three to six

this is the latest Enid Gilchrist pattern book to join my growing collection. Check out the models on the front cover... aren't they cute? they look like miniature versions of their mums and dads at the time. I just love the girls expression as she holds her gloved hand in the air. There's quite a few patterns that I'm looking forward to sewing up for Miss almost 3, especially the shorties pyjamas and some pretty dresses too.

with the new school year about to kick off next week, I've been busy over the last few days getting school uniforms mended and laundered, school shoes & stationary shopping and on and on goes the list. Once they're back at school next week, I can take a breather and get back to sewing... (big sigh!!!!)...

groovy play dress

I blogged about this dress back in June 2009 and then for months, it just sat in the ufo pile waiting for button holes, handsewing and hemming.  Here it is finally finished and being enjoyed by Miss almost 3. A perfect twirling dress!

Photos removed for safety reasons due to cyber stalking!

groovy play dress

I blogged about this dress back in June 2009 and then for months, it just sat in the ufo pile waiting for button holes, handsewing and hemming.  Here it is finally finished and being enjoyed by Miss almost 3. A perfect twirling dress!

ugly fabric dress

at last a decision! the 'ugly fabric' demands to be made into a 1950s inspired dress, with a fitted bodice and very full skirt. The fabric has kept it's crispness even though it's been washed. That will probably save me having to make a crinoline petticoat to go underneath. I'm drafting the pattern from Enid Gilchrist's 'Women and Teenagers' pattern book. Miss 12 has kindly agreed to be the new owner of the dress. Lucky her!

more enid gilchrist books

thanks to ebay my collection of Enid Gilchrist pattern books is growing fast. These are some of the latest arrivals...

more enid gilchrist books

this morning's post brought a parcel of enid gilchrist books. The sender is a very experienced dressmaker who served her apprenticeship at Ballantynes Department Store in Christchurch. She was working at Ballantynes in 1947 at the time of the fire. The Ballantynes fire is considered to be one of New Zealand's worst fires ever.

She has a complete collection of all of enid's books and these were her extras. Some are missing their covers and have been obviously well used. That doesn't bother me in the slightest. I'm just pleased to boost my little collection. These titles are what I received today:

Boys and Girls 5 - 9 yrs
Boys and Girls 10 - 12 yrs
Pinnies N things
Ten to Teens
9 to 11
Junior Teens
Small women
Girls Gear
Six to Nine yrs,
Boys and Girls 8 - 10 yrs
Maternity Wear
Toddlers wear
Babies wear
Beach and sleep wear (part of)

Off to do some reading!

inspired by enid gilchrist

I have a small collection of Enid's pattern books. Now that I've tidied up the sewing/craft room and see that I have some shelf space available, I think I might collect some more.

Enid Gilchrist's pattern books are full of inspiring patterns and ideas. It's not hard to see that her patterns would have been a great resource for mothers during the 1940s to 1970s. Her patterns are easy to follow and draft and are as stylish today as they were when first published. Knowing that the patterns have been used by past mothers to make clothing, toys etc for their families is a very special feeling to.