I’ve been a fan of designer Claire McCardell and her sportswear aesthetic for years. I was lucky enough to run across one of the few designs she did for McCall patterns in 1957 and 58, just before she died. I recently got around to finally making some of the pieces in the pattern, a halter top and shorts, and I tried to make them as authentically McCardell as I could.
Before starting my project, I studied similar garments by Claire McCardell that are in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute collection. This was made easy by the Met’s on-line gallery of their collections.
I chose a cotton kettlecloth in indigo blue because she often worked in cotton using a textured dark fabric. She was also a fan of top-stitching and metal buttons which I also used. Note that the pieces were cut on the bias, another McCardellism.
I have a few more photos of the project and of the inspiration pieces on my blog, The Vintage Traveler.
This post was written by...
The Vintage Traveler – who has written 2 posts on WeSewRetro.com.
I'm "Lizzie" Bramlett, aka Fuzzylizzie, a former teacher and long-time collector and lover of vintage clothing. The Vintage Traveler™ is where I tell about the interesting finds I make; whether it is an article of clothing, a travel destination, a tidbit of history or an obscure fashion history fact, I’m always on the hunt for the next old thing.
The Vintage Traveler's posts / The Vintage Traveler's website
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
just fab. Love the hint of red lining.
What an awesome pattern. I’m knitting a McCardell pattern right now. Can’t say the instructions are particularly detailed
Oh, goodness. Claire McCardell patterns are WONDERFUL.
Confession time: topstitching is my favorite thing about sewing. I have a completely unhealthy attachment to it. Looks very sharp here. Nice work!
That’s lovely. It’s great to hear you researched it too. I am all for faithful historical reproduction.
good job, well done… i wish i could get away with something like that.
P.S. love the dress version , I would make it in a check wool for the british summer
Thanks so much for all the lovely comments.