What Women Want In Bed - Motley Mode Mondays

Linen Pajama Pants With Cotton Eyelet Lace Trim by Sandmaiden Sleepwear, Etsy.

If one were to watch the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, it might seem perfectly natural for women to want to parade about in skimpy and barely there lingerie. Who wouldn't want to look like those goddesses, with expertly applied make-up, complete with opalescent glitter and a set of wings. They really do resemble angels, good and naughty ones, but angels not of this earth.  Most fashion editorials that feature lingerie or sleepwear also seem to suggest that there is nothing that makes a woman feel more sexy and powerful than a killer pair of stilettos and some thigh-high stocking, a thong, and a demi-shelf bra with overflowing cups.  Models, with fiercely sexy bedroom eyes, looking somewhat far away, somehow almost like feral felines can be seen pawing across a satin sheeted bed, a chaise lounge, or a fur rug in front of a roaring fire.

Nighty Set "Mirena" by Queen B. Lingerie, Etsy.

Dottie Babydoll 1950s 1960s - Cotton Nightie Sleepwear Lounger by The Domestic Dame, Etsy.

I can totally understand it, I was there once upon a time. In my early twenties (a long time ago in the early 90s), I was the girl who dressed that sexy for my man. I wore french seamed stockings, garters, matching lingerie sets, fluttery silk bikini bloomers, the odd teddy, and even a well loved cat-suit. I was a curvy girl, and I liked the sexual charge I got from showing off those curves to an appreciative man.  I spent a lot of money on all that satin, lace, and silk, and it was fun to surprise my fella with a new outfit on me on special occasions, or just for fun.  But even at the time, I was very well aware that all that corsetry, underwire, and elastic - especially those tricky thigh high stockings and garters - were for fun, and hardly practical.

Lingerie Set Babydoll & Boxer - Organic Cotton and Soy by Luva Huva, Etsy.

Pyjama Cami Top and Quarter Pants Set in Lady Blu Print by MaybeBlu, Etsy.

Looking back, I should have saved my money, I wore those sexy looks very few times for the relative expense of them, and they really don't do for everyday wear.  I know I could never have actually relaxed in any of that stuff, it was not sleepwear, nor was it shape-wear, and it was appropriate for a very short time in my life.  No woman looks at a skimpy push-up bra, a thong, garters, and thigh-highs and thinks to herself "now this is one comfortable outfit, I shall sleep like a dream in this puppy!"

Pyjama "Anemone" by YUTA Shop, Etsy.

Bermondsey Lace and Cotton Sleeveless Peephole Nightie by Penny Face, Etsy.

So that brings me to my favorite Valentine's Day related topic. The things men buy for women, and what they think the message they are sending is.  Normally I would never presume to address a post assuming that all couples are heterosexual, but if two women are buying for each other, they have a different idea of what each other wants, so for the sake of argument here, just go with me on this. If a man was to buy his lady a look such as those seen in a lingerie add or on the VS runway, he may think he is saying to her "you are as sexy as all of those girls and I want to see you looking like my very own goddess." A very sweet thought indeed, and perhaps the most innocent of motivations for such a purchase, *wink wink, nudge nudge*. But men, be warned, when you buy a woman lingerie without her input you are likely to buy the wrong size or style, and you may make her feel like she is just not sexy enough as she is. Don't kid yourself, it will go through her mind no matter how much you assure her she is perfect 'just as she is'.

Pajama Lounge Pants With Drawstring Waist BAMBOO Sleepwear Range by Sandmaiden Sleepwear, Etsy.

Grecian Goddess Bridal Nightgown Wedding Lingerie, White Nylon Angelic Honeymoon Gown - Romantic Sleepwear by Serafina Dreams, Etsy.

Pro Tip: Even the most confident of women likes to decide for herself how she displays her own body.

Amber Chic Maternity Hospital Gown/Dress - Amy Butler Fabric - Custom & Ready To Ship by CHIC MAMA BOUTIQUE, Etsy.

Elise Robe - Silk Lingerie by Angela Friedman, Etsy.

Now, imagine that you give her a gift card to her favorite lingerie shop, and let her choose what she wants and needs. Do you think her purchases would be different from yours? You betcha, for sure! She may purchase a new selection of panties, a few new supportive bras to keep the 'girls' happy, and maybe even a new nightgown or robe.  What is the difference, you ask? Comfort! Say it with me now boys, a woman loves to be comfortable. I am not talking about her wearing your old T-shirts and a pair of sweat pants here, I am talking about something she can feel sexy in, that flatters her figure, but lets her express herself while being comfortable enough to cuddle, take care of the kids, get the morning paper off the lawn, and still feel like she can be your vixen in bed.  Yes, what women really want in bed is to be comfortable. That can encompass a wide range of styles, some very sexy indeed, other more modest, but all meant to fall softly over the body and let that most feminine, delicate, and smooth skin breathe.

