The Blue Gardenia
And, yes, you will find 51 vintage patterns additions at The Blue Gardenia! October 15, 2025 18:56
Have I mentioned how much I love vintage patterns? Once, twice, maybe a thousand times? I do. I do so very much love them. And we've just updated the website with 51 more gorgeous styles.
And the pattern above, Vogue Individualist 1470? I bought the outfit readymade shortly after I went to work at the Houston Chronicle, my first big city journalism job. So. I celebrated. Of course. And I got so many compliments when I sauntered out and about in this ensemble. And you can make your own. Oh, you are going love it.
If you're learning to sew, don't miss Hollywood 1152. It's a Sew-Simple Design from 1937. And it features none other than the beauteous Carol Lombard, she of "My Man Godfrey" and "To Be or Not to Be". (I highly recommend both of these screwball comedies, in case you haven't seen them. Worthy of hot buttered popcorn and snuggling on the sofa in silk jammies.) And who doesn't love a wardrobe staple like a classic shirt and sassy culottes? Plus, we have it in two sizes! I adore it when that happens. I do. You bet.
McCall 7446, from 1948, is everything. Well, almost. It's a day dress. A cocktail dress. A women-who-lunch dress. It's sexy. It's elegant. It's even, well, a bit ladylike. Can you say no? Really? Don't even try.
Whoa! McCall 4812 stopped me in my tracks. (Please, dear readers, forgive my cliches. As I have often said: Phrases become cliches for a reason. Namely because they are so darn great! And true.) The 1920s are not my era. Oh, sure, I love "Downton Abbey". The story enchants. The acting stands out. The clothes delight. Absolutely. I've streamed it. Twice. But this pattern? View B? Sweet peas, I love it. Those sleeves! They fall so gracefully. A stunner. Yes indeed.
I do appreciate a classic, sleek robe. Simplicity 1688 fits the bill. Perfectly. Make it double-breasted. Make it a wrap. Make it a beach coat. Or even a dress. You cannot, I repeat, cannot go wrong with this 1930s style.
If you are in the mood for something sleek, sexy and unusual, Spadea International Designer S-439 will captivate. It's a 1959 model, courtesy of Charles Montaigne, a student of none other than Vionnet. Vionnet! That impresses. He was a Dutchman, who opened a studio in Paris. Quite the talent.
And let's not forget gloves. It is, after all, fall, and we need them to keep our fingers toasty. Butterick 4260 offers a plethora of styles, from shorties to above the elbow, from scalloped to fingerless. You won't need another glove pattern. You won't.
And there are many, many more irresistible patterns. And quite a few are rare, and I do not use that word lightly. I don't go by an immediate search on the internet to call a pattern "rare'. I label by empirical knowledge acquired from collecting patterns since the 1980s, and hosting The Blue Gardenia online since 1998. So. I hope you will drop by. I hope you will buy. I do indeed, cupcakes. Our little fella, Jamboree the Australian Shepherd and most beautiful dog on the planet, needs treats, and he likes the pricey ones best. He does. (And, no, don't accuse me of bias. He really is the most beautiful dog on the planet.)
A slim, hip fashion queen: Chloe Sevigny and her off-the-shoulder dress August 7, 2025 01:22
I could not help but be entranced by this luscious dress, worn by the ever-so-stylish Chloe Sevigny. And of course it reminded me of one of my favorite patterns: McCall's 3687.
Of course it did. For this 1956 beauty is in my collection, my very own, just waiting for the occasion to wear it. (I suppose I could wear it while swatting dust bunnies. Or maybe even whipping up a Basque cheesecake. I think Mr. Gardenia would approve of both the cooking attire and the dessert. Or perhaps I could be the dessert as well? Mmmmm . . . now that's an enticing possibility. It is. Truly.)
I am a fan of Ms.Sevigny, both of her acting prowess and her fashion sense. Of course I am. Who isn't? There are quite a few looks of hers I'd like to emulate, and this one shares the number one spot with another outfit. (To be featured in another blog post, natch.)
Just click here if you'd like to know a little more about this smashing pattern. It's a beaut. And, really, can you live another moment without it? Of course you can't. And you shouldn't. There's just no reason to deprive yourself. None at all. Because I know you've been a good cupcake. Perhaps even the best.
