What the Grahams Wore on Easter Sunday: A Fashion Moment with Canadian Home Journal 1941
Just what will the Grahams wear for Easter Sunday? Why, I’m so glad you asked . . . because I just happen to have a three page spread showing just that!
My brother gave me this Canadian Home Journal from April of 1941, this past Christmas, and I’ve been eagerly waiting to share it with you all, because there is an entire section in the magazine featuring Singer sewing machines, and Butterick patterns! I haven’t figured out yet what I am going to wear this Easter Sunday, but any of these patterns would be delightful, don’t you think? It’s too bad I won’t be able to make any of these lovely dresses, but at least we can enjoy looking at them, right?
The article on the right page talks about how Mrs. S. Armstrong, of Montreal, wanted to have “more pretty clothes- for much less money”, and so she decided to sew them herself. However, there was just one problem- she didn’t know how to sew! But, no problem, she just went to her nearest Singer Sewing Centre, and enrolled in their Three Free Lessons. “There the obliging sewing instructress showed her how easy and simple it is to sew- and save- the Singer way.” Now Mrs. Armstrong has become “quite the expert” and “does all her own sewing- on the modern Singer electric Mr. Armstrong gave her for her birthday”. Furthermore, “the Singer Sewing Centre in your town is always ready to help you. Go there for wardrobe ideas, for advice on a sewing problem, or for “short course” lessons in dressmaking or home decorating. All these services are free!” Well, I just want to pop over my local vintage Singer Sewing Centre now, don’t you?
This dress, above, is just perfection!
I love this striped blouse and suit from Butterick 1440.
Here is what Margaret, Ailsa, Dorothy, and Peg Graham will wear.
Dorothy likes the “high surplice neckline” of Butterick 1444 and the “wide midriff belt” of 1451, above.
Ailsa “likes the shirred pockets” in this Butterick 1407 suit. Also pictured is Butterick 1453. On the other page, we are shown how to add some “spice’ to your outfit!
There will be “many pleasant uses for these important additions to the Spring costumes they are planning”.
Margaret likes the “saddle shoulders in both the dress and the coat of this ensemble because they give a broad shoulder line”. Broad shoulders were definitely the thing in the 40’s! Butterick 1462 includes both the coat and the dress. And Peg, on the right, likes the “slim lines of this reefer which buttons up to a high collar” Butterick 1160 and 1465.
And lastly, my favourite is this ensemble with Butterick 1456. I love everything about this: the cape, the handbag, the cool folded hat. . . the officer (haha just kidding!)
Which of the patterns from this issue of Canadian Home Journal do you like the best? Don’t you wish you could still order things from old magazines and catalogues, when you browse through them? Have you ever seen an issue of Canadian Home Journal before? And, have you picked out what you are going to wear for Easter yet?
March 27, 2018 @ 9:10 am
I love Margaret’s coat!
And I am trying to envision top hats being worn in church. Did the men take them off and hold them on their knees? Set them down on the pews? Or leave them on and block the vision of those behind them? Puzzling!
April 3, 2018 @ 5:51 pm
Out of respect, they would definitely have been removed in church (as with other indoor locations). I am not sure where they would have put them, though. I’ve never really thought about it- maybe they left them with their coats? Or maybe they placed them under the seat in front of them? (That’s where I always place my purse) That’s an interesting question!
And, I’m trying to imagine a society where top hats would be worn at all!
March 28, 2018 @ 4:24 pm
That plaid maxi dress – swoon! What a great resource for vintage fashion inspiration.
April 3, 2018 @ 5:52 pm
I know- it’s my favourite too!
April 4, 2018 @ 3:00 am
Absolutely beautiful photos from your magazine and, oh boy, that checked dress Mrs Armstrong made is incredible. I’d love to make one similar! Mrs Graham’s cape is a stunner too. xx
April 7, 2018 @ 9:25 am
That checked dress is my favourite too! I think we can all use some long dresses in our wardrobes 🙂
April 9, 2018 @ 5:12 am
Yeah that plaid dress is a total dream! The hats are gorgeous too – and I love the magazine cover image!
April 10, 2018 @ 10:47 pm
Aren’t vintage covers just the best!? Someone should totally do a vintage cover recreation challenge or something 😉 haha!
April 9, 2018 @ 3:21 pm
These are super. I wouldn’t mind any of them!
April 10, 2018 @ 10:48 pm
Me too! 🙂