Pyjama Gift Set Including Sleep Mask - "Hello Sailor" in Blue & White Stripe [Made To Order] by dollydripp, Etsy.

Asphalt Grey Sleep Set Pajamas With Wide Sleeves and Pants by Comfortissimo, Etsy.

So what can you buy your special lady, and this goes for both the fellas and the same-sex partners, to make her feel perfectly sexy and comfortable all at once, and be reasonably sure you have the perfect fit... lounge wear and/or sexy pajamas of course. If you want to make her feel fabulous, get her something she can wear on any given Sunday, watch the game with you, and still get in and out of in a flash for sexy times.

Sleepwear Jumpsuit by Poplin Homewear, Etsy.

Lingerie Nightgown - Cream Organic Cotton Sleepwear by Luva Huva, Etsy.

Searching out great comfortable PJs and lounge wear on Etsy is easy as pie, and you can get some really unique and lovely looks, with custom hand made touches of brilliance. You can pick your favorite colours, or hers, or go with a classic white linen nightgown with a little bit of sheer and a whole lot of sexy.  The point I am trying to make is that the head-to-toe matchy matchy lingerie set is so passe, unless you are planning your wedding night look, a "third date" seduction, or a Playboy Bunny Centerfold shoot.  It may be fun when you are twenty to play sex-goddess, but when you get past that little right of passage, you know that sexy is all about what is on the inside and what you can inspire in your partner by virtue of your confidence, your sense of humor, and your knowing just what 'look' will have them hauling you over their shoulder and rushing you into the bedroom on a Thursday night.

Skeleton Long John Onesie by DadyBones, Etsy

Nightshirt in Lady Blu Print by MaybeBlu, Etsy.

Mondays here at the Fab are all about fashion, the trends, the finds, the accessories, but it is also about being honest about what is really something that can be as simple and easy as a great set of pajamas that makes you feel wonderful, whether you are in a relationship or not. Ask any woman, the best part of her day is when she can finally take off that torture device known as a brassiere, the one with the elastic and wires that has been cutting into her tender flesh since she put it on that morning.

Sophy Romper Jumper Playsuit One Piece Loungerie [Made To Order] by Under The Root, Etsy.

Silk Pyjama Pants With Lace Trim and Elastic Drawstring, NOELLE Sleepwear Range by Sandmaiden Sleepwear, Etsy.

Please check out all of these fabulous looks I stumbled upon on the fabulous and ever changing Etsy, and think about the Valentine's Day gifts you are planning for your sweetie, your kids, your pets, and your loved ones. Buy them something they would never expect, something practical and lovely at the same time, and believe me, you will be well appreciated for your efforts. Any of these featured items (with links and credits under every picture) would be perfect, and if it is too late for Valentine's Day, there is always an anniversary, birthday, or holiday coming up that would suit just as nicely as an excuse to spoil your lover.

Nightgown - Valentine Red Supima Cotton Short Gown by Simple Pleasures Sleepwear, Etsy.

Low Rise Wide Leg Cotton Pajama Pant With Cropped Three Quarter Length Sleeve Cotton Knit Pajama Top by Serafina Dreams, Etsy.

No woman (or man for that matter) needs another heart-shaped box of chocolates, wilting bunch of over-priced roses or (*gag*) carnations, or g-d forbid a silly little teddy bear with a heart in it's hands.  If they sell it at the local convenience store, it is not going to cut it. Instead plan a night of great takeaway food, get a few softly glowing unscented candles, a fabulous bottle of wine (with a real cork in it), and some comfortable clothing to start the night in. Believe me, by the end of the night, you will have forgotten all about that silly lingerie and just be thankful that you took my advice.

Flora Robe in Blue Ombre - Size Medium by Sabine + Sailor, Etsy.

Lingerie - Sarah Flirtatious Ruffled Top & Palazzo  by Simple Pleasures Sleepwear, Etsy.

