias tape, lay it on your ironing board and curve it to match the curve of your fabric. Iron it well, using lots of steam.

Fold open one side of the bias tape. Pin it, right side of the bias tape to the right side of your fabric, so that when you sew in the crease of the fold, your seam allowance will be 5/8″ (or whatever seam allowance your pattern calls for). Sew, being sure to stay in the crease line on the bias tape. Trim off excess fabric at the seam allowance.

Clip the seam along the curved area, being careful not to cut into the stitches. This will allow the fabric in the seam allowance to lay flat, without binding and puckering up the curved seam.

Fold the bias tape towards the seam allowance and iron. Stitch 1/8″ or so from the edge of the bias tape that is sewn to the fabric. This line of stitching is the secret to a clean, finished edge!

If you are using double fold bias tape, fold it over and around the seam.

Fold the bias tape over to the wrong side of fabric. Pin it carefully before you sew to make sure that the fabric doesn't shift as you are sewing. That will create diagonal puckers from the seam to the topstitching.

Stitch close to the edge of the bias tape. Because of the second line of stitching, it should fold over nicely and give you a sharp edge without any bias tape showing on the right side of your fabric.

Three-Step Bias Tape Installation

2008-02-27T09:16:00.000-08:00

When I started sewing, one of my first projects was a simple jumper with bias-tape bound neck and armholes. After some experiences in which seam rippers figured prominently, I asked mom to put the bias tape in.

Biased (haha) by these early experiences, I regarded bias tape as a nuisance that usually ended with unwanted slivers of bias tape peeking over the edge of the finished seam, until I mastered the art of 3-step bias tape installation.

Fold open one side of the bias tape. Pin it, right side of the bias tape to the right side of your fabric, so that when you sew in the crease of the fold, your seam allowance will be 5/8" (or whatever seam allowance your pattern calls for). Sew, being sure to stay in the crease line on the bias tape. Trim off excess fabric at the seam allowance.

Fold the bias tape towards the seam allowance and iron. Stitch 1/8" or so from the edge of the bias tape that is sewn to the fabric. This line of stitching is the secret to a clean, finished edge!

Fold the bias tape over to the wrong side of fabric and stitch it close to edge of bias tape. Because of the second line of stitching, it should fold over nicely and give you a sharp edge without any bias tape showing on the right side of your fabric.

Blocking a Lace Shawl

2008-02-14T09:08:00.000-08:00

I finished my pink alpaca shawl this week. It's always fun to take a project off the needles so you can see what it really looks like. I was amazed at the size of this shawl! Deciding where to block it took a little thought, but I finally decided that the best place was a large mattress the kids play on. Even that was scarcely big enough--I had to wrap the shawl around the edges when I pinned it!The shawl before blocking. Here are directions on blocking lace from Knitpicks.
I dampened the shawl, then rolled it in a towel to squeeze out the extra water.
Many minutes and 145 pins later, the shawl was stretched out and pinned to the mattress at each scalloped edge. I issued stern injunctions against jumping or stepping on said mattress, and the shawl was ready to dry.

Organizing Sewing Supplies

2008-02-08T09:05:00.000-08:00

Sewing requires a lot of little tools: the pins, needles and pincushions, thread, scissors, tape measures, buttons, seam ripper, thimble . . . How to keep them all organized? Fabric stores are full of organizing helps and special containers for every sort of sewing gear, but I hate to spend money on storage--especially with my poor track record for keeping things in their own specific box!

I have a bad habit of scattering my sewing supplies and projects all through the house. I will admit right now that when it comes to "organized", I am the last person who should talk, but I do try to simplify my system and stick to it. Here is what works to contain the sewing supplies that find their way to my room: a three-tiered tray.

I bought this tray on Ebay, but I picked up another one secondhand for only a few dollars. Little things, like the seam ripper, wrist-pincushion, and embroidery scissors, sit on the top tier, while thread fills up the second tier. The lowest level holds scissors, a tape measure, a handmade felted rose pincushion, and a solitary, saucer-less teacup filled with assorted buttons and a few dulled sewing machine needles I use when sewing paper.

