Why hello there and welcome to 2014!! I hope your New Years celebrations were filled with lots of fun and sparklers!
I'd like to share with you today some images from the Simplicity 1969 sewing book. Two of my favourite things combined - sewing and the 60s! (in case you couldn't tell)
The book itself is like most sewing books, with instructions in a lot of basic techniques and tips on how to use Simplicity patterns, but this one also comes with advertisements for sewing products and full colour fashion photos - Fun!*
*Mine also includes scribbles from a budding artist wielding a ball point! See if you can spot them!
Lets take a look!
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| Front cover |
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| Add for Elna White sewing machine |
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| Add for Talon zippers and thread |
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| Add for Rit dye |
Also featured is this dream of a sewing room! Couldn't you just see yourself surrounded by yellow laminate and one-sleeved green dresses?
The project samples are illustrated in the colour section are just as dreamy as the sewing room. I wish I could pluck them all off the pages and pop them in my closet!
The instructions are all shown with photographs and some illustrations - here is one example for doing an all in one facing
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And does the same for decorative finishes and trims
I've found it really handy to refer to when trying to find typically 60's ways of finishing garments and seeing what was on trend in 1969.
Pretty neat book huh? I think I like it more for the pictures than anything!
I also have the Vogue sewing book from 1964 (yay 50 years old) which i'll share the photos of with you all soon!!
And also - the yellow dress is now finished! Look out for photos from tomorrow to start your week!
Take care!
Cat xo
Hi, Cat! I wonder who that phantom ball point pen scribbler could have been. I'm guessing he or she was a three year old who mistook mommy's Simplicity sewing book for a coloring book. It's hard to imagine, but the age of that child would now be mid 40s.
ReplyDeleteThat sewing room is fantastic! With all that natural light pouring in from the large window along with potted plants, hanging baskets and buttery yellow and green color scheme, the space would have a variety of uses.
I worked in advertising and appreciated the wording of the Talon ad, "They might not remember your face but they'll never forget your back."
Can't wait to see how that yellow dress looks on you! Good night, dear friend Catherine, and have a super week ahead!
hehe i think the little artist and I have something in common. i used to scribble in things when i was little all the time!
DeleteIt is an interesting line of copy isn't it? Your back is normally unremarkable, unless say your dress busted open, like this poor girls has!
I have one of these simplicity sewing books, I think mine is from 1967. I also have a big Golden Hands sewing book from the early 70s (which I picked up for nothing at a free book shop) and the pictures are great - so much crimplene! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the sewing room picture. I could definitely see myself surrounded by yellow laminate! x
ooh! I'd like to get one from 1967 or 68, they are my favourite years. I didnt know there was a Golden Hands sewing book, i have some of the craft books from the 70s with some pretty neat DIY's in there! But sadly no crimplene in mine
DeleteI think it's really interesting how much nicer the samples are in this 1969 sewing book than the modern day samples, which often look soooo terrible! and the fabric looks so gorgeous, I agree about having the samples in my closet.
ReplyDeleteooh i agree! they seem to always be aiming the adds at my mum or grandma, not very thrilling at all! You should see the fabric examples in the 1964 book! ;)
DeleteI have the same book!!! I must get it out. I recognise the incredible sewing room-I've been waving that at my G for some time!!! There's some real gold in there!
ReplyDeleteLet's SEE the yellow frock!!! EEEK!
XXX
yes! its a magnificent room! hopefully we'll get your room one day! there's enough vintage tatt around that we could probably build an exact replica!
DeleteWhoa! Yours has some different ads in it than mine, unless pages fell out that I don't know about. That apple shirtdress has been on my pattern making list for ages. I think it's funny how we found a lot of the same pages inspiring: http://manicpopthrilled.blogspot.com/2012/07/design-inspiration-from-1969.html
ReplyDeleteOh cool! we do have the same book! Perhaps maybe we have different issues if the add are different? though mine is American so maybe there was a few different editions. That shirt dress is really neat! you should make it soon! Though the blue and green pants i think are my favourite
DeleteOh, Coolio!! I love those pics! I have the Simplicity Sewing Book, dated 1965!! (it was 75 Cents on the cover). But, it does not have nearly the amount of cool pics that your version does, although does have some lovely pics. It is also a terrific book. Yay for charity shoppes!
ReplyDeleteoh cool! 1965! such a shame they didn't bother with many pictures, though i love how these books advertise their colour page count like it was a big deal. perhaps it was to them at the time!
DeleteSo when will we get to see your electric satin dress?!?!
ReplyDeletelol! Once i finish my multi-fabric wool trimmed mini-skirt! ;)
DeleteThe sewing room is to die for! All I have is a wee corner in my flat. I love all the trims - how exciting. I also love that advertisement for zippers - it really made me smile " they will forget your face, but they'll never forget your back" Classic!
ReplyDeleteits a great add isnt it? I wish sewing things were advertised a little more cleverly nowadays. i might encourage people to sew more!
DeleteHey, we both own Simplicity magazines from 1969!!! :) From my mum, via my aunt, I managed to score a few late 60s pattern magazines and fashion magazines. They are definitely one of my most treasured possessions. I'm sure you can understand that! I'm just about to put a post on my blog about my Simplicity pattern book from 1969 as it has the design of my next project. You might like to check it out.... www.featherstitch.wordpress.com
ReplyDeleteoh id love to get a hold of a couple magazines from the 60s! your so lucky! ill pop over now to take a look at your blog!
DeleteLove sewing books from the 60s & 70s too! Even though i've got lots of them i'm always tempted to buy another, the photos of the dream "sewing room" get to me everytime!
ReplyDeleteThat Rit Dye advert is particularly gorgeous and I really like the trims & edge finishes. Ps I've got that Golden Hands book from the 70s that Sarah mentioned as well..i've had it for years, it's amazing and if you ever see a copy of the Vogue Sewing Book you should try to get it, it was first printed in 1970 but then republished every year up as far as 1975 (which is the year my copy is from) it's really good!
I've only got the two for now - the other is a Vogue sewing book from 1964! Not as many adds in that one. All the sewing books are the same essentially so if you get one with nice colourful pictures thats a bonus!
DeleteI love Goldenhands! I have a set of their craft magazines in the white and gold binders. I noticed in the magazines that they make an effort to mention what the crafter is wearing in the demo photos. Lots of Laura Ashely and Betsy Johnson!