You may disagree with me, so feel free to comment - I mean obviously someone out there is still buying that binding, lacey, ruffled, frou frou lingerie, it can be a lot of fun and very sexy indeed, there is lots of that to be found on Etsy as well, some from the same vendors I have highlighted here.  But I imagine that more women would admit to secretly desiring a slightly sexy yet comfortable piece of lounge wear, or a soft and light nightie, than a pair of cellulite pinching stay up thigh high stocking and stilettos... in fact, I would bet my blog on it. Have a fabulous Valentine's Day everyone!

Clowns Keeping Us In Stitches - Time Travel Thursdays

Fabulous Forties Costume Pattern - Clown Around Vintage -Style at Momma Black Sheep on Etsy.

 My mother was always a crafty woman, where my dad had a 'workshop' in the basement, she had a 'sewing room'. My dad's workshop was filled with every imaginable tool, like most men he had multiples of many things that he forgot he already had, hitting Canadian Tire or Lansing Build All was a weekend staple destination for him back in the mid-1970s.  My father, no slouch in the fix-it department, actually build us a full 'play house' in the backyard of our North York, Ontario home. It was big enough to have the entire neighborhood's children all inside it and still have room for a table and chairs. 

McCall 2833, 1920s Girl's Clown Suit Costume at Fripperie on Etsy.

Vintage Advance Clown Pattern 701 - Men's and Women's - Size Large 18-20 at Dream Weaver 1954 on Etsy.

Simplicity 4864 Clown Costume 1960s for Children Vintage Sewing Pattern at Mrs. Depew Vintage on Etsy.

 My mother was someone who could sew, so it seemed absolutely natural to me that she would have a 'sewing room'. I though every home had one, just like a kitchen or bathroom, little did I know.  My mother was famous for putting patches inside the knees of our worn-out play jeans, for shortening the cuffs on our hand-me-down pants, and for mending our cloth toys and blankets.  She also made costumes for us, for Halloween, for our endless themed birthday parties [there were four of us kids after all], and for our dance recitals.

Vintage 1950s Delightful Children 's Clown Costume Sewing Pattern - Hat, Neck Ruffle, Pom Poms - Size Medium RARE at Farfalla Design Studio on Etsy.

Kid's Vintage Clown Costume Pattern Simplicity 6363 Size 12 at Kandiieee on Etsy.

Vintage Clown Costume 1976 Simplicity Sewing Pattern 9051 Medium at Claudette's Vintage Vault on Etsy.

 In the early 1980s, my mother actually stitched up a Care Bear costume for not only my little sister, but one of her dance class-mates. The were unbelievably detailed, and my mother still has the one she made for my sister. A full head-to-toe costume, the child's face actually peeks out of the mouth of the Care Bear in question. A pastel mint faux-fur body suit with an emblem stitched on the white belly, and a giant 'head' that went over the child's head, the scale was just as the stuffed dolls we had. Can you imagine an entire dance class of 12 six year-old girls trying to dance to "Teddy Bear's Picnic" in that huge and likely over-heated costume. You have to love it.

Vintage 1984 Butterick Pattern 6814 Care Bears Costume Size 2-6x at Gran's Treasures on Etsy.

McCall's 1940s Clown or Jester Pattern at Retro Recycle on Etsy.

Vintage 1965 Simplicity Sewing Pattern - Clown Costume Boy's Girl's Size 4-6 at Oh Vintage Threads on Etsy.

My mom also made us costumes for Purim, the Jewish holiday where dress-up is part of the fun. This year it falls on Thursday, March 8th/2012, so there is still time to get your costumes ready. Clown costumes are one option for Purim, as are the characters from the story the holiday is based on, including a princess of course. One year my mother made clown costumes for each of us kids, I must have been around 9 or 10 years old at the time, because I know she made them for myself and my twin sister, my brother, who was likely 7, and my youngest sister who was maybe 5 in her kindergarten class. 

Kids Clown Costume Butterick Sewing Pattern 3169 - Size 8 at Garden In The City on Etsy.

Costume Clown Simplicity 0664 Size BB 2-12 Children's Sewing Pattern at NANCE'S NOSTALGIA on Etsy.

1972 McCall's Sewing Pattern 3353 - Clown Costume Children's Size 10-12 at Full Circle Studios on Etsy.

The costumes were amazing. She made these huge ruffled neck pieces that went with them, a startling white compared to the colorful two print combo of the suit, trimmed with a lovely bright rickrack.  We also had matching hats, yarn pom poms accents and all. Too adorable for words. My mother went on to make a couple for adults, and then for many friends of the family, they became famous. My mother somehow found time for this with four young children of grade-school age, going to a school with no busing, cooking every meal we ate, and being a full-time homemaker. 

