Sportswear in Der Goldene Schnitt? Well of course and today for Free Pattern Friday, I have some for you in the form of a biking and skiing outfit. Of course given the weather here in Michigan, one is more than likely not going out on a bike but skis? A great possibility. Personally, I do not ski nor do I partake in winter sports (or can ride a bike) but these patterns are still worth sharing nonetheless. One reason why I think these patterns are worth sharing is because it shows how incredible versatile this pattern book is. What other pattern book features sleep wear side by side sportswear and evening wear? Also, these patterns say a great deal about German culture. There was a great deal of emphasis placed on outdoor activities year ‘round to encourage that healthy youthful look that was so desired for women in Nazi Germany. Each outfit makes use of the same general pattern for the pants and little vest or jacket and you could almost use the same materials too but of course if you wanted a practical 40s ski outfit, you may want warmer materials than one for taking your bike out for a spin.
For this pattern, the pants are really a simple pant pattern that would be gathered into an elastic band more than likely or else a fixed band that could be adjusted with snaps or buttons. You may have noticed that the pant bottom leg portion has little indications for darts and that is just to control the fullness and if you wanted to, you could easily omit those darts and still maintain the integrity of the pattern's design. Studying the pattern, there is a placket indicating a side zipper or snaps. Again, you could omit that and after some slight adjustment (remove the waist darts to start) do an elastic band at the waist. . .
The main body portion here can be made up like a vest or add the sleeve you have a jacket. The sleeves are a two piece coat sleeve with gathers for the elbow instead of darts (hence the little squiggle line there). Illustrated, there is a high neckline that closes under the chin and that pattern is not given. I am guessing that the pattern makers thought you could get that pattern elsewhere in the book (and you can). With that said, the option here is more for the vest look and again, add sleeves and boom jacket. You can either add a zipper front or buttons. If you choose to do buttons, I would add a little bit more to the front for the buttons and button holes to really work and look right. Like illustrated, there are pockets but there are not patterns for the pockets and this time no indications of their placement either. So, if you want to add pockets, just place them where you see fit. For the vest or jacket, if you look very closely, you will see in the back there looks to be like a running of elastic to enable a more fitted look with movement in mind.
Need a little inspiration because you find yourself really wanting a 40s ski suit? Well, as curiosity would have it, I decided to take a look at some 40s ski outfits myself (not because I want one but just because). During my search, I was surprised with mow many there were to look at and if you too would like some inspiration just follow the links to some originals:
Need the ruler? Just ask . . .
