Remember Holly Hobbie?

Holly Hobbie (born in 1944) is an American writer and illustrator, and the name of a fictional character based on this person. In 1970 she sold her distinctive artwork of a bonnet wearing, cat-loving little girl to American Greetings. In 1974, Knickerbocker Toys licensed the Holly Hobbie character for a line of rag dolls, which were very popular. This is a sewing pattern for a Holly Hobbie doll. The doll's head is made from a white nylon sock and her hair is made from yarn. So very pretty. See more of the pattern here

I Like to Choose Dresses For Famous Celebrities

Since a lot of my time is spent sorting and listing vintage and out of print sewing patterns, I often like to play choose the dress for the celebrity. It's my version of playing fashion stylist. This one, I've selected for Kate Hudson. It's long, lean and elegant. The design is by Tom and Linda Platt whose design philosophy is “Life is complicated. Clothes should be simple.” Elemental line and form creates a simply stunning dress.

Go Back in Time to Sew Something Fabulous

I love to reach back into the past to sew something just a little different. This swimsuit cover-up has beautifully elegant lines that put those customary tunic cover-ups to shame. With a little ingenuity you can create a magnificent wardrobe by using vintage patterns. . Sizes for vintage patterns vary and while patterns can be adapted (if you know how) it's easier if you just know your own measurements. So go back in time and search out those vintage patterns (I might mention here that I happen to have a whole growing selection on my etsy site). You'll be happy you did.

What to Wear to the Inauguration

I wasn't invited to an inauguration ball, but having to choose something out of my wardrobe of patterns, this could possibly be the dress. Not white. Maybe black. A little daring in red. ( I would have to begin sewing it tonight if someone would only invite me.) This gorgeous pattern is a Badgley Mischka design. Mark Badgley and James Mischka have been hailed by Vogue magazine as one of the top ten American design teams for their glamorous, wearable and stylish evening wear and accessories. Their designs have been worn by Madonna, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jennifer Lopez, Sharon Stone, Jennifer Garner, Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet, Sarah Jessica Parker, Ashley Judd, Terri Hatcher and moi.

Lanvin

This is a late 1960's design from Lanvin. The House of Lanvin continues to produce beautiful designs and is the oldest design house still in operation. For me, Lanvin reminds me of my Grandmother. Her favorite scent was Arpege (also worn by the late Princess Diana, among others). It is a luxurious, gentle, floral fragrance with notes of honeysuckle, jasmine, roses and orange blossoms with accents of vanilla and sandalwood. It was reorchestrated in 1993 and doesn't smell quite exactly the same. Definitely not as sweet, but a lovely reminder of a person who played an important role in my life.

Molyneux ~~ It's Just Apparent

Edward MOLYNEUX reached the height of his popularity in the 1930's when he took the fashion world by storm, by streamlining fashions. His coats and dresses had single unbroken lines with a gracefull fluidity. He dressed such stars as Greta Garbo and Vivien Leigh. Vogue Pattern 2872 very much follows the graceful lines that distinguished his fashion influence. This pattern is circa 1973. This is one of his last designs, in collaboration with his nephew. Edward Molyneux died in 1974.

This pattern is in stock at http://www.sandmarg.etsy.com/ in size 10.

Who Doesn't Love a Givenchy Dress?

This is a stunning dress design for evening or red carpet wear. This dress has perfect lines that emphasize body length, shoulder and neck. The dress is fitted and lined and falls above mid-knee. It has a foundation to ensure a proper and forgiving fit and a right side front seam. The ruffle can be made in the same material as the dress or in a contrast material.

Givenchy's long history and success has been closely associated with a famous clientele including: Lauren Bacall, Babe Paley, Greta Garbo, Elizabeth Taylor, Marlène Dietrich, Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis, Princess Grace of Monaco, Wallis Simpson and Audrey Hepburn.

This dress pattern was sold on http://www.sandmarg.etsy.com/.