The epitome of a well accessorized woman
from
Needlewoman magazine, 1935
Needlewoman magazine, 1935
One of the best things about vintage sewing patterns and about vintage fashion in general, is that so much more attention was paid to accessories! According to my 1943 'Complete Book of Sewing'...
Accessories make one dress do the work of three, bring last year's dress up to date, turn a simple dress into an elaborate one, and impart an air of luxury to an expensive dress. They are easy to make and cost practically nothing if you use scraps of material left over from suits an dresses, or keep your eyes open for remnants. They can be quickly added to your dress, and they make an incalculable difference in the smartness of your appearance.Everything from hats to belts, handbags to gloves is included in accessories. Here are some examples of accessories through the decades (from the 30s to the 60s):
Hats
1. 1937 ladies hat pattern available at EvaDress; 2. 1940's Butterick hat pattern, available at this shop on Etsy; 3. 1950's John Frederics Toque hat pattern, available at this shop on Etsy; 4. 1960's hats, nightcap and curler bag, available at this shop on Etsy.
Belts
1. 1939 Simplicity dress pattern with belt options, available at Miss Betty's Attic; 2. 1940's belts and cumberbund pattern, available from Mrs Depew Vintage; 3. 1950's accessories pattern with several belt options, photo from Flickriver; 4. 1960's accesories pattern with two belt options, available at this shop on Etsy.Gloves
1. 1930's Butterick gloves pattern, available at this shop on Etsy; 2. 1940's gloves pattern, available from this shop on Etsy; 3. 1950's Simplicity Designers gloves pattern, available from The Blue Gardenia; 4. Late 50's gloves pattern, available at this shop on Etsy.
Handbags
1. 1930's cloche, bag and scarf pattern, available at from Mrs Depew Vintage; 2. 1940's drawstring bag pattern, available from this shop on Etsy; 3. 1950's Simplicity accessories pattern including two clutches, available from Mrs Depew Vintage; 4. 1960's dress and handbag pattern, available at this shop on Etsy.
Miscellaneous Accessories
1. 1930's accessories pattern including hat, scarf, gloves and spats, available from Wearing History; 2. 1940's fabric flowers pattern, image from the Vintage Pattern Wiki; 3. 1950's dress and shawl pattern, available from this shop on Etsy; 4. 1960's felt slippers and slipper case pattern, available at this shop on Etsy.
Resources
Tutorial from my 1943 'Complete Book of Sewing' by Constance Talbot
Here are a few tutorials and free patterns to sew up your own vintage and vintage-inspired accessories (please share your own links as well!):
Hats:
- 10 free hat tutorials at The Sew Weekly
- Vintage bowler hat tutorial from Bramcost Publications
- Vintage tutorial and pattern links at Va Va Voom Vintage
Belts:
- Belt Making School tutorials and buckle kits available at A Fashionable Stitch
- Leather bow belt tutorial from Casey's Elegant Musings
- Fabric bow belt tutorial from Tilly and the Buttons
Gloves:
- 50s leather gloves tutorial from Of Dreams and Seams
- Vintage wrist length gloves tutorial
Handbags and Purses:
- Bag making tutorials with 45 different free bag patterns from Frugal and Thriving
- Purse making tutorials with 143 different free patterns
- Cute mod pear-shaped coin purse tutorial from Craft Passion
- Rose frame vintage purse tutorial from Craft Couture by TC
Tutorial from my 1943 'Complete Book of Sewing' by Constance Talbot
Wow this series you are starting has so much information! I didn't realise how many accessories sewing patterns there were, thanks for posting this!
ReplyDeleteYou've created such a great resource already with these links. Thanks! How fun.
ReplyDeleteI love vintage accessory patterns so much! I have a select few and cherish them because I know they're a bit on the rare side. ;) I need to make them up though... I also have the Constance Talbot book and have made a couple small things out of it over the years--so fun! Thanks too for sharing my belt tutorial in the links roundup. ;)
ReplyDeleteWhat an excellent post! I'm bookmarking it so I can go back and check out all these links later <3
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome, such amazing resources I a, definitely going to check out:) I wish I could accessorise as good as they used to be able to!
ReplyDeleteJess x
I have some patterns for vintage hats and purses and can't wait to make some of them! I'm bookmarking this page for future reference! Thanks so much for a terrific post! Also, I hope you don't mind but I mentioned you in my latest blog post and made sure to include a link to yours.
ReplyDeletePlease check out the two Edwardian sunbonnets on my Flickr page (on pages 43 and 58).
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/14033721@N06/sets/72157605023655166/
holy cow! thanks for sharing all these links <3
ReplyDeleteFabulous! Thanks Shay for these links!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for mentioning me, Elisabeth! I can't wait to sew up a vintage hat pattern too....ah, my list keeps growing longer and longer :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Alice! xoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love Constance Talbot's book? I always go back to it! I love all your tutorials--I'm hoping I can make up a few of them this next year! xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteThanks Lizzy!
ReplyDeleteI know! It's kind of mind boggling how many accessory sewing patterns there are! I just love them!
ReplyDeletefantastic - thanks!
ReplyDelete