jams

i've so badly needed some new shorts for bedtime. i am a cute shorts and tank wearer. everyone was tired of my nightly comfy yet a little worn lightweight red cotton pants and cuter tank tops, and I don't blame them. i took one nightie barely used (bought for a weekend with my honey) in pale green and tiny rosebuds, then fingered thru my stash and found one of my fave ebay purchases - a sheer pale pink with tiny retro cowboys and their lassoes. had to be judicious as i cut into both fabrics. i didn't have large pieces in the green knit. lightbulb? i decided to use the 2 fabrics together and try to swap each front and back. visions can drive you nuts, no? after 1/2 hour of pinning and unpinning and repinning and staring at the layout, then looking down at my own pants, i finally figured out how to put them together using my noodle without resorting to a McCall's or Vogue pants pattern ... for instruction. yay, major victory! here's the fabric as currently laid out. I think i will try a different pocket - i mean what do you pockets for when you're sleeping??!!

Claire McCardell American Sportswear

Designer Claire McCardell: 1940's American Sportswear Hero

Have you heard of her?
I had not until very recently and she was amazing!

Claire McCardell had a comfortable sophistication

If you can find one of her swimsuits... buy it!
They are worth good money

Details she liked - wrap ties, interesting necklines, gathers for comfort and flattering fit

Claire designed under the Townley label for a time

This ad is super cool isn't it??!!

A pretty dress - her clothes still so modern!
Note the neckline, cool stripes, and small button closure on left bodice


McCardell loved draping and jersey

This dress reflects her other life in the country on her farm
Pretty neckline and in her day, new and fresh

Again lines and angles

left: the diaper bathing suit - kinda cute, definitely looks comfortable
right: the apron/cleaning wrap that actually came with a rag in the pocket!

Claire designed beautiful simple eveningwear

at her sketchpad - so cute with her pretty hair up