Don’t Forget To Cut It Larger! Sew-Rite 8953My own sewing pattern instruction sheets often have some

Don’t Forget To Cut It Larger! Sew-Rite 8953My own sewing pattern instruction sheets often have some little note to myself–”cut the side seam allowances wider” “remember you want contrasting facing”–but this set of instructions has so many admonitions to cut it a size larger that you wonder who they were meant for. Was the woman making the pattern not the same one who was going to sew it? Whatever the answer, this is a nice example of the sheath dress and jacket combination which was considered a smart idea for the woman who was working or shopping in the city and then expected to stay downtown for dinner in the 1950s. The fitted sheath dress was the most popular fashion in 1956. Notice that the jacket is also fitted with princess seams and darts to acknowledge womanly curves. With the jacket on, the ensemble could be easily worn to work or in the city at a time when sleeveless was too informal a look on its own. And the longer sleeved version of the jacket would make more sense for office work as well. Then, take off the jacket and the sheath dress had a flirty, deep, shaped neckline. The illustrator showed it with multiple brooches and bracelets, another sign it was for dinner or cocktails. A nice idea yet the simple revers lapel on the jacket is pointed while the dress’ neckline is two curves, creating disharmony in their lines. Although, to be fair, that wouldn’t matter if the jacket is worn closed or discarded. Sew-Rite patterns were sold through newspapers starting in the 1949, often disguised as an article by Barbara Bell, which sounds like a made-up name to me.  -- source link

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