Monday, December 29, 2014

• Floral 1950s Dress •



This dress had a rough start at the beginning, but now it is one of my favorites! I loved the fabric, but never knew what to make out of it. I finally decided on a variation of Vogue V9000, making long sleeves and adding a peter pan collar. I was very excited to make it until I assembled the bodice and realized how terribly bland it was. With no accent colors, it was positively plain. Disheartened, I put it away, sure that I would never like it again.


About a month later, I was longing for something long-sleeved to make, so I pulled it out again to see what (if anything) I could do with it. After agonizing over it for a while, it occured to me that black accents would be just the thing! It didn't take long for me to finish it up after that, and ever since I have loved it immensely!


I used the skirt from Butterick 5920. I didn't do a very noble job of pattern matching on it, but it really isn't noticeable, thankfully. I did, however end up matching the bodice fairly well front and back! Since I was putting long sleeves on the bodice, I had to seam it in the back. The result was quite pleasing!


These glass buttons were a prize find from our local antique store. I received a weekly "Throwback Thursday" email from Blumenthal Lansing in which there was a 1940s ad for LeChic buttons. That very same day I was examining these buttons and realized that they were also LeChic! They are glass, so they shine quite beautifully.


When I made this dress, I had no black piping or black fabric, so I ended up using black seam binding to make piping. It ended up working out very well! 


I found this hat for $4 at the antique store! Although the netting is slightly tattered, it really doesn't show. I never wore the hat much in the past because it had a big cream-colored silk flower on the front that really detracted from it. I finally decided to take it off and replace it with a velvet bow. I'm so glad I did, because now it is a staple in my hat wardrobe!

We finally got done with our sewing room reorganization, so I am deeply enjoying getting back to sewing! I'm currently working on a floral 1940s dress which I am in. love. with. I can't wait to finish it!!
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6 comments:

  1. So pretty! I love all the antique details. The peter pan collar is perfect!

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  2. This is gorgeous! You're really talented at sewing, and your attention to detail is brilliant! I really enjoy reading your blog and it inspires me to want to become a better dress-maker (my new year's resolution!), so well done and keep up the hard work!

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    1. Thank you, Milky Usagi!! I am truly honored by your kind words! You are so encouraging. Thank you so very much!!

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  3. Love the dress! Love the fabric! May I ask where you purchased the fabric?
    Always enjoying reading about your sewing projects.
    Happy New Year!
    Irene. ��

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    1. Thank you, Irene!! I purchased the fabric at a local quilt shop. I bought every last scrap of it - I think it had been there a while! It looks like you can buy it from this shop online: http://www.sewmuchmorequilt.com/shop/Fabric/Floral/p/Aunt-Grace-Scrapbag-2007-by-Marcus-Fabrics-R35-N099-326D-sku-R35%20N099%20326D.html
      Thank you for your kind comments!! :)
      Happy New Year!

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