If you have no specific sewing area, limited space, or no cabinets to keep your sewing paraphernalia out of sight, a pretty tiered tray may be just the thing to hold your sewing supplies. It's pretty enough to be stored on an open shelf, can be easily carried to or from your sewing area, and gives you multiple levels to organize your supplies.

What's the Deal With Sizes?

2008-01-04T09:03:00.000-08:00

Ever noticed how sizing varies from company to company? If you're a new seamstress you may be surprised when you realize that the sizing of sewing patterns is radically different than that of off-the-rack clothing!

I've had at least one seamstress ask me about the size charts I use for my patterns, confused because by my charts she was several sizes larger than she was in off-the-rack clothing.

I use the US Standard Clothing Size in designing my patterns, which means that you will probably be a larger size in my patterns than you are in off-the-rack clothing.

To illustrate the differences between sewing pattern sizing and off-the-rack sizing, let me compare a size 12 in off-the-rack size, standard clothing size, and--for the fun of it--the measurements given for a size 12 on a pattern from the 40s.

------------------------------------------------

Off-the-rack|Standard Clothing Size|1940s Pattern
Bust: 38.5 34 30

Waist: 29.5 26.5 25

Hips: 40 36 33

------------------------------------------------

As you can see, there's a huge difference in the measurements that claim to be "size 12"--a 2008 off-the-rack size 12 is roughly equivalent to a size 20 pattern in the 1940s!

A word about ease: Most big pattern companies--not my patterns!--add so much ease to their patterns that I often make my garments 2 or 3 sizes smaller than my measurements say. I recommend looking at the "actual garment size" (usually printed on the pattern piece) and choosing your size according to that. You do need some ease, but you may not be happy with the fit of your garment with the large amounts of ease most pattern allow!

The bottom line: Don't judge a garment or pattern by its "size"--the measurements are what really count!

Free (or practically free) lace!

2007-12-14T09:01:00.000-08:00

Going along with my last post on free (or practically free) buttons, I'd like to suggest visiting thrift stores with lace and other trimmings in mind. Lace--especially "real looking" lace-- is often extremely expensive. Lace off of thrift store garments can be an affordable alternative.

The picture shows my latest free lace find--over two yards of wide, double-edged vintage lace from the neckline of an orange polyester evening gown that someone chopped off at the knees. (When I told some of my friends about the dress, describing it as an "awful orange"--meaning a color that would never flatter me--an orange-lover well-I-never'ed, so I have omitted any excess adjectives, positive or negative!)

Here is another Thrift Store Directory to help you find stores in your area.

2007-12-13T08:46:00.000-08:00

Have you ever picked up your knitting or crocheting project, only to spend the first few minutes figuring out which row of the pattern you're on? These bracelets, which work like an abacus, are a handy--and pretty--way to keep track of your rows. (I'm currently on row 126 of 154 on my pink shawl.)

You'll need:

9 large beads (to count 10s)

9 medium beads (to count 1s)

assorted small beads to space out the counting beads and make the marking loops (I used green beads for the loops, and two sizes of pearl beads for the spacers)

clasp

clear beading thread

stretchy beading cord

Using some of your smaller beads and the stretchy beading cord, make two marking loops; one for the 10s and one for the 1s. Make sure the loop is large enough the beads can pass through easily, but not so large that they'll slip through accidentally and throw your counting off. Tie the loops with very secure knots.
Attach the clear beading thread to one half of the clasp using a half hitch. Make sure the two ends of the beading thread are of even lengths.
Begin stringing the counting beads, separated by the small beads, onto the two threads. You will need more spacing beads between the 1 beads than between the 10 beads. Try to space them so that the two strands are of even lengths. Don't forget to slip a marking loop onto each strand!
If you have used all of the counting beads but the bracelet is too short for your wrist, string more beads onto both threads at once until it's the right length.
Tie the threads securely to the other half of the clasp. Pass the threads back through several beads before you cut the ends off.
There you have it--never loose your place in a pattern again!

