1939 Inspiration

Hope everyone who celebrates it has enjoyed Christmas.  I had lots of sewing related gifts, which I may do a post on in a few days.  Until then, here are some lovely coats and winter dresses from Beyers Mode Für Alle, November 1939:

Sprechen Sie Deutsch?

I have traced a pattern from a 1937 Beyers Mode Für Alle for this dress:

Each pattern piece is numbered at the corners, and you match up the corresponding numbers to construct the dress.  I am able to work this out without being able to read the scant instructions, however, this particular pattern has what I first though were tucks on the bodice, short sleeve and pocket, yet it appears from the photo that they are tapered, like darts.  Now, I need to know a) what amount to take out, as all the pattern pieces show are lines and b) are they tucked or tapered to nothing??  From looking at the pattern pieces, I think the pocket and sleeve are likely tucked and the bodice has darts (in the bodice at least).  I can read that it says 'pocket' '1cm', 'bodice' '1/12cm' and 'sleeve' '1/2cm' but my google translation didn't help me further.... I hope someone reading this speaks German AND understands what I am on about!  If so, I would be most grateful if you could leave me a comment!  Here are the pattern pieces and instructions:

It is a size 88 bust, which means the measurements are for a 34 1/2 inch bust, 27 1/2 inch waist and 37 3/4 hip, and I'm approx 35 1/2, 26 1/2, 38 1/2 so hopefully it will fit without too much alteration.  I have no idea what kind of ease it will have so I will make a partial toile (muslin).  I plan on making this in black crepe, and may not embroider the collar, cuffs and pocket flaps but use a patterned fabric instead.  I expect the lack of instructions to cause me quite a few headaches during construction!

Vintage Fashion June 1938

It seems I really am turning into a collector.  Now, that would not be a bad thing if I had oodles of money and unlimited space, but as both are rather lacking (the latter more so, but if I keep up the buying then the former will diminish too) then I think I should find another hobby other than shopping online.  Now, what to do?  Uh, how about sewing, there's an idea, especially as the majority of purchases -  fabric, buttons, buckles, patterns etc, are intended for just that. 

I may have some form of procrastination condition, as I really am paralysed by it and the more things I amass, and the choices multiply, my overwhelmed mind loses it a little more. So, the 35+ German vintage pattern magazines that I have just bought after a dealer contacted me with an irresistible, bulk-buy offer, are not going to help me one jot.  It does though, however, give me plenty more delicious images to share here... look away now if you're fed up of them!