January 1934 - The Farm Journal Pattern Department

 

The Farm Journal was first published in 1877.  During the 1930s and 1940s most of the pages of the Journal were filled with advertisements designed to appeal to both the farmer and the farmer’s wife.  Each year the January issue featured the new quilt pattern catalogue which could be ordered from the Farm Journal Pattern Department in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

 

 

At the top left hand corner is the applique block Washington Square.

 

 

 Almost the same design.  These applique blocks are possibly late 1800s and have been cut from a worn quilt.  The applique is done by hand, the batting is a thin cotton and the sashing strips were machine stitched to the finished blocks.

The top right hand corner shows the block Fox and Geese.  A picture of how the blocks look when set together is a great help to the potential pattern purchaser.  The geese are running in a very orderly fashion, two by two.

Fox and Geese 8 inch block

 And when you finish the quilt, how about sewing a new dress?  Judging from the sketch, this style is very slimming indeed.

The Midwinter Frock - Smart simplicity suitable for dress-up wear

Slimming the figure, flattering the wearer and smart though conservative – what more could one ask of one dress?

The woman who has a few more pounds than her height calls for will like this frock, because when she wears it no one will notice the extra weight.  The neckline and soft revered front are of a lighter fabric.  This gives a soft effect that is attractive and more becoming than a severe style.  It is a type that can be worn suitably for all except very formal occasions and the wearer will always feel well dressed.  Silk, rayon, or wool, if of firm texture, will develop happily in this design, but thin materials would not be suitable.

She who wants a smart black and white dress, and there is no type more useful, will do well to consider this design.  Of course it can be developed in other colors also, brown with beige; dark green with white, flesh or beige; blue with flesh are all good combinations.