Advance 6841, c. 1954
I realize that Advance 6841 is not one of those earth-shattering, jaw-dropping cocktail gowns from the 1950's, but I do think that there are a few interesting details about this pattern that should be noted.This pattern is for a skirt and a petticoat - separate garments, not a combined all in one type garment. Each is simple with few pattern pieces:
To that end, each garment has its own zipper. The skirt has a center back zipper, while the petticoat has a side seam zipper. Nice touch for reducing bulk, since the two zippers will not be layered over each other. First, the skirt (also note pockets!) and then the petticoat:
When the waistbands are applied, they are stitched with the outside of the waist band to the inside of the skirt. The waist band is then folded with the free edge on the outside and top stitched in place. Today, we do the opposite, by stitching the waistband on right sides together, folding and having the free edge on the inside.
A really neat little extra is the underlap for the petticoat zipper as described by the pattern instructions: if deisred, a fabric extension to protect underclothing may be placed under the zipper. The instructions then go on to explain how to cut and install this underlap before installing the waistband. This is a great extra touch and can be used on any article of clothing with a zipper that will touch skin or possibly snag under garments. We most often see under laps used in trousers and jeans when the fly zipper in inserted, but it is useful in other applications.
The petticoat ruffling is attached to the inside of the petticoat, in three rows.
There were not any pattern pieces for the ruffles, not were there cutting dimensions. This pattern instructions you to purchase 8 yards of 3" novelty ruffling for this project. The pre-ruffled trim is then sewn in successive, overlapping rows to the petticoat. Much easier than making it yourself!
Not the most exciting pattern, but simple and fun!Parting Shot: Handkerchief. What else would I need for my vintage purse but a pretty handkerchief? This is another one of my antique store finds. These are actually quite inexpensive, all of the ones I saw were between $1 and $3 (US) and were clean, ironed and in individual ziplock bags.
11 comments:
What a great little pattern. Lots of tips. I like the pattern envelopes drawings and fabrications - especially the one with the red inside. Cute handkerchief too. I remember getting those for presents.
Summerset .- I love to see what's inside the envelope ..... thanks. is a good idea to sew the zipper to separate and each have their place.
Best wishes, Paco
Thanks for sharing this. I pick up a lot of my vintage hankies and aprons at my church's annual fair. One of my favorite finds is a 1950s apron that says "I hate housework" on it.
Thanks for sharing the pattern instructions. I like the fabric extension detail for the zipper..
Interesting that the petticoat has a zipper. I wore petticoats, but they had elastic waists, I am sure.
Very cool,thank you for sharing that!
I'm really diggin' these interesting construction details in vintage patterns. I'm making a dress right now from a 1951 Vogue pattern that is just fabulous. It has continental pockets in the skirt front, the front edges of the pockets are not pressed under, just folded along a roll line on the side of which you handsew a length of twill tape.
I never expected to use a tailoring technique on the skirt of a dress, but how wonderful!
Thanks so much for sharing this. I'm sure I'll be referring to the zipper underlap in the future!
There are some useful tips in that pattern, thanks for sharing!
The handkerchief resembles some handkerchiefs that my mother kept, they belonged to my grandmother
Interesting pattern. Good luck finding that 3" novelty ruffling!I'll take one of those aprons Lindsay!
What great details about the skirt and petticoat. Thanks for posting!
I actually carry hankies with me at work now. They come in SO handy, and it looks so much better than a white kleenex! (Not to mention environmentally better!)
Great crique of the pattern. I wish hats, gloves and handkerchieves were still popular. Or should I say, "An essential part of dressing."
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