Free Tutorial for Setting a Festive Table - Vintage Napkin Folds

From the Practical Encyclopedia of Good Decorating and Home Improvement Vol 16 1971©

I recall a story about Andy Warhol who, as a very young but celebrated artist, was invited to dine at the home of a well-to-do museum patron. The table was large and the guest list legendary. Each place setting had every imaginable utensil in it's proper place. Andy Warhol came from rather humble beginnings and had no idea how to proceed. As the courses were placed in front of him and removed untouched, the guest to his right remarked... but Mr Warhol, you have eaten nothing. His relpy ... I only eat candy. Now THAT is classic Warhol.

Whether you set your table for fine dining of for family dinners, one thing that transforms a simple place setting into an elegant presentation is a folded napkin strategically placed on the plate. For this year's Thanksgiving or Holiday table settings, whether your gathering is buffet style or sit down dinner, try these festive folds and impress your guests. This is something that can be done ahead of time leaving you time for more important things like enjoying your own party.

Courtesy of Cynical Girl on Goodsmiths

Free Pattern Friday - 1950's Santa Face Apron Pattern For the Ho Ho Hostess - Great for Gifts Too!

1950's Santa Face Apron Pattern

In the 1950's the "Face" apron was popular in many themes. This Santa face apron is easy to make with a bit of applique and embroidery to finish the details. How fun to wear this retro holiday apron while you play hostess to your friends and loved ones this Christmas. Or make a few to give as gifts. They surely will be cherished. Download HERE. Prints on 8.5" x 11" sheets of paper. Complete instructions included. 

Courtesy of CynicalGirl on Goodsmiths.

Free Pattern Friday - Deck the Halls with Glass Wax - Free Pattern Download

1950's Christmas Stencils from Glass Wax

If you were a late Boomer you remember Glass Wax. I don't recall using the stencils but I have vivid memories of my mother recreating the illusion of frost in the corners of the windows with Glass Wax and a sponge. Glass Wax is still available as a glass and mirror cleaner. It is even sold as a polish for cars! 

You can recreate the 1950's window decoration with these downloadable stencil pages to cut out. Prints on 8.5" x 11"  sheets of paper. Print on heavier stock for multiple uses. Use scissors or x-acto knife to cut stencils.

Don't pass up these easy and economical DIY Holiday decor stencils. Deck the halls!! 

Courtesy of Cynical Girl on Goodsmiths

Free Pattern Friday - Vintage Pumpkin Pincushion Pattern

The pincushion is one of the most essential tools a seamstress possesses. Magnetic pin holders may catch pins with ease but for pin retrieval, nothing beats the pin cushion. We all know the red tomato shaped pincushion, stuffed tightly with sawdust or roving, with the attached emery filled strawberry for sharpening pins. This form dates to the Victorian era when it was thought that placing a tomato on the mantel would bring prosperity to the home. Now, in honor of the approaching All Hallows Eve, you can make these pumpkin shaped pin cushions originally published in the October 1964 issue of Workbasket Magazine. If you are really daring you can transform your pumpkin into a jack-o'-lantern with a Sharpie pen and a pair of google eyes. This easy to follow pattern and instructions show you how. Download HERE.
Courtesy of CynicalGirl on Goodsmiths.

Free Pattern Friday - The Four-Point Pocket Square Fold Handkerchief

The Pocket Handkerchief

Comb your hair. Polish your shoes and tuck a handkerchief in your pocket. Seems simple enough. I remember my dad had a card with points glued to it that he slipped into his breast pocket when he had to present a more formal appearance. But the well dressed man has many options for the pocket handkerchief, or pocket square. I had no idea how many variations on the theme there were, complete with names.

Our Four-Point Fold, as pictured, is surely classic, but don't underestimate the Three-Point, the Two-Point, the One-Point or the Shell Fold. The Cagney, Cooper and Astaire, no doubt attributed to those handsome and debonaire screen stars from the 40's and 50's, are variations on the Puff. The Dunaway, Crown, Westco and Presidential are a few other folds with flair. One wonders if there is a secret society that allows certain pocket folds and not others. I think of the brooches Madaleline Albright  wore to reflect her moods while Secretary of State. Perhaps the pocket fold is not so dissimilar? 

The January 1955 issue of Workbasket published the instructions for the simple but elegant Four-Point Fold Pocket Square. Download Here.
Courtesy of CynicalGirl on Goodsmiths.

