A little bit of Enid
I first heard of Enid Gilchrist when I saw lots of terrific hand-made children’s clothes on Tracy‘s blog. Enid was an Australian fashion designer who published numerous sewing books in the 50’s to 70’s, all of which show you how to draft the patterns yourself. Since then I’ve been keeping an eye out at second-hand stores and op-shops for Enid Gilchrist books. I recently found these ones:
and these ones:
I’m really looking forward to putting the theory into practice and having a go at drafting a pattern following Enid’s instructions. Tracy has set up an excellent blog Inspired by Enid which showcases modern clothes made from these old patterns. It really shows that good design is timeless and what a difference fabric choices can make.
I’ve got an extra copy of Three to Six, the pattern book on the right in the top photo. Please comment if you’d like it and I’ll draw a name out of the hat in a day or so.
Ooh, yes please! My Mum has a few of these books, and the patterns are great. They can be hard to find now though.
I just love these patterns! I have two Enid mags that I found in an oppy and am keeping my eyes out for more. They’re awesome!
Thanks for the link to the Inspired by Enid blog – yay!
My mum made all our clothes from Enid Gilchrist books (and I’m 51, my sister turns 50 in a month and our brother is 48) for the first five or six years. I remember lots of them came from Playclothes. There was also a later book (late 60’s) that had quite “modern” clothes – I recall a navy woollen pinafore dress with mock leather (i.e. vinyl) binding round the neckline and the enlarged armholes, worn with a red skivvy and/or jumper underneath(depending on the temperature) and matching red tights. Very Carnaby Street.
I even have a scanned photo of me and Jenny (aged about 6 and 4) in checked tops with clowns hats appliqued on them, over matching bloomers and “jellybean” plastic sandals! I’m wearing a fetching bucket on my head and Jen has an oversized shaggy straw hat in green.
Ooh, I’d love to be in the draw for the “Three to Six”. I have to admit that I’ve drawn up quite a few of Enid’s patterns, but haven’t made too many (yet!). I’d love to dress my boy in something so old-fashioned (before he gets too choosy!).
Oh my lord! Lara – you are pushing all my buttons here. Thanks so much for the inspiration to follow a bit more Enid but also the link to the blog. (As you know) I have started to make my (just) two year old boys play clothes and this stuff is just gold because I believe that the clothes should be practical and still child like (not like small adult clothes). I love that you love it too.
ooh-oooh-oooh… pick me…. pick me! You know me – I love a good Enid book!
I only have a baby book, but I am sure I could get some great ones for Poppy and Caleb. I love to draft a pattern, must be the draftsman in me.. How cool is the link
Hi Lara, My mum was a great Enid fan. I’ll have to keep a look out for you.
I can’t resist going into this competition. I have several Enids – some of them were used by my Grandmother for my mother when she ws a baby – and then Mum used them for me, and I used them for my daughter. Possible, i will pass them on when the time comes (if I can bear to get rid of them of course).
But I am missing that particular book!
Cheers Janet
Thank you Lara for posting a link to the blog. Enid was an amazing designer, so simple, practical and frugal.
Ha ha, taking me back to when I was 6 six old and fully dressed by Enid courtesy of my mum! Now I am keen to repay the favour to my 6 year old!!
I really like Enid too. You never when she might pop up at the Oppy!