McCall's 1956

I was very happy to get some original pages from the 1956 McCall's pattern counter book. I have the pages with the baby and children's patterns. I was surprised to find a few in the book that I own! I thought it would be fun to show you them, both as pattern and in the book.

Here's McCall's 1623 for a toddler's overalls, jacket, and cap. It has a cute transfer for an elephant and bear. My pattern is size 2.

And here is the same pattern as it appeared in the pattern book.

McCall's 1817 is a fun pattern for a girl's suspender skirt with buttoned-in petticoat. Wouldn't this be fun to make for a 1950s party? My girls have been to several 50s parties over the years and always went in a poodle skirt.

Here's the pattern page for the same pattern.
 

These patterns originally cost between 35 and 45 cents. I wondered how much that would be today, so I checked the inflation calculator. It would equal $2.78-$3.57 today. This is interesting. The sticker price on a McCall's pattern today is about $15 (does anyone really pay that?). On sale, they are often $1-2. So, you could say it is more or less expensive now, depending on your point of view! However, the independent pattern company patterns run from $10-$18, so those are definitely more expensive than their 1956 counterparts.

I have Andy's Easter romper nearly done- I just need to do the sleeves and elasticize the legs. I love it so far and can't wait to show it to you!

 

Part IV: The Verdict

I was unable to post for the past few days because our internet was down. So, I missed the "Pi Day" post that was planned for 3-14! I will do that one after I finish this series on the Vintage Suit or Dress. Today is the final garment from this lot. It is a button-on suit, so definitely for a boy.

It is the same peach color as one of the previous outfits. In the early part of the 20th century, it was common for boys to wear pink, peach, or even lavender. I shared a pink boy's suit here. Trims were much more frilly, with lace, tatting, and Swiss embroideries all common on boy's wear. Baby boys also wore dresses until they were 2 or 3 years old. In "Elegant Sewing for Baby", Martha Pullen says that pink and blue were used interchangeably for boys and girls until the 1940s. 

The previous outfits had a more "dress-like" top, but the pants were all button-on shorts, just like these. This type of pants were for boys. Girls "panties" had a different shape, fuller and often with a waistband. The white outfit with purple stitching even had a little "fly" on the pants. So, my verdict is that all 4 of these are boy's suits.
This suit is about a size 3, again wider than would seem necessary for its height. It has beautiful drawn-thread work on the front and the biggest mother-of-pearl buttons I've ever had.

 The collar and neck area is quite a complicated arrangement of buttons and snaps. This suit is in excellent condition and will be great to take vintage pictures of Andy. The peach fabric is the same broadcloth as the other outfits, but the collar is a very soft cotton with a satiny finish. I hope you enjoyed seeing these little boy's outfits!
I will be back soon with my "Pi Day" post!

Part III: Dress or Suit?

Today's little outfit is similar to the last 2. Tomorrow's is a bit different. Are you sick of these yet? I'll be glad to finish these posts and move on to something else. 

 Do you see the "Best & Co. New York" tag? This one is either white with purple stitching, or was originally lavender and faded. It has the same sleeve and hem treatments and a little bit of loose smocking.

It has cute owls on the pockets.

I think the last outfit will decide: boy or girl? I hope you enjoyed seeing the cute embroidery on these little antiques. I have been working on Andy's Easter romper and I love how it's turning out. I hope to have it ready to share soon!