Hi there, guys and dolls! Ever yearn for the good old days? To slip back in time, to an earlier era that calls to you. Now you know you are always welcome in mine by just popping open a Poppy Cove Mystery (or two, or three, for that matter – yes, four and five will come…really, they will…), but there’s another way to carry on the fifties (or the twenties, thirties, forties, even earlier, for that matter), and that’s by creating a fantabulous garment that suits your nostalgic heart.

So for today’s raves n faves, I’m sharing with you a lovely gem that I’ve found – EvaDress Patterns. This talented and hardworking gal has created some beautiful garments and hand-drafted patterns that will certainly appeal to your vintage soul. Now my era is the 1950’s, so that’s where I’m focusing my raves n faves, but be sure to check out her website to see the other many stunning patterns ranging from the 1860’s up to the 1950’s.

Here are five of my particular choices, reminiscent of the years 1950 -56. Just click on the title or image to learn more about the items. By the way, all of the photos are from the EvaDress Patterns site. May they inspire you to create something that is timeless and uniquely you!

1950’s French Dress – Now isn’t this one honey of a frock. So sophisticated with its princess seaming, giving it swish and sashay. So delicate and commanding all at the same time. Look at that alluring neckline. I can see the Valentine’s Day candlelit dinner from here, can’t you?

1951 Evening Gown – Care to dare even that little bit more? I don’t care if you have no idea where you would wear this, because for goodness sake, with a dress this glamourous, make it and while you are, build the plans around it. A gown with this much life in it deserves to have the occasion be created around it. A night at the opera, you say? Sure. How about that swanky cocktail party that you wanted to go to where you know that your ex (or exes, for that matter, I don’t judge) will be and you want to knock him out? One little flip of that skirted hip should do it!

1951 Kimono Blouse – Now isn’t this a wonderful go-to blouse. Perfect for so many occasions and every season. Just gaze at the flattering collar and wrap neckline, just darling. Make it in a nice crisp cotton, perfect for daytime, or in a luxurious silk for some drama of the flaunting kind. Slim cigarette trousers, wide circle skirt? Yep, this blouse will pair with them both and give you that vavoomy quality we all love to enjoy!

1953 Shorts, Bra, Skirt and Shirt – Planning a winter getaway? Even if you’re not, summer will come before you know it and wouldn’t it be nice to be dressed for the season’s success! Think of the day you could have – lounging by the pool, in the pool, then drinks and nibbles later. And won’t you be prepared with your gorgeous ensemble!

1956 – Swim or Play Suit and Skirt – Gosh! Swim, play, do both! Even frolic. This was one of the first images that I came across and I fell in love with the flirty images. Can’t you just feel the sunny glow radiating in this sketch? Don’t you just adore the wrap neckline and bubble shorts design? And with that wrap skirt, you’re good to go for lunch with any cabana boy of your choice in a snap!

Now which should I start on first? Maybe I need to get my Margot and Daphne to help me decide…

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more posts. And don’t forget to give my Poppy Cove Mysteries a try if you haven’t already. 

Toodles, Barbara Jean