A Piggy Pocket

Here's a darling little oldie from way back when. The only reason I haven't made it yet is that I don't have a Princess in this size. But I will, I will..... In fact, I am really tempted to just go ahead and do it and let it hang around here (while I admire it) until it does fit someone.

Try as I might, I can't find a copyright date on it. It's McCalls 1819 with an original price of 45 cents:



The Pocket! The Pocket!

It's a pig! With little coin buttons sewn on above it, like a Piggy Bank!

Here's the back:



I'll say right off that what caught my eye originally was the flutter sleeves with the contrast trim. Then, of course, the pleated panel in the front--a nice change up from fullness provided from gathering. And then The Pocket!

From the back you can see that the front of the dress is actually several sections--two bodice side pieces, two skirt pieces, with a separate front panel (the pleated one) that runs down the center front. An easy way to construct, with no inset seaming required.

Other things of interest are on the instruction sheet. For one, it looks like it was typed on a good old-fashioned typewriter. I just love that. Oh, those bygone days.....

For two, it has directions and diagrams for hand worked buttonholes.

For three, it has one entire section entitled Fitting Chubby Girls, with directions for widening the waist, the sleeves, and the sleeve bands.

No way would a pattern company today dare insult us with such! Even though many of us would find these directions very helpful in making properly fitting clothes for our little ones, many folks would get in a big huff at this "labeling" of their child. As a result, many people lack the skills to adjust patterns, become frustrated, and give up sewing.

And I think that's a shame.