Monday, May 4, 2015

• Ricrac 1940s Dresses •


I have been under the weather with a cold the last several days, so I haven't been up to a photo shoot! Luckily, last week we did two of them, so I still have something to post today! :)
I made this dress about a month and a half ago out of some cotton purchased at Hancock Fabrics. I intended it (as the story always seems to go) for something else; namely, an 1860s gown, but I decided that with the wrinkliness of the fabric and the amount of fabric that I had, it wasn't going to work out for that. So, what's the answer? When in doubt, make a 1940s dress!


I used Vogue 9052 (like my wool dress) for the bodice, but used the neckline from a vintage pattern we have, Simplicity 4641, available here. I cut the neckline narrower than the pattern and made a band to go on it. I was inspired by Lily's polka dot dress, which has that adorable ricrac-edged neck band and pockets. So cute!!


I added patch pockets with ricrac. I would have sewn them into the seam, but they were somewhat of a last-minute addition, so they had to be applied topically. 
They are so handy! I used to be an absolute pocket-hater, but I am starting to think they are a necessity! ;)


One of the neatest things about Vogue 9052 is that I don't have to lengthen the skirt! It's positively shocking! I'm pretty sure I have lengthened every other skirt I have ever made. So 
when I don't have to, it's quite the refreshing change!


You might recognize my mom's purple dress from the belt tutorial.


I have always loved this fabric; it's so cheery, springy and beautiful! My mom ended up buying it, and decided at long last to make a dress out of it! I think the design is simply splendid!


She not only added a neckband, but also a faux front placket with beautiful pink vintage buttons. She matched it all up *so* precisely. She's so good at that.

Instead of the Vogue 9052 sleeve, she used a sleeve from a vintage Anne Adams pattern that we have. I love that puffed sleeve cap! 


And just look at that center front seam. It's just so perfect. And she even matched up her pockets with the pattern too! I have quite a long way to go before I'm to this stage of pattern-matching-expertise.

And, of course her beautiful belt! It's quite impressive, in my opinion! She made a fabric-covered belt with eyelets and a belt loop! It's so professional-looking!

(Yes, her belt says "RS." Sometimes we forget to iron out markings....)
;)


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20 comments:

  1. These are both so lovely!!
    I love the color of your dress, the ricrac sets it off nicely. I don't think I could ever be as good as your mom on pattern matching; wow!
    I hope you feel much better! This must be the time for colds, I got one a month ago. Definitely not fun when it's all pretty and warming up outside.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you so much, Mary!!
      Isn't my mom the best pattern-matcher? She's so good!! :)
      Thank you for the well-wishes and the lovely comment!!

      Delete
  2. What a lovely dress, Esther! I just love the ric~rac!
    Your Mom's dress is so pretty too! That fabric! Must. Not. Covet. ;)
    A splendid job, as always, sweet girl.

    {hugs}
    Michelle ^_^
    Delightful Handwork

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    1. Thank you, Michelle!! :) I'm pretty sure ricrac makes everything better.
      Isn't the fabric on my mom's dress the best? I just love it.
      Thanks for the comment, dear!! :)

      Delete
  3. So cute :) I think it's so sweet that you and your mom have very similar tastes and styles :) It makes me smile from ear to ear to see ya'll together :D I love the ricrac on your dress and I think your mum's dress fabric is to die for :)
    ~Theresa

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    1. Thank you, Theresa!! I'm so glad others appreciate our similar styles as much as I do! I am so glad she and I think alike! :)
      Thanks for the sweet comment! :D

      Delete
  4. I love ricrac as a trim. It's something I really should use more of in my vintage sewing. I just realized that one of the photos I received for my photo contest is of your mom! I thought she looked familiar but there was no blog link with her email. Now I know! :) You both look lovely.
    -Emily
    Emily's Vintage Visions

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    1. Thank you, Emily! I too just love ricrac. It's so very vintage!
      Yep, that's my mom!! We were both thrilled to be able to take part in your contest! :)

      Delete
  5. Oh my heavens! You ladies look so darling!! I need to stop looking at your blog or I will have to add the 1940s to my wardrobe! You are wonderful inspiration!
    Blessings!
    Gina

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    Replies
    1. Aww, thank you so much, Gina!!
      Keep looking, keep looking! You need the 1940s too! ;)
      Thank you, dear lady, for your lovely comment!!

      Delete
  6. Both of these dresses are so lovely. Love the flair on your skirt, it's the perfect length

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  7. Oh dear, I'm sincerely sorry to hear that you've been under the weather. Cold and flues seem to be really lingering across the continent this year. I hope that you'll soon feel right as rain again.

    Your new dress is positively gorgeous! Dark pine/forest green like that is one of top five favourite colours ever and when it comes with vintage in any capacity, it's all I can do to keep from swooning dead away. You and your lovely mom both look so timelessly gorgeous. It truly warms my heart that you share a passion for vintage fashion and sewing.

    ♥ Jessica

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    1. Thank you, Jessica!! I love dark green as well - it's a color I don't wear nearly enough!
      I am very thankful that my mom and I both enjoy the same styles! :) I can't imagine it if we didn't!

      Delete
  8. Your dresses are so lovely, and look like they will be perfect for Spring and Summer! And your Mom is amazing at pattern matching! Oh my!

    Brigid
    the Middle Sister and Singer

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Brigid!
      Mom's the best, isn't she? ;)

      Delete
  9. Ric rac is my favourite trimming! It looks so pretty but it is a pain to sew on neatly! Your dresses are lovely, I love the fabric choices and they look so well sewn.

    www.pearlsandpurlsvintage.com

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    1. Thank you, Hayley Ann! I'm pretty sure ricrac is my favorite as well! It makes everything cuter. ;)

      Delete
  10. Both of these dresses are so pretty! I love the prints on them so much. You and your mom are adorable!!!!
    +Victoria+
    justicepirate.com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Victoria!! You're so sweet!! :)

      Delete

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