Claire McCardell
This is the only Claire McCardell pattern I own; I'm almost afraid to sew with it. What if I did something thoroughly boneheaded, like cut through it? It's been known to happen. Also, I'm waiting for the perfect fabric to present itself. I would like to think that I could pull off red shantung, as in the illustration, but that would be just fooling myself, sadly.Claire McCardell was a pioneering American sportswear designer who made gorgeous and practical clothes women could actually move in. (Check it out -- this dress has pockets!) She's practically my hero. Someday I will own a copy of her What Shall I Wear? but not while it's topping $150 at Alibris ...
posted by Erin @ 6:38 AM
17 Comments:
At May 31, 2005 8:57:00 AM,
Anonymous said…
Hon, don't use the original pattern! Trace it! I trace *all* my patterns. Never use the original. In fact, if you're willing, you can send it to me and I'll trace us both copies. =D
Lydia
At May 31, 2005 9:09:00 AM,
Erin said…
I'm so lazy and impatient, I never trace my patterns. But I might just take you up on your offer! In a couple weeks, when I'm done traveling for a while?
At May 31, 2005 11:17:00 AM,
La BellaDonna said…
Sassybelle? Is that you? (In the event you are not, I'm not insane, I was just ... thinking of someone else.)
In addition to having your pattern traced, may I respectfully suggest you (carefully) press the pieces flat with a dry iron, then fuse them to iron-on interfacing, which will help stabilize the pattern, and keep it from crumbling into oblivion. Yes, it means it's no longer in mint condition; it means it's also less likely to disintegrate. You can also go onto ebay and see if you can scrounge up the Folkwear Claire McCardle pattern, which has been discontinued, but may still be available.
(La BellaDonna found you via The Manolo. Sassy, if it's you, this is Stitchin' Witch!
At May 31, 2005 12:57:00 PM,
Anonymous said…
You're on. I'm going on vacation mid-month, myself, so perhaps sometime in July? I'll email you with my info.
--Lydia
At May 31, 2005 1:06:00 PM,
Louise said…
That dress is gorgeous. I hope you find the right fabric, I'd love to see it finished.
Louise
p.s. Thank you soooo much for the email and dress suggestions. I will email you again when I have a chance.
At May 31, 2005 2:42:00 PM,
enigmania said…
Oh! that's beautiful. I crave the pattern.
At May 31, 2005 3:54:00 PM,
Mary said…
I'll second the suggestion to trace the original pattern onto a durable material. www.birchstreetclothing.com sells "Sewable Swedish Tracing Paper." This paper resembles a lightweight interfacing and it's now on sale!
http://birchstreetclothing.com/notions2.html
Cheers! Mary
BTW - Stunning dress! Thanks for sharing!
At Jun 3, 2005 6:36:00 PM,
Miachelle said…
These are the kinds of dresses I love!!! And they'd go well with my jewelry! ;-)
At May 30, 2006 2:58:00 PM,
Gigi said…
If only you knew just how envious I am of you! I've been looking for a Claire McCardell pattern for *ages*. Sniff.
At Sep 19, 2006 9:57:00 AM,
Marji said…
That is fabulous! Have you made anything with it yet?
if not, get with it girl - that's kind of like keeping the silver in a chest in the dining room and never using it....
At Dec 2, 2006 9:03:00 AM,
Susan said…
That is a gorgeous dress; the red shantung sounds wonderful (but I'm biased - most of my dresses are red!)
At Jan 17, 2007 1:23:00 AM,
Jen said…
Hi,
I am finding this beautiful pattern by Claire McCardell a bit late in the game (Jan.07), but what led me here is a Butterick pattern for sale, style # 4919, that seemed soooo familiar that I did a search for Claire McCardell dresses, and your pattern here came up. There is a strong resemblance between these two patterns (but the Butterick is new, and for sale).
Question: would it be possible to show the BACK side of this pattern envelope, and maybe the drafts of the dress as drawn on the inside directions? With that info, I think I could try making my own version (sigh)
thank you,
Jennifer
At Jan 17, 2007 11:02:00 AM,
Erin said…
Jennifer -- wish I could scan & post, but I've lent this pattern to someone and I don't have it in hand now!
4919 is also discussed here:
http://www.dressaday.com/2006/11/people-are-good.html
Good luck!
At Apr 15, 2007 6:48:00 PM,
Anonymous said…
oh.. I have two or three of the mccardell cloister dress patterns somewhere... bought them years ago and have found them to be very versatile on stage
At May 8, 2007 6:35:00 PM,
Lefaune said…
Ilove everything she did... Do you know a place or a website where I can buy them... ?
For the fabric -if you didn't already made this dress- I would advise you some naïve floral pattern, for the short sleeved version. Something very fresh with tiny "semis" flower print. I love the one that Algerian or Moroccan women use to make their blouses and dresses. Would give something very french forties countryside girl. get some cork plateform heels to go with it !
At Aug 1, 2007 8:48:00 PM,
Anonymous said…
just browsing through old posts -- the book you mentioned has dropped to $98 on Amazon...
At Nov 12, 2007 9:24:00 AM,
Karla said…
was googling Claire and came across your blog, but I am a regular reader so was pleased to see you are a Claire fan.
I have two copies of the book, one a signed first edition and one without dust jacket. I also own (my prized posession) an original Claire McCardell for Townley dress...red cotton plaid, long gathered skirt, fitted bodice with brass hooks. It's amazing and fits like a dream (and I'm a size 42!). Of course, all my Claire things are also among the most expensive things I've ever bought, but I am so glad I have them.
You should totally make that dress.
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