Free Pattern Friday - Easy Dish Towel Apron

Easy To Make Dish Towel Apron from Woman's Day Magazine December 1954

It's not too early to think about Christmas. After all, the most celebrated event of the year is less than four months away. There is still plenty of time to begin your handmade gifts. And everyone likes to give gifts at Christmas, or whatever Holiday you are celebrating. Children too, enjoy participating in the ritual of exchanging gifts. To see the pleasure on someone's face when they receive your handmade gift is a gift in and of itself. This easy to make apron pattern, from the December 1954 issue of Woman's Day magazine, is fashioned from a checked dish towel and is a quick project for small hands with little sewing experience. It is a seldom seen practice but the habit of mutual exchange of gifts between aunts and nieces should be encouraged. These older role models are pivotal in the development of their young nieces and anything to strengthen that bond should be celebrated. Download the easy to sew pattern instructions HERE.

Courtesy of CynicalGirl on Goodsmiths.

Free Pattern Friday - Easy To Make Felt Coin Purse

Easy To Sew Coin Purse from Workbasket September 1955

It could be a coin purse. It could be a tissue holder or a pretty holder for personal needs. Whatever your needs are will determine the size and shape. The basic pattern is adaptable to just about any proportion. And why not substitute Velcro® for the snaps making it even easier. Download instructions HERE. Courtesy of CynicalGirl on Goodsmiths

Free Pattern Friday - Butterfly Evening Bag

Butterfly Evening Bag from Workbasket September 1955

Felt was the 1950's equivalent to Polar Fleece® of today. It doesn't fray or run. It comes in a variety of colors and textures. And you can use it to make just about anything. This lovely butterfly shaped handbag from Workbasket (September 1955) is beautifully embellished with sequins and beads. Make it in any color combinations that please you and try it with fleece. You may just start a new trend. Download instructions HERE.
Courtesy of CynicalGirl on Goodsmiths

Free Pattern Friday - Bushel Basket Liner

Download this easy to follow instruction sheet to make a lining for a bushel basket.

The bushel basket, made of pine or oak slats, used by farmers for centuries, is a classic and simple design. This easy to follow pattern from The Hamilton Homemaker's Manual (1950©) shows you how to add an oilcloth lining taking this versatile carry all to your laundry room and beyond. An upcycled vinyl tablecloth with bright flowers or traditional red and white checkerboard transforms the lowly market basket into a cottage chic accent for just about anyplace you can imagine it. Prints on 8.5" x 11 sheet of paper.
Courtesy of CynicalGirl on Goodsmiths.

Free Pattern Friday - Pretty Party Apron from Cannon Towels

Pretty Party Apron - Cannon Towels

"Make It With Towels" and "Make It With Sheets" were publications from the Educational Department of Cannon Mills, Inc. Published in the late 1940's through the early 1970's, these booklets included patterns and decorating ideas using Cannon linens. This Pretty Party Apron pattern, from a late 1940's or early 1950's (these were not dated) "Make It With Towels" booklet, includes directions to make this apron from two Cannon towels. Download HERE.
Courtesy of CynicalGirl on Goodsmiths.

Free Pattern Friday - Scarf Apron Tutorial

1940's Scarf Apron from the Ribbon Guild

These so simple to make aprons require only ribbon and 14" square scarves. Buy them new or mix 'em up from your stash for a shabby chic look. Use bandanas for an Americana apron. Any way you choose, the result will be uniquely you.
Courtesy of CynicalGirl on Goodsmiths.

Free Pattern Friday - Poinsettia Apron Pattern

1960s Poinsettia Cross Stitch Gingham Apron

It's not too early!
More cross stitch gingham to start your Christmas and Holiday gift stash. These pretty aprons feature cross stitch pine trees and Poinsettia with sequin center. Easy to follow instructions and embroidery charts print on 8.5 x 11 sheets of paper. Download HERE.

Courtesy of CynicalGirl on Goodsmiths

Easy To Make Gingham Ballet Slippers - Free Pattern Friday

Easy To Make Gingham Ballet Slippers

The pattern for these easy to sew slippers came from my grandmothers 1947 copy of Golden Treasury of Needlecraft. This book is a treasure trove of patterns for knitting, crochet, embroidery and sewing at a time when "Make do and Mend" was the rallying cry of a nation. Look for more from this publication in the weeks and months to come. Easy to follow instructions print out on 8.5 x 11 sheets of paper. Download HERE.
Golden Treasury of Needlecraft 1947 Ed. Isabelle Stevenson. Courtesy of CynicalGirl