Pink Alpaca Knitted Lace Shawl

2007-12-10T08:43:00.000-08:00

I try to make sure that I always have some kind of bring-along project started: knitting, embroidering, crocheting, tatting...

This fall, just before a long car trip, I found myself without a project. Mom's stash came to the rescue!
She had on hand three skeins of Alpaca Cloud yarn (in "peppermint heather") and the Rona Lace Shawl pattern. I like the pattern--it's not too simple, and yet not frustratingly hard. I've been working on the shawl on and off for the last two months, and soon it will be finished--I'm looking forward to seeing what it will look like once I take it off the circular needles and block it.

Free (or practically free) buttons!

2007-12-07T08:28:00.000-08:00

The price of sewing notions can easily make up half of the cost of a dress. Buttons are especially pricey. What to do when you're a seamstress on a budget?

If you have thrift stores in your area, you might want to consider going to them with buttons in mind. I have gotten a dozen shell buttons (which would cost $6-$8 new) off of a dress that cost under $5--that's not counting the nice rayon fabric to re-make into a new skirt or dress! Thrift stores with "free" sections are the best--even hopelessly stained outfits can contribute their buttons before joining the rag bag (as the buttons on the sweater, above).

Check out the Thrift Store Directory to see if there are any stores near your home!

Creating a Wedding Dress

2007-12-01T09:39:00.000-08:00

When my brother got engaged last spring, his fiancee asked me to make the wedding dress. She gave me a picture she and her sisters had drawn of what it should look like. With the drawing, a very basic princess seam dress pattern and an old blue sheet, we started work one afternoon.

After some reckless cutting of fabric and basting of seams, I had Audra put the mock-up on inside out while I re-pinned the seams, taking in and letting out, basting and re-basting. That first afternoon we got the whole mock-up fitted and decided on the width and positioning of the four triangular skirt insets. Since all of the fitting and figuring was done, the dress went together very quickly once we got the fabric.

Dotted: usual cutting & grain line

Solid: modified cutting & grain line

Cheri asked me about the sleeves on the dress. I cut them out freehand, matching the length of the top of the sleeve to the size of the dress armhole. (And yes, I made a trial sleeve--or two--before I cut into the real fabric!) Audra wanted a flared, yet not butterfly, sleeve. To achieve the desired flutter without extra fullness at the top and middle of the sleeve, I curved the sides of the pattern out, and then cut the piece out on the bias so that it wouldn't bind and would have a nice drape. Very narrow hems, slightly stretched as I sewed, finished the sleeves off with a gentle ripple.

The main fabric was an ivory colored polyester damask, while the sleeves were a slightly textured semi-sheer polyester. The whole dress was lined with unbleached cotton that was finished with French seams on the inside.

Hint of History Gallery

2006-03-20T10:22:00.000-08:00

1912 Shawl Collar Dress

Kimono Sleeve Jumper Dress and Blouse

Lace Insertion Dress & Drawstring Slip Pattern

1940s Apron E-Pattern

Edwardian E-Patterns

Drop Waist Girls' Dress

Girls' Buttoned Bib Apron

18" Doll Lace Insertion Dress

6" Doll Patterns

Contact

2006-03-20T09:50:00.000-08:00

Email Address
hintofhistory@gmail.com

Postal Address
Amanda Kastner Designs
13900 Irvine Ave NW
Bemidji, MN 56601

If you would prefer not to order over the internet,
here is a Printable PDF Order Form.

About Hint of History

2006-03-20T09:49:00.000-08:00

Amanda Kastner, designer

I have always loved history, dresses, colors, and drawing--what better way to combine them all than to design and sew historically-inspired clothing? Since teaching myself to draft sewing patterns almost a decade ago, I've continued to develop my interest and abilities in sewing and designing. In 2004 my 1911 Kimono Dress Pattern won first place in a designing contest, which gave me the incentive to launch my own line of sewing patterns in 2006.

