Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Advance 3031

This one is for Carolyn, who asked for a scan of this pant suit:


As near as I can tell, this one dates to the 1940s. Although I can't find a date anywhere on the pattern, I'm basing this on a couple of factors. First, the styling of the drawing. Those hairstyles just say "bobbysoxer" to me. Second, the fact that this pattern isn't printed. The tissue is marked with symbols, and I remember my mom (HS class of '49) telling me that patterns used to be done this way. If I'm right, then this is a pretty bold pattern for its time. Pants? Naw, that just wasn't done way back then, at least outside of the home.

No, there are no copyright dates on any part of the pattern, so I don't have that to rely on. So a guesstimate will have to do. I do love this little blurb on the instruction sheet:

All Advance Patterns are cut accurately for size and conform to the measurements recommended by the Bureau of Standards of the U. S. Department of Commerce.

Ah yes, another reason to think this is from the 1940's. Government agencies are a good thing.

I don't know if I'll ever make this up from the pattern itself. It's a little small for me, but I couldn't see it going to the prison or landfill. It's a little historical jewel, you know? I can see myself making a similar outfit as an homage, using a more current pattern, though. Carolyn is right, the basic lines are awesome!

2 comments:

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

Nancy - thank you so much! Now I have to bookmark this page because this is an amazing pantsuit. And it could be a pattern from the 40s because remember after WWII women wore more pants. The war caused a lot of changes in how women dressed. I am definitely copying something like this for my fall wardrobe. It could make this pleasantly plump woman look downright stylish and slim! Thanks again!

Anonymous said...

Rosie the riveter set the style for pants big time in the 40's. I love this pattern!