McCall pattern 1557: witch’s robe and hat, tail wagging stuffed cat, too! McCall needlework catalog, 1950.
“Broomstick-riding attire for a Hallowe’en masquerade party — a full flowing robe of black sateen or chintz, with a shoulder cape and high peaked hat. Applique a big orange-colored pumpkin on the front, and face the full sleeves with orange. Hide her own hair under the hat, which has a ‘wig’ of black or orange-colored wool yarn attached. Of course, standard equipment for all witches is a black cat. Make this stuffed one with pearl buttons for eyes, yarn whiskers. Pattern is cleverly designed so the tail wags.”
Personally, I think the little witch with the purple lining and hair looks pretty delightful, too. McCall’s came right out and said this was a witches’ costume. A year earlier, Butterick described a much less interesting child’s pattern as “An all-time favorite, the broomstick-rider:”
Hallowe’en costumes from Butterick Fashion News, Nov. 1949.
Well, it’s a little late to sew for Hallowe’en now, but it’s nice to see that a little girl could choose to be a ballerina or a pirate in 1949:
Butterick Fashion News, Nov. 1949.
“An adventurous young lass in search of treasure is sure to find it in this pert pirate costume. Sizes 2 – 18, 22 – 36.”
witness2fashion 
Oops! I meant to schedule this for Oct. 31st. Maybe there is time to sew for Hallowe’en — but not Hallowe’en 1949.
I made myself crazy sewing Halloween costumes for my children. Now, I am basking in glory as some of the outfits I made will be re-used by my grandchildren!
They are soooo fortunate! I have a 1950s picture of me in a Halloween costume at school — In my class, we felt sorry for the kids who had to wear store-bought costumes — how things have changed. Vintage costumes = lucky grandkids!
I love that the witch comes with the pattern for the cat!
Don’t you wonder how its tail “wagged?” I do. (I had’t thought about a cat “wagging” its tail since the Cheshire cat discussed it with Alice.)
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