Sunkissed Sweetheart

Flashback Summer: Wearing History "Sunkissed Sweetheart" 1940s Sarong Separates

Flashback Summer: Wearing History "Sunkissed Sweetheart" 1940s Sarong Separates

This is the last day of my vacation in Florida!  (Sniff sniff.)  Many thanks to Harlow and the Boyer Sisters for helping me out with some guest posts!  They were fantastic, and I hugely appreciate them!

So this time in Florida has been exactly what I needed.  My husband and I drove down and stayed at our best friends' house, and it has been so nice to hang out with them again!  We haven't seen them in a while, and it's always nice to catch up with old friends.  They are ridiculously hospitable and showed us around their area and helped us learn how to eat seafood… 'cuz my landlocked Missouri self had no idea how to shell anything.  But now I do!

In preparation for this trip, I've been "destination sewing" some beach clothing.  Having won a photo contest over at Wearing History helped immensely in these sewing efforts!  One of the first things I bought with the gift voucher I won was the Sunkissed Sweetheart e-pattern.  These 1940s sarong separates have been on my mind for months, but I just couldn't justify buying the pattern.  Where would I wear it in Missouri?  It just doesn't quite fit as well in Missouri, tropical separates.  However, with a beach trip I finally had the place to wear them, and I got to work!  I used it as a swimsuit cover up in these photos at the beach.

Flashback Summer: Wearing History "Sunkissed Sweetheart" 1940s Sarong Separates

Flashback Summer: Wearing History "Sunkissed Sweetheart" 1940s Sarong Separates

A while back I bought this 1940s rayon with the most FANTASTIC print!  It's Middle Eastern-inspired and features Aladdin-like scenes and belly dancers!  Oh the surrealist scandal!  It seemed perfect for this pattern because the drape of the rayon would work beautifully, and the crop top, bare midriff coordinated well with a belly dancing themed fabric!

So here are the details about this pattern and how it turned out for me:
(There's a summarized version at the bottom if you'd like to skip to that!)

Skills You Need to Know Before You Start

  • Bias tape hem - You MUST know how to hem with bias tape.  Every single edge on both of these pieces is finished this way.  There are no facings; it's all 'bout dat bias tape!
  • Darts - There are two darts at the back of the tie blouse, so you need to be familiar with these!
Flashback Summer: Wearing History "Sunkissed Sweetheart" 1940s Sarong Separates

Flashback Summer: Wearing History "Sunkissed Sweetheart" 1940s Sarong Separates

Fit and Ease of the Pattern

After printing out the pattern (there are a LOT of pages to this one!), I decided to cut out the smallest size on both the top and the wrap skirt.  My hip size is a bit bigger than the smallest skirt size, but I figured the wrap shape would be forgiving.  (I really don't like altering patterns unless I have to, and the waist measurement was good on the smallest size.)  This seemed to work out just fine for me!  The skirt has a pretty big, luxurious sweep!

I have a 32" bust and narrow shoulders, and the smallest sized crop top fit me perfectly.  The arm holes and sleeve openings were also perfect on me, so I would suggest that more average-sized people double check these measurements before cutting out the pattern.  They may need to be increased a bit for a comfortable fit.

Flashback Summer: Wearing History "Sunkissed Sweetheart" 1940s Sarong Separates

Things I Changed

  • Skirt length - I took off a lot of length.  I'm only 5' tall, geez!  
  • Double layered - I mounted the rayon on a quilting cotton on both the blouse and the top part of the skirt (down to the hip apex).  This helped make the sheer white rayon a bit more modest on top for everyday wear and make the tie and waist more sturdy on the skirt.  Tying a knot can stress fabric, and since the rayon is old and very thin, I wanted to give it a bit of extra strength.

Unclear and Tricky Things

  • I was a bit nervous about the curved details on all three pieces that have gathers on them as well.  Beautifully 40s, but I had never done such things before!  I followed the instructions very closely, however, and they turned out well!  
  • The sarong skirt also has a tie on the underside opposite of the outer knot to keep all the layers situated.  I like that a lot!
  • I found the blouse a little tricky to hem with bias tape around the gathers.  There is a sharp angle there which, in combination with the extra fabric, was a bit tricky for me to get finished in a pretty way.  It turned out alright, I think, but that corner is tricky to get it all to lay right.
  • I machine sewed the bias tape around the edges of both pieces then turned the tape to the underside and hand sewed it down for an invisible hem.  This isn't difficult, but there is a LOT of edge length on these pieces, especially the skirt!  It's  just tedious work, so be prepared if you choose to finish that way.
Flashback Summer: Wearing History "Sunkissed Sweetheart" 1940s Sarong Separates
'Murica.



Moments of Pride in This Project
I am proud of all those gather details.  Having never done them before I was unsure I could do it well, especially with slippery rayon, but I think they turned out well!