Shipping Rates
All domestic orders are shipped USPS first class or priority mail.
Domestic orders over $35 receive free shipping.
International orders are shipped USPS flat rate priority mail.
Most items ship within 24 hours.

Wholesale Information
If you are a retailer or distributor and would like to carry my patterns, please contact me for more information on wholesale rates.

Commercial Use
Purchase of a pattern entitles you to make as many garments as you like for yourself, your family, and your friends; however, if you sew commercially or are selling garments made from my patterns for a profit, please contact me for more information on purchasing a 1-year sewing license. Please respect my rights as the designer. Thank you!

The 6 Inch Dolls' Fashion Collection

2006-03-20T09:47:00.000-08:00

These patterns are perfect for tiny dolls that stand about six inches high. The dresses are so small that hand sewing is the best choice, making them excellent take-along projects.

Shawl Collar Dress

Dolls' Collection #401

Designed especially for smaller dolls, this version of the Shawl Collar Dress closes up the front with Velcro. The pattern and illustrated instructions come on one sheet in a resealable doll-sized (2"x3.75") plastic bag.

Price: $4.00 Add to Cart
Download Price: $3.00 Download Now

Related Patterns:
Women's Shawl Collar Dress Pattern
18" Dolls' Shawl Collar Dress Pattern

1913 Drop-Waist Dress

Dolls' Collection #402

Designed especially for smaller dolls, the 1913 drop-waist dress closes in the back withVelcro. The pattern and illustrated instructions come on one sheet in a resealable doll-sized (2"x3.75") plastic bag.

Price: $4.00 Add to Cart
Download Price: $3.00 Download Now

Buttoned Bib Apron

Dolls' Collection #403

Designed especially for smaller dolls, this apron pattern closes in the back with a snap or Velcro. The pattern and illustrated instructions come on one sheet in a resealable doll-sized (2"x3.75") plastic bag.

Price: $4.00 Add to Cart
Download Price: $3.00 Download Now

Related Patterns:
Girls' Buttoned Bib Apron Pattern
18" Dolls' Buttoned Bib Apron Pattern

Buy All Three and Save!

Price for all three patterns: $10.00 Add to Cart
Download Price for all three patterns: $7.00 Download Now

The 18 Inch Dolls' Fashion Collection

2006-03-20T09:46:00.000-08:00

Patterns for 18" dolls

Patterns for 6" dolls

1913 Drop Waist Dress & Buttoned Bib Apron
18" Dolls' Collection #301

The dolls' version of the girls' 1913 drop-waist dress pattern and the buttoned bib apron. The dress closes with velcro for easy on/off during play.
Price: $10.00 Add to Cart

Related Patterns:

Girls' 1913 Drop-Waist Dress Pattern

6" Dolls' 1913 Drop Waist Dress Pattern

Girls' Buttoned Bib Apron Pattern

6" Dolls' Buttoned Bib Apron Pattern

Shawl Collar Dress & Lace Insertion Dress

18" Dolls' Collection #302

The dolls' version of the women's shawl collar dress pattern and the lace insertion dress pattern. The shawl collar dress closes at the side front and the lace insertion dress closes at the center back with velcro for easy on/off during play.
Price: $10.00 Add to Cart

Related Patterns:

Women's Shawl Collar Dress Pattern
Women's Lace Insertion Dress Pattern

6" Dolls' Shawl Collar Dress Pattern

1930s Hooverette Dress

18" Dolls' Collection #e303

Inspired by the “Hooverette” wrap-style housedresses and aprons of the 1930s, this cute and simple dress comes together quickly even for the beginning seamstress! The neck and armholes are finished with double-fold bias tape, and the dress is fastened with ties threaded through a buttonhole. Instructions are also included for sewing a reversible lined version of the dress, making it doubly versatile.

Only available as a downloadable e-pattern.

