Different Kinds of Darts

Modern Pattern Design, Harriet Pepin, 1942

Modern Pattern Design, Harriet Pepin, 1942

Modern Pattern Design, Harriet Pepin, 1942

We probably don’t think too much about types of darts in our clothing. Either they are present or not, short or long, narrow or wide.

When looking at historical sewing you sometimes see darts in groups, such as at the shoulder or waist, darts in odd to a modern eye places, such as near the hip or back of the neck, darts in multiple places, like the armscye and shoulder, or darts that are really more like vertical tucks, which let the fabric ease out at the top and or bottom (this can be especially nice at the ribcage, ending at the bottom of the bust, or top of the hip).

Modern Pattern Design, Harriet Pepin, 1942

Alterations for a prominent abdomen, Art of Dressmaking, Butterick, 1927

What you see in those cases are either straight line darts or those that jog in the middle, reducing the garment by a little wedge shape of fabric.

Clothing Construction, Clara Brown Arny, 1934

But they’re straight. Usually even when they transect the back waist.

Modern Pattern Design, Harriet Pepin, 1942

There are other cases where you see a curved seam in a standard dart location, but that is usually either used to gather in fullness above or below or as a design choice.

And then there are curved darts. I can’t believe I’ve only just discovered them. I guarantee that I’ve used them before, either as lazy sewing or to adjust fit, but I’ve only just realized that they can be a design intention, meant to solve a problem. Don’t laugh at me. I’m working with a pant pattern that has a long, slightly inward curving waist dart. The paint is high waisted and if the dart didn’t curve in, it wouldn’t fit the small of the back. But of course such darts can also be used for specific figures: inward curving for a flatter bum, outward curving for a rounder bum.

Straight dart at bust, 1970s pattern

Slightly inward curving dart, 2017 high waisted pant pattern

 

Historical trimmings: the cockade

As I do more research into various periods of historic costume I find myself having a more and more difficult time properly trimming various garments. Sure there are places that sell historic trims, but how often are those going to match what I’m making? Many historic trims were made from the same fabric (or contrast fabric) as the garment they went on.

My search into historic trims led me to fabric manipulation and to ribbon trims for hats. Many of the techniques are related.

I just got a reprint of an old book on hat trims and this is my first attempt. It’s a ribbon cockade that goes on a hat or is for a dress decoration in the 30s/40s. I made it with a thinner that usual grosgrain ribbon I had on hand that is about 3/4″ wide. I’d say I used about a yard. The technique involved folding the ribbon into a continuous strip of triangles and tracking the selvedge, not unlike making ribbon roses as a kid. A final trim would have a button in the center and maybe another layer of trim under this one.

 

A Vintage Pattern Site to Check Out – New Vintage Lady

Should you find yourself looking for 1930s sewing patterns, I highly suggest checking out the excellent New Vintage Lady. She specializes in patterns for the Stout (plus sized) lady for primarily 1930s and 1940s. You can find her patterns for download on Etsy. Here is her blog, which includes info about her patterns, vintage advertisements and catalog pages, historic photos and her adventures in sewing. A lady after my own heart. I’m still making my way through her blog, but she has lots of great info, including vintage dos and don’ts for the plus sized figure and a primer on how to read vintage patterns.

Did I mention that she illustrates all her own patterns and has an indy comic, Vintageville? I love her illustrations!

You can also follow her on Pinterest and all over the internets. Enjoy!

 

Alameda Point Vintage Fashion Faire 6/13-14 2014

Update: Here is the Alameda Vintage Fashion Faire’s blog. The next event after June is Nov 14-15, 2014.

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From overdressedforlife (6/11/14):

Coming up this weekend is the Alameda Point Vintage Fashion Faire, Friday and Saturday, June 13th and 14th at Michaan’s Annex Auction Showroom, 2701 Monarch Way, Alameda, CA.

Produced twice a year by Sandra Gordon Michaan, who also co-founded and runs the popular Alameda Point Antique Faire, this is more than just selling vintage fashion treasures, it’s a happening.

“This event is the fastest growing vintage clothing event on the West Coast,” says Ms. Michaan. “We provide our customers and the fashion industry with high-quality, rare vintage clothing and celebrate vintage with a different theme party every 6 months.”

The theme this time around is 1940s/WWII/USO and on Friday evening, 6pm to 9pm there will be a vintage fashion contest. First prize is a $100 voucher to shop the show. Plus enjoy food and a no-host bar, and live entertainment by Tin Cup Serenade featuring singer Emily Ann Reed.  Fifty dealers will be selling items from the Victorian era right up to the 1990s (I guess that’s vintage now). Please note that Friday evening is 21 and over only.

Saturday is the big shopping day but the theme continues for anyone wanting to dress in their 40s best. Or any era or even better, get creative and mix it up. Dealers include my pals Barbara Grigg from Vintage Vogue and Jula and Roberto from City Vintage.

The Alameda Point Fashion Faire – Friday, June 13, 6pm-9pm and Saturday, June 14th 11am-5pm. Ten dollars on Friday, which includes reentry on Saturday. Five dollars on Saturday. Michaan’s Annex Auction Showroom, 2701 Monarch Way, Alameda, CA.

Be there or be square.”

Link Love: Alameda Point Vintage Fashion Faire via OverDressed For Life