Magazines: Modern Miss

New in the Library:

A family member (Thanks, Phyllis) kindly passed on two issues of this magazine titled Modern Miss: the Fashion Magazine for Home Economics and their Students, published by Simplicity Pattern company.

I have two issues, Fall and Winter for the year 1954.

Not only do the magazines advertise fabrics, patterns and various notions, they also include tips for sewing, dressing, grooming, and other things typically found in a Home Economics publication (A"Life Skills" course of today).

The typical confusion among youth regarding menstruation was addressed in small print ads with pamplets available to clear up any misconceptions:

"It's Natural, It's Normal," Being one title.

My memories of Home Economics circa 1984 include the making of iced thumbprint cookies; a green wrap-skirt with the popular preppy alligator pattern, and the day the teacher gathered us in a circle to watch her cover a banana with a flesh-toned latex tube without advanced warning.

"Okay, does everyone understand how to use the condom? "

There were a few heads nodding, and Silence broke by intermittent giggles.

"Okay, back to your desk and open your books...."

ADVERTISEMENT: Kleinert's On and Off Dress Shields

Dress Shields: Have you found or purchased a dress and wish someone had worn them? Modern Miss Magazine. Winter 1954, page 52.

Hosiery: J & P Coats Mending Silk and Kirby Beard

A friend passed this on to me for my collection, and I love the graphics on this pretty little box. Mending Hosiery is an interesting concept for our disposable society.
Also included is an unrelated Kirby Beard needle set.
Enjoy....

Patterns: 1930s Evening Dresses by Butterick.

Beautiful Gowns and Beautiful illustrations found in the magazine Dileneator.

I love the hair styles, the belt of course, and the art work, but the dress designs are divine.

Butterick Patterns # 6942 and #6979.

Of 6079, the article warns: A godet below the tiny buttons that follow your backbone breaks out into a skirt made for swing music..."

Fashion in Art: Sewing Pattern Collage

I recently visited The Chattanoogan Hotel with a client for whom I am designing wedding flowers. Fortunately, I had my camera with me-I found this large framed beauty in the corridor, along with two others. This was the most darling pose. Can you tell it is created with pattern pieces?

There are many individual sites where one can find vintage sewing patterns. I offer many myself!
I just discovered an interesting website: www.patternrescue.com.

Etsy features many artists who do interesting things with pattern pieces. A simple search will reveal a variety of items. Personally I like to keep them intact for their original purpose. But I would rather stray pieces be used in art instead of going to a landfill.