Download Price: $6.00
Buy Now

Victorian Walking Ensemble

Loosely based upon styles of the 1870s, this ensemble includes an underskirt, bustled overskirt, blouse, jacket and hat. The pieces can be worn as a complete outfit, or create several coordinating sets for more mix-and-match fun!

Only available as a downloadable e-pattern.

Download Price: $8.00
Buy Now

1912 Lace Insertion Dress

Based on the styles of 1912, this dress features a lace waistband, cuffs, and a lace detail on the skirt. The dress closes at the center back with velcro for easy on/off during play.

Available as a downloadable e-pattern.

Download Price: $5.00
Buy Now

6" Doll Patterns

These patterns are perfect for tiny dolls that stand about six inches high. The pattern and illustrated instructions come on one sheet in a resealable doll-sized (2"x3.75") plastic bag. The dresses are so small that hand sewing is the best choice, making them excellent take-along projects.

Shawl Collar Dress

6" Dolls' Collection #401

Price: $4.00 Add to Cart

Download Price: $3.00 Download Now

Related Patterns:

Women's Shawl Collar Dress Pattern

18" Dolls' Shawl Collar Dress Pattern

1913 Drop-Waist Dress

6" Dolls' Collection #402

Price: $4.00 Add to Cart

Download Price: $3.00 Download Now

Related Patterns:

Girls' 1913 Drop-Waist Dress Pattern

18" Dolls' 1913 Drop Waist Dress Pattern

Buttoned Bib Apron

6" Dolls' Collection #403

Price: $4.00 Add to Cart

Download Price: $3.00 Download Now

Related Patterns:

Girls' Buttoned Bib Apron Pattern

18" Dolls' Buttoned Bib Apron Pattern

Buy All Three and Save!

Price for all three 6" doll patterns: $10.00 Add to Cart

Download Price for all three 6" doll patterns: $7.00 Download Now

The 1940s E-Pattern Collection

2006-03-20T09:45:00.000-08:00

Scalloped Apron

1940s e-Patterns #E4001
Sizes small, medium, large included

Feminine and practical with a 1940s flavor, this apron will keep you covered in the kitchen. The apron's scalloped skirt protects front, sides, and back, while the princess seamed bodice gives shaping, and a button ensures that the wide scalloped shoulder straps won't slip out of place.
This e-pattern includes one file:

Complete illustrated sewing instructions and complete sewing pattern

More information on how the E-Patterns work
File Size: 1.18 MB
Download Price: $6.00 Download Now

The Edwardian E-Pattern Collection

2006-03-20T09:44:00.000-08:00

Scalloped Apron

1940s e-Patterns #E4001

Sizes small, medium, large included

Feminine and practical with a 1940s flavor, this apron will keep you covered in the kitchen. The apron's scalloped skirt protects front, sides, and back, while the princess seamed bodice gives shaping, and a button ensures that the wide scalloped shoulder straps won't slip out of place.

This e-pattern includes one file:

Complete illustrated sewing instructions and complete sewing pattern

File Size: 1.18 MB
Download Price: $6.00 Download Now

More information on how the E-Patterns work

Edwardian E-Patterns

Hint of History’s Mix and Match Edwardian E-Patterns are for the seamstress who is ready for a more flexible sewing experience. Designed to give you confidence as you break away from the restrictions of a conventional sewing pattern, they bridge the gap between pattern dependency and the freedom of modifying a pattern to create your own original idea based on a photo or illustration!

Buy the basic pattern, which includes complete illustrated instructions, then buy the variation instructions, which show you how to manipulate the basic pattern to create the design and put the garment together. Each file comes with fitting suggestions and complete illustrated instructions on modifying the basic pattern and putting the garment together.

More information on how the E-Patterns work

Basic Kimono Dress

Edwardian e-Patterns #E01

Sizes 6 to 24 included

An easy, basic dress with an A-line skirt and a kimono bodice (bodice and sleeves are cut in one piece). The kimono style was very popular in the early 1910s, and is a simple, yet elegant, style even today. The dress slips over the head and closes at the side with a zipper.