Moments of... Eh, I'll Do Better Next Time
I'm not exactly sure how I'll do it next time, but those corners of the bodice where the gathers are on the neckline could just look a bit better.  I think I'll just have to be extremely precise and careful in hemming, more than I was this time, to get it all lined up correctly and have the gathers fall the right way.

Pattern Conclusions
This pattern is great!  Although it has some very unique details and some not-so-common techniques, the instructions explained it all beautifully.  The fit is fantastic and forgiving due to the tying closures, and I love the two skirt length options.  I'll definitely be making more versions of this!  I could see it in other tropical prints, or even gingham and lace for a more country-girl-next-door sort of look.  The pattern also suggest fabrics for an evening version; how incredible would this be in a luxurious fabric with beading?!  Okay… that may be the next version I sew…… 

Also, the pattern pieces fit together perfectly.  You can't have that guarantee with original vintage patterns, so that's a big plus for buying this new Resto-vival version from Wearing History!

Flashback Summer: Wearing History "Sunkissed Sweetheart" 1940s Sarong Separates


Here is a summary of the pattern details and things I changed:
Fabric: 1940s novelty print rayon
Pattern: Wearing History "Sunkissed Sweetheart" 1940s Sarong Separates (blouse and skirt)
Year: early 1940s
Notions: bias tape
How historically accurate is it? Extremely!  New-vintage pattern and fabric and quilting cotton.  Machine sewn and hand sewn, it's very 40s!
Any tricky parts to the pattern?  I talk about this more above, but the corners of the bodice where the gathers are was a bit tricky to hem with bias tape.
Did you change anything?  Yep, shortened the skirt by, like, 10 inches I think.  A lot, anyway.
Time to complete: about 3 long days.  The sewing it together doesn't take that long, but the hand sewing sure did!
First worn: 27 April 2015
Total cost: The fabric was a splurge at about $70, but I have some left over for another project, so I'll say $55 for this project alone. The e-pattern was $16 and I made the bias tape out of a cotton sheet that cost $3 at a thrift store, so about $74 total. That sounds like a lot, but compared to repro or original vintage 40s separates like this, it's a major deal!
Notes: I've gone into great detail above!  This is a fantastic pattern!

Have any of you tried out this pattern or know someone who has?  Please add the link and lets help future sewists have a database of good info and pictures of this pattern!

42 comments

  1. You look lovely! It's really perfect! Also the fabric is very 40s.
    I wish I could sew this good. Hope you had a great time in Florida.
    I'm still waiting to see a little bit more sunshine here in Belgium so I can start wearing more vintage dresses and playsuits. Summer also means more WW2 events which is great!

    Emma
    http://littlemissbamboo.blogspot.be/

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    1. I'm on my way back home from Florida, and there is ICE where I live! So dumb. We'll both have to wait for warmer weather!

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  2. So gorgeous - what a wonderful little two-piece! Absolutely fab. I wish I could sew!! It's just not for me... I've tried... CC x

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    1. Thanks CiCi! I had to kill a lot of sewing projects to get to this point of making wearable things! It's not for everyone though, true story. Maybe you could support a seamstress that sells repros? Everyone wins!

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  3. Oooh! This is one I haven't tried. I never thought of using it as a beach coverup. I may need to get it now!

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    1. I highly recommend it! I also lined the top so I can wear it other places, but I'll have to put a slip under the skirt for it to work... white rayon is VERY sheer!

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  4. I am DYING over this outfit. DYING!!!! I love nothing more than two piece sets, as you know - but in RAYON and the most amazing novelty print too. I just can't handle it! You look so, SO beautiful, just perfect - perfect everything, location, outfit ahh! Glad you had a fab vacation and got some great blog photos too (isn't that the best thing about vacations hehe, new places to take photos).

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    1. Haha thank you Harlow! Vacation IS the best for new photo spots, and I took a LOT of beach photos to enjoy back home in my landlocked city!

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  5. FANTASTIC!!! The fabric, the pattern, the styling!! THE FABRIC! Awesome all the way around. I'm dying to get the beach this summer. Cori and I never took a honeymoon, too much going on with buying our house, lack of funds, etc. so I'm really hoping we can escape to the seaside at some point. I am going to seriously consider this pattern! Great job Emileigh!
    -Emily

    P.S. I extended the deadline for my photo contest to Sunday May 3rd if you still want to enter! ;)

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    1. Ha, THE FABRIC! I won't lie, I was almost shaking when I cut the fabric for this! I was terrified I'd kill it!

      And I was bummed I ran out of time for your contest before leaving on vacation, but I'll try to put something together asap cuz I'd love to participate!

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  6. I love your choice of fabric! I must say I'm quite jealous of of the whole scene really. You look adorable and gorgeous at the same time. Now I'm definitely convinced to sew this pattern for the summer!

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    1. Aww, thank you Renee! I do really like the pattern, and I can imagine it being flattering on so many body types, which is another fabulous thing about it! If you do sew it up be sure to send me pics or a link, I'd love to see it!

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  7. Really rather perfect outfit in a perfect location.

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    1. Thanks, Mother