Vintage UNCUT Simplicity Sewing Pattern - Size Large 40-42 Adult's Clown Costume and Hats - Dated 1980 at In Grandma's Attic on Etsy.

Clown Costume Pattern Size Adult Medium - McCall's 4944 - Circa 1990 at Miss32Act on Etsy.

McCall's Crafts Boy and Girl Clown Costume Pattern 2623 UNCUT Size 2,4 at Lingonberries And Moss on Etsy.

People would call to ask to borrow them for all sorts of events, and they were generously sized so we got a good few years use out of them. I think it was quite an ingenious strategical move on the part of my mom to make the two oldest children's costumes, mine and my twin sister's, out of fairly gender neutral colors and prints, they lasted my siblings a long time in the years to follow. They pulled duty on trick or treat nights, Purim carnivals, and a themed birthday party where every child in attendance wore a similar costume.

Clown Halloween Costumes Pattern for Children Adults at Regency Cottage on Etsy.

1980 McCall's Pattern 7230 for an Adult's Clown Costume - Size Large at Lakeview Arts on Etsy.

Sewing Pattern Simplicity, Clown - Jester - Hobo Halloween Costume: Adult Medium UNCUT at Sew Alike on Etsy.

I could go on and on, but what today's Time Travel Thursday post is really about is those envelopes of patterns that you could buy at the fabric store, along with all your fabric and findings. It's about the days when people made their own clothing and costumes as the norm, and not the exception.  It is about those homes that included such things as 'sewing rooms', where magic happened in the hands of everyday people.  When your mother or grandmother would make you a costume that had never been worn by anyone else, that looked absolutely professional and fabulous, that no one else had, that was a treasured thing.  I have just gotten my first sewing machine, a very basic Singer model, just for making a few time saving stitches now and then.  My mother still has her first Singer too, it still works and she still uses it occasionally, and I know it is likely 40 years old, maybe more.

McCall's 9212 Vintage Sewing Pattern Child's Boy's Girl's CLOWN COSTUMES Size 6-8 at KatyBugVintage on Etsy.

Butterick 5073, Vintage 1990 Baby Jumpsuit Pattern UNCUT - Newborm - M at Vintage Vice on Etsy.

Halloween Costume Pattern Clowns Simplicity 7120 Size Small at AuntPittyPats2 on Etsy.

I would love to know how to use a pattern, to know how to use fabric so that the threads run the right way for stretch or fit, to know what seam technique to use, to  be able to create professional looking garments and costumes, just like my mother did. So few of us have the time or inclination to make things by hand, but I have found just the little bit of doll making I have been doing lately to be so therapeutic. To see a finished result, something tangible, something you can hold in your hands or give to a child to cuddle, it is a totally WOW moment. It's nice to see something through to the end, there is so much in our world that has become conceptual or intangible.  Whether you sew, knit, crochet, scrapbook, cook, or have some other hand-made hobby, you know exactly what I mean. The ability to create something is just as satisfying as it ever was.

Vintage 1961 Girls or Boys Clown, Devil, Little Prince Costume Halloween McCall's Pattern 2459 Size 6-8 at Lakeview Arts on Etsy.

VERY RARE 1960s Vintage Pattern UNCUT McCall's 7912 Size Medium Girl's Boy's Clown - Bullfighter - Devil - Bandit Costumes at GREAT SCOTT on Etsy.

McCall's Costumes Clown Pattern 6719 at KidLee on Etsy.

Today's post features a bounty of amazing vintage sewing patterns, almost entirely Clown Costumes all for sale on Etsy, along with hundreds of other patterns for every look you can image.  They are fun to look at, collect, even stitch up for yourself or a friend. Take the links under the images to reach the shops and listings, and have a look around.  Even if you don't have a dedicated sewing room, crafting room, or studio, any room can become one if you use it for that purpose.  This is a celebration of an nearly lost art, fabric stores are harder and harder to find, patterns for modern styles just don't exist the way they did in the past, it is so much easier just to go to the mall when you need new clothing. Just because something is easier, doesn't mean it is better.  As for these clowns, maybe one will be your first sewing project from a pattern. They are very easy to make and they are great for play and holidays alike. You can even get all your fabric and finishing elements on Etsy. Give it a think, and for now, sew long.

Butterick Kid's Clown Costume Pattern 4154 at Gothabilly 13 on Etsy.

Vintage Costume Sewing Pattern 1982 Boy's and Girl's Clown Costumes and Hats, Simplicity 5740 Sizes 2-4 at The Half House on Etsy.