This e-pattern includes three files:

Basic Kimono Bodice Pattern
Basic Skirt Pattern
Complete illustrated fitting and sewing instructions

File Size: 2.84 MB
Download Price: $6.00 Download Now

Kimono Dress & Crossover Bodice Overdress

Edwardian e-Patterns #E02

Sizes 6 to 24 included

This dress is a variation based on the Basic Kimono Dress e-Pattern. You will need the Basic Kimono Dress e-Pattern in addition to these instructions. The file includes instructions on altering the basic pattern and also the specialized pattern pieces you will need for this design.

This e-pattern includes one file:

Kimono Dress & Crossover Bodice Overdress Instructions

File Size: 1.25 MB
Download Price: $6.00 Download Now

Buy it with the Basic Kimono Dress e-Pattern and save 25%!
This e-pattern includes four files:

Basic Kimono Bodice Pattern
Basic Skirt Pattern
Basic Kimono Dress Instructions
Kimono Dress & Crossover Bodice Overdress Instructions

File Size: 4.1 MB
Download Price: $9.00 Download Now

Lace Yoked Kimono Dress

Edwardian e-Patterns #E03

Sizes 6 to 24 included

Lace Yoked Kimono Dress Instructions

File Size: 1.18 MB
Download Price: $6.00 Download Now

Buy it with the Basic Kimono Dress e-Pattern and save 25%!
This e-pattern includes four files:

Basic Kimono Bodice Pattern
Basic Skirt Pattern
Basic Kimono Dress Instructions
Lace Yoked Kimono Dress Instructions

File Size: 4.03 MB
Download Price: $9.00 Download Now

Buy All Three and Save!

This e-pattern includes five files:

Basic Kimono Bodice Pattern
Basic Skirt Pattern
Basic Kimono Dress Instructions
Kimono Dress & Crossover Bodice Overdress Instructions
Lace Yoked Kimono Dress Instructions

File Size: 5.29 MB
Download Price for all three patterns: $15.00 Download Now

The Girls' Fashion Collection

2006-03-20T09:37:00.000-08:00

Drop Waist Girls' Dress

Girls' Collection #201

Inspired by several fashion plates from 1913, this drop-waist dress is easy to sew and comfortable and practical for active little girls to wear. View 1 features a round embroidered collar (simple 'lazy-daisy' embroidery design included with the pattern) and belt with decorative ends, while the square collar on view 2 sports six decorative buttons. The pattern is rated easy. It comes with a color cover in a resealable plastic bag. Sizes 1 to 8 are included for a custom fit.
Price: $12.00 Add to Cart
If you ordered on of the very first printings of this pattern,
you may need to download a corrected belt and neckline pattern piece .

Related Patterns:

18" Dolls' 1913 Drop-Waist Dress Pattern

6" Dolls' 1913 Drop Waist Dress Pattern

Girls' Buttoned Bib Apron
Girls' Collection #202

This apron was designed for practicality. Closing with one button in the back, it’s easy to put on or take off half a dozen times a day. The bodice and skirt securely cover and protect the dress underneath, and the straps are designed not to shift around or slide off of little shoulders. Two pockets will safely hold little treasures, and the lined bodice helps prevent spills from soaking through. The pattern is rated easy. It comes with a color cover in a resealable plastic bag. Sizes 1 to 8 (small, medium, large) are included for a custom fit.
Price: $10.00 Add to Cart

Related Patterns:

18" Dolls' Buttoned Bib Apron Pattern

6" Dolls' Buttoned Bib Apron Pattern

The 1910s Fashion Collection

2006-03-20T09:32:00.000-08:00

1912 Shawl Collar Dress Pattern

1910s Collection #101

Based on a fashion plate from 1912, this pattern comes with two options. View 1 features a lace-trimmed collar, 3/4 length sleeves and asymmetrical side front button closure, which is very typical of the era. View 2 is a simpler design with a plain or piped collar, full-length sleeves and side skirt-hook closure. The pattern is rated intermediate for the closure and optional piping or lace trimmed collar and sleeves. The pattern comes with a color cover in a resealable plastic bag. Sizes 6 to 24 are included for a custom fit.
Price: $15.00 Add to Cart

Related Patterns:

18" Dolls' Shawl Collar Dress Pattern

6" Dolls' Shawl Collar Dress Pattern

Kimono Sleeve Jumper Dress and Blouse

1910s Collection #102

This pattern, based on fashions of the early 1910s, features a kimono sleeve style bodice gathered and darted to a wide waistband and A-line skirt. It closes up the back with an invisible zipper. The high-necked blouse accompanying it closes along the left shoulder to leave the center front and back unspoiled by buttons or zippers. The drawstring waist keeps the blouse from riding up or shifting out of position. The pattern is rated intermediate for the curves and fitting in the jumper bodice. The pattern comes with a color cover in a resealable plastic bag. Sizes 6 to 24 are included for a custom fit.
Price: $15.00 Add to Cart

Lace Insertion Dress & Drawstring Slip Pattern

1910s Collection #103

This pattern is based on a photo of a dress from the early 1910s. It features lace-trimmed sleeves and waist, with a strip of lace inserted down the front of the skirt. The dress closes with a buttoned shoulder placket and two button straps at the left side waist, with the option of a side zipper if needed. The accompanying slip pattern goes on over the head, and has a drawstring at the waist to take in extra fullness. The pattern is rated intermediate for the closures and lace insertion. The pattern comes with a color cover in a resealable plastic bag. Sizes 6 to 24 are included for a custom fit.
Price: $15.00 Add to Cart OUT OF STOCK

Related Patterns:

18" Dolls' Lace Insertion Dress Pattern

Free Twisted Updo Hairstyle Instructions

2006-03-20T07:17:00.000-08:00

This style works best for me when my hair is slightly damp, and it has become a favorite post-washing updo.
You will need:
Hair brush
About 5 hair pins
Optional hairsticks or clips for decoration
Brush your hair and part it down the middle or to the side.
Starting above one ear, roll you hair back.
Continue rolling until half of your hair is in the roll, ending at the base of your neck.
Hold the first roll (or get someone to help you) and begin rolling the second side.
Roll that side to the base of your neck.
Give each of the rolls a twist or two, but give the right one several extra twists.
Put the left roll over the right one and hold it in one hand. Brush your hair to smooth it out, if needed.
Twist all of your hair to the right (this is why the right one needs to have extra twists before it's counter-twisted).
Continue twisting as far as you can.
Fold the twisted hair back on itself and let it twist around itself one or twice (depending on the length of your hair) and coil the ends under.
Hold the twists firm while you put in the hairpins.
I usually use one pin at the top and two on each side.

Free Edwardian Braided Updo Hairstyle Instructions

2006-03-20T07:03:00.000-08:00

After watching the Masterpiece Theater version of Pollyanna, which is set in the early 1910s, I wanted to create a hairstyle similar to the ones in the movie. I experimented until I came up with this style, which works even on my very straight, flyaway hair. Once you master rolling your hair back smoothly, this is a fairly easy but very elegant hairstyle. I can do it on myself in about five minutes, and it has become a staple style in my hairdressing repertoire!

You will need:
Hair brush
Two metal barrettes
Assorted hairpins
Hair tie
Flowers or other decoration

Part your hair down the middle or to the side. Starting above the ear, roll one side of your hair back and secure it at the back of your head with a barrette.

Roll the other side back and secure it with a barrette. The barrettes may be on top of eachother; that’s fine. Smooth out your hair if it has any lumpy places.

Braid your hair as far as you can; secure it with a hair tie, preferably one similar to your hair color. Secure the flowers in your hair with a hair pin.

Fold your braid upwards and curl it around into a bun, tucking the hair tie under the braid, and covering up the flower stems. I usually use five hairpins: one on each corner and one at the top.