Can I give a shout out?

About two weeks ago, I received this message:

Carolyn, I am giving away some of my boxes and boxes of vintage patterns. I really don't have any use for them and I've been hauling them from house to house for years. I have several plus and half size patterns for dresses and suits from the 50's and 60's and was wondering if you would like them? If you can give me an address to send them to, they are yours.

Debbie

So...being the vintage pattern hog that I am...of course I said yes and sent her my address. Then leading this very busy life that I have been leading lately, I promptly forgot about the offer.

A couple of days ago, this message arrived:

Carolyn, your patterns went out today, priority mail. I'm sorry it took so long, I've been packing and working and trying to sort through a huge stash of fabrics and patterns! There are eight patterns, all with wonderful details I am sure you can incorporate into your TNT patterns. The guide sheets are wonderful, so much more detailed than what you would find today! I hope you can use these ideas.

Debbie

And this is what arrived today:

Seven amazing 60's vintage patterns in HALF-SIZES (20 1/2 - 22 1/2)!!!! Ummm, to say that I am happy is an UNDERSTATEMENT!!! Okay, okay, I have to share what arrived:

Butterick 7690 - Size 42 - Bust 42

Pattern Description:

Sleeveless dress features a scooped, tab trimmed neckline and buttoned bodice. Over it goes a shoulder covering capelet. (A) slim dress with contrast capelet. (B) Full-skirted view with matching capelet.

Advance 8865 - Size 20 1/2

Pattern Description:

Box-Jacket, body and sleeves in one, underarm gusset gore. Topstitched side front darts, simulated pockets. Centerback seam. Notched collar. Slim skirt ...soft folds at side front, darted back, low walking pleat.

Butterick 8181 - Size 22 1/2

Pattern Description:

"Magic to Make Dress in Half Sizes" Button front style with a modestly scooped neckline, an easy skirt (A) constrast inset on neckline and cuffed below elbow sleeves. (B) No contrast; short sleeves. (C) No banding. "Perfect for embroidered eyelet"

Simplicity 2387 - Size 20 1/2

Pattern Description:

Half Size Slenderette - Misses and Women's one-piece dress with detachable neck trim and jacket. Sheath features neckline with slit openings; kimono sleeves; pleats at lower edges of back panel. Jacket has small collar; kimono sleeves; flap trim. V1 neck edge has contrast trim.

Vogue 5093 - Size 20 1/2

Pattern Description:

Slim skirt with released side front darts joins bodice at waistline. Buttoned front bodice closing below oval neckline with or without shaped yoke. Applied band trimming. Below elbow length sleeves and short sleeves...copyright 1960.

Simplicity 2640 - Size 20

Pattern Description:

Misses Dress and Jacket: Semi-fitted sack dress has a high round neckline, kimono sleeves,, and openings at lower edge of side seams. Jacket is fashioned with a notched collar, button front closing, rounded front edges and kimono sleeves.

McCalls 5821 - Size 40, Bust 42

Pattern Description:

Slim sleeveless dress with three-gore skirt; collarless jacket with fronts snapped together at lower edge. Dress has scoop neck with notch detail at front. Skirt has soft folds at front, darts and low pleat at back. Left side zipper placket. Lined jacket has short set-in sleeves, bands on sleeves and front edges...copyright 1961.

McCalls 4523 - Size 40, Bust 42

There is no pattern description on this pattern but it is copyright 1958.

First can I just give Deb Fox the biggest thank you! I was blown
away at what was in the envelope and how thoughtful you were to send me such amazing patterns! Most of these will be able to be used out of the envelope with minimal alterations. I am so thrilled and overjoyed I don't know what to do! You have totally made up for the fact that I lost each and every Sybil Connolly pattern that I bid on this week!

So thank you, thank you, thank you for thinking of me!!!!

Debbie - please know that I will be using this most wonderful gift! And that you have so inspired me!!!

The other thing that was in my mail tonight was the Fall 2008 copy of Sewing Today...the Butterick & McCall's Magazine. I think they have been reading my blog because quite a few of the new dresses had some interesting details...the shapes are still a little sack-like but plenty of neckline details. If you don't get the magazine, the patterns are up on Butterick's site.

Okay, I'm off to read my new pattern instructions and drool...not much sewing will happen at Chez Carolyn tomorrow because I'm off for a day of fun with my friend, Lisa. If I remember to bring my camera, I will have pics...if I remember! *LOL*

Have a great weekend and more later...