Sew For Victory 2014 Project #1!

Flashback Summer:  Sew For Victory 2.0 2014- 1940s mail order 3700 suit and sundress

I have my first finished Sew For Victory 2014 project to share with you guys, the mail order suit I first discussed in this earlier post!  I created this suit set as part of my wedding trousseau, and I was amazed that I had to change almost nothing on the pattern to fit me!  It was already tiny enough!  (Having to alter patterns every time really annoys me, can you tell?)

Flashback Summer:  Sew For Victory 2.0 2014- 1940s mail order 3700 suit and sundress

Flashback Summer:  Sew For Victory 2.0 2014- 1940s mail order 3700 suit and sundress

Although the materials to make this suit are not necessarily historically accurate (I think the fabric is some sort of polyester blend and the buttons are plastic), it definitely has the look of the 40s.  More importantly, however, it embodies the "Make Do" attitude of the time.  I used only things from my stash and just had to buy some matching thread!  The buttons were given to me by my grandmother, and the fabric was about $2 at a thrift store.  All the other notions (shoulder pads, snaps, etc.) were thrifted as well for a couple bucks.  

I'm in the midst of graduating, getting married, and starting life; I do NOT have a bucket load of money to spend, so a $5 suit does just the trick!

I liked this pattern a lot (Mail Order 3700), but I would like to forewarn anyone else that tries it that it does not include any facings for the sundress and no back neck facing for the jacket.  It simply says, "Create bias facings."  That part was a bit tricky, and the rounded straps on the sundress were difficult for me to get the curve right on, but besides this (especially considering it's a SUIT), the pattern was great!  It is EXTREMELY fabric efficient (I would guess both pieces used less than two yards), and it came together relatively quickly.

In these photos it's a bit wrinkled due to being transported (it really does look way better ironed), but this suit is becoming one of my favorites.  I did a "test run" wearing on Easter to see if anything felt funny, pulled, or twisted, and it felt great!  I'm going to hold off on wearing it again until my wedding day as my going away outfit.  There I will take more pictures to share with you of the sundress underneath, so stay tuned!

Also, be sure to check out the Sew For Victory flickr group to see more of my photos and the other fabulous projects people are working on!

Outfit Details:
suit:  handmade by me (pattern from QuiltCitySue Etsy shop)
shoes:  Decades (Springfield, MO)
necklace: gift

12 comments

  1. What a fantastic job! I love this outfit. Two yards of fabric! Amazing. Love this suit. Kudos!

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  2. What an amazing suit!! The fabric certainly looks very forties, and I can't believe how little it took to make! A suit is next on my list of things to make, I hope it comes out as fantastic as yours has.

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    1. Thank you, Taygan! I wish you the best of luck on your suit project, too! I'm sure it will turn out great!

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  3. I just saw your pictures in the flickr album. Your suit is fantastic!! The color looks great on you and I love that this will be part of your wedding trousseau. :) I'd say your $5 was very well spent. :)
    -Emily

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    1. Thank you so much! I was actually a bit worried about the color, because sometimes a tone to close to one's skin tone can look strange, but I think this one works! Phew!

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  4. Amazing what you can find at those thrift stores. Your suit looks stunning and no one would know that it was only $5.00.

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    1. I know, right?! Thanks so much for the compliment!

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  5. I really love your suit! Wonderful job :)

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  6. Kudos on the beautiful style and flattering fit of this outfit - so polished & sophisticated. I love that you thrifted this outfit - a girl after my own heart!

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