1950s Vintage Simplicity Sewing Pattern 1443 Uncut Easy Infant Layette Set w Boat App
Original Circa 1955 Simplicity Pattern No. 1443 - Infant's Layette
Original circa 1955 Simplicity Printed Pattern No. 1443 for a complete infant's layette, with transfer included for pussycat, sailboat, and duck appliques. Eight views cover a dress, pinafore, bonnet, panties, slip, shirt, plastic-lined playsuit, short and long kimonos, sleeping bag, bunting, and bib — every garment "Simple to Make" from just one major pattern piece.
Quick Facts
- Pattern Number: Simplicity No. 1443
- Year: Circa 1955
- Garment: Infant's Layette (8 Views)
- Pieces Included: Dress and Panties, Pinafore with Bonnet and Panties, Slip and Panties, Playsuit and Shirt, Long and Short Kimonos, Sleeping Bag, Bunting, and Bib
- Size: One Size
- Condition: Factory Folded
- Envelope Condition: Worn and Repaired
Design
This is about as complete a layette as one pattern gets. A simple dress pairs with matching panties, and a separate pinafore view adds a sweet lace-trimmed bonnet to match. A lace-edged slip and panties cover what goes on underneath, while a plastic-lined playsuit and shirt, decorated with a jaunty sailboat, handle active wear. For sleep and outings there's a choice of a short or long kimono robe, a ribbon-tied sleeping bag, and a hooded bunting for bundling up. Rounding it all out is a bib finished with a charming duck applique — one of three whimsical designs (a pussycat, a sailboat, and this duck) included on the pattern's own embroidery transfer.
A Moment in Fashion History
Simplicity's "Simple to Make" layette patterns of the 1950s promised a new mother nearly everything from a single envelope, and 1443 delivers on that promise across eight separate views. The playful pussycat, sailboat, and duck appliques reflect a broader mid-century trend toward whimsical, storybook-style nursery motifs, a softer counterpart to the more formal embroidery seen on special-occasion layettes of the same era.
Illustration
The cover illustration has been digitally restored and enhanced by Judy Yates to highlight the original fashion artwork while preserving the character and artistry of this historic Simplicity pattern envelope.
Connections
This pattern is part of our upcoming exhibit, Nursery Notions — maternity wear, layettes, crib covers, and quilts, the sewing life around having a baby. Come take a look.
