Figure 1.--"Le petit écho de la mode" in its February 1947 issue offered this combination pattern for a little boys' garment. Altough a romper is pictured, the same pattern could be used to make a smock as well . The pattern was to be used with a plaid ginham (vichy) material. |
"Le petit écho de la mode" in its February 1947 issue offered a ensemble or trousseau for a younger boy. Pne of the patterns could be used to either create a classic romper (barboteuse) or a smock. Both garments were worn by boys. Girls also wore smocks, but not rompers. The styling of romper and smocks were quite similar, except he bottom part was different.
"Trosseau" is of course used in the French sence of a group of garments in general rather than in the English sence of a bridal outfit. The title of the page reads "Le trousseau de mon petit garçon." Which means "The outfit or wardrobe for the small boy." The words under the caption read. "Voici avec leur patron réduit (patron réduit = reduced pattern) quelque modèles vous permettant de constituer un trousseau pratique et complet pour votre petit garçon." This means, "Here are the reduced pattern, some models allowing you to make a practical and complete wardrobe for a boy." The article suggests the patterns for a boy 3-4 years old.
The top part of a smock and classic romper (barboteuse) are virtually identical. Le petit écho de la mode in its February 1947 issue offered a pattern that could be used for either a smock or romper. The top part was the same only the bottom part varied depending on whether the mother opted for a romper or smock for her son. The illustration showed the garment as being made in ginham (vichy).
The ad copy read, "1. Tablier-barboteuse en vichy écosssais. Il se fronce sous un empiècement boutonné dans le dos, le tour des jambes est froncé par un élastique passé dans l'ourlet. La ceinture nouée derrière se taille droit fil. Boutonnage à l'entre-jambes (cm 50 en 80.)" This would translate as, "Smock-rompers in Scottish plaid ginham. It is gathered under one yoke buttoned in the back, the turn of the legs is gathered by an elastic band passed through the leg hem. The waist band/belt tied in the back is cut (sewn) with [straight threads?]. Also buttons between the legs (cm 50 in 80.)"
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