Vintage Fashion Designer Norma Tullo

During one of my thrift shop stops I found this adorable dress pattern, Butterick 4207. The dress was designed by "Young Designer, Australia, Norma Tullo. It was just enough to spark my interest. I had to learn a bit more. 

 Norma Tullo, known as Australia's Original First Lady of Fashion, (1933-1982) was a major fashion designer from Melboune, Australia. She began her fashion career in 1956. Although some of her dresses are in lace or other fabrics, it seems her fabric of choice was wool.  Her designs In 1965, Australian  Women's Weekly reported that the Butterick Company signed Norma Tullo, along with Mary Quant, Jean Muir, and Gerald McCann, for their January catalogue.

Butterick 4207 Size 12, Bust 32 $8.50 

This pattern is one of the ones designed by Ms. Tullo for that January catalogue. It is undated.

Post by Eileen Patterson…forever GoofingOff.


http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/46237771?searchTerm=norma%20tullo&searchLimits=
http://vintagepatterns.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Norma_Tullo

Classic Look for Fall

While listing patterns for my Etsy shop I found this Very Easy Vogue 7210 from 1979. The look is perfect for fall, timeless, classic. It has a retro look that can easily be made into a now look. The pattern includes instructions and pieces for the jacket and belt, skirt, and pants.
The jacket is loose fitting and unlined, perfect to wear over sweaters and long sleeve blouses. It is front wrapped (no buttonholes!!), hip length (hide the butt, another !!), with shawl collar and patch pockets.
The skirt is a straight,  front wrapped skirt that is gathered at front and back to a buttoned waistband.
The pants are slim, straight-legged, and cuffed, with a mock fly front zipper closing.
Simple, timeless separates to build a wardrobe….and still look good.

Keep those seams straight!

post by Eileen Patterson…who is forever GoofingOff!

The Mouse Who Couldn't Cross the Street

No, this isn't a "why did the chicken cross the street" joke. This is a real true story of a little mouse who couldn't make it across the street.
Today, while waiting for the light to change at a busy intersection, I noticed something brown in the street ahead of me. At first I thought it was a leaf but then I noticed it going in a circle, directing its own movement, not a leaf carried by a wind gust. It was a mouse. Now anyone who knows me knows I don't like mice (or too many other rodents for that matter. I am the EEK, It's a mouse person). Despite my dislike of mice, I found myself cheering it on, hoping it would make it across. For a second I thought "It's a mouse. What are you doing?" but then I also thought "it's not in my house so no problem….(good thing because I would be on the table screaming my fool head off). I also thought how often do we root for the underdog…like Rocky,  winning against all odds.  Like no matter who's playing football I hope the losing team comes from behind and puts up a good fight.
Well, the poor little rodent didn't make it but he gave it a good try. He made it across 4 lanes before a truck stopped his journey (told you it was a busy intersection…it's big, too).
I guess I am in a philosophical mood…..Keep trying….don't think about the mouse….Or me on the table screaming, either.

Post by Eileen Patterson….who's always GoofingOff.

McCall 9892 Ladies' & Misses' Blouse from 1938

OK, I'm excited. Very excited. I come by lots of vintage patterns but the ones from before the 1950's are hard to find. Very hard to find, so to find one from the 30's is Holy Cow exciting.
No misspelling…McCall's was McCall back in the 30's.

McCall 9892 size 16, bust 34 inches UNCUT $22.50

I love the haughty look of the models…sort of like Carol Lombard's sister in My Man Godfrey. Like they should be saying "Darhling, please….he's a bum. What do you want with him?"

The blouse is a very classic look with a yoked back, pleats in the front, a front button closure, pointed collar, short sleeves, or long sleeves with buttoned cuffs.
So cool!

Don't forget the Costume Sewing Pattern sale going on now until September 30th. All sewing costume patterns are 30% off.

post by Eileen Patterson….who's always GoogingOff!

New Listings: The 50's Retro Look

Finding incredibly gorgeous vintage patterns from the 50's (or older) is a thrill I have to share. Here's some new listings in GoofingOff Etsy and GoofingOff Artfire.

Butterick 6886 Bust 36 inches UNCUT $18

Simple tops, Quick N Easy to sew, with a round, jewel, or folded collar. Great retro summer look.

Simplicity 4479 One Yard Apron Complete $10

These amazing aprons are one yard aprons designed to use only one yard of 36 inch wide fabric. So cute!

Butterick 9122 Waist 30 inches $10 UNCUT
Love that Marilyn Monroe look.

Another one of Butterick's Quick N Easy pattern line. A little more flare, great to hide imperfections while still giving a beautiful look.

Simplicity 3408 in size 16, bust 34. Complete.  $22

This dress is fantastic….the perfect summer dress with flattering lines.

Simplicity 3383 Aprons and Pinafore Size 18 Bust 36  UNCUT $22

The apron is so cute with tulip pockets and the pinafore makes a sweet looking summer dress. 

There's lots more but I had to show these off. Enjoy!

Post by Eileen Patterson….who's GoofingOff!

By the Sea: Retro Beach Wear to Sew

By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea……old song that sticks in my head when I think of the beach. Even though the summer is almost over in the Northern Hemisphere, it's spring down under and there's always those winter getaways to warmer weather. Bathing suits are required, of course, but loose fitting sundresses, halter dresses, and casual wear are befitting. With that said, here's a few retro beach looks to drool over.

Very Easy Vogue 8664 in size 12- 14- 16 UNCUT $10 Perfect for that special night. 

Simplicity 7520 Loose Fitting beach dress size 12-14 UNCUT $15

Relaxed and easy….

Butterick 9946 Early 1960's Muu Muu in size 16, bust 36 UNCUT $15

Simplicity 7950 size 10 - 12 - 14. This pattern was cut to size 14 (yay!) and is complete

Post by Eileen Patterson….I'm always GoofingOff!

Costume Sewing Pattern Sale 2013

Darn, August went by fast. Seems like the older I get the faster the months fly past me. It seems like I was in the middle of the long hot summer when BOOM!!! September's here and Halloween is just around the corner which means…….(a little fanfare here) the annual Costume Sewing Pattern Sale is here!!! Whoo hooo! All costume patterns are a big 30% off until Sept 30. All of them….and theres a bunch. Here's a few:

Simplicity 0601

McCall's 3663 Medieval Costumes size 6 - 12

Simplicity 3847 Soda Shop Girls

McCall's 3789 Witches and Wizards in kids' sizes 

Butterick 6386 Toddler's  and Children's Costumes: Shark, Dinosaur, Batman, Tiger

There's a lot more in the shop so stop by and check them out. The sale will continue to September 30.

Post by Eileen Patterson….I'm GoofingOff!