So it's a weird one this week. Over sixty years old and born of a time that valued efficiency in manufacture over effective use of resources. Patent #2,454,208, invented by Ruth E Richman in 1946, was filed as:
'An object of the invention is to simplify the manufacture of blouses, coats and similar garments by constructing them from a blank consisting of a single piece of material.'
And Ruth was not alone. We have located at least six different patents, spanning turn of the century to the 1960's, that focused specifically on one-piece patterns that minimised the time spent in manufacture. We have preciously showcased a The Patent Blouse that similarly features a one-piece pattern with minimal seaming for greater efficiencies in production. So certainly a popular idea at the time.
You'll find all the pattern making detail on the website blog.
Interesting! I'll have to play with it a bit more. But I had a few thoughts:
ReplyDelete- The waist and length being constrained like this could work with peplums. No, it won't be one-piece anymore.
- The way the sleeves are rotated way up like that reminds me of how one drafts flutter sleeves, but of course it doesn't have the extra fabric anywhere else. I doubt all that fabric bunched under the arm will be all that comfortable! On the other hand, I'm a teacher and "arm up to write on the board" is my default position (for the right arm anyway) so maybe I should give this a try!
Hi PetitePear. Yes I agree a peplum or circle skirt would work well. I did manage to quickly toile this one and found the fabric doesn’t bunch as long as the armhole measurement is realistic. And yes it would be wonderful for the ‘arm up’ occupations. I will try and post a pic of the toile on Facebook sometime this week. :)
DeleteI am thinking that on large sized or big busted beauties this could be a comfortable top. I would also see this with a peplum, or done with a lacey or a gathered sheer bottom in various lengths to suit one's desires. Couldn't Godet's be worked in there somehow?? I might play with this one...might.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think this idea has design development potential. I did cut a quick sample in stretch and it has a distinct forties look to it. Skirts and peplums would work well. If you do get a moment to try this we would love to see your photos. feel free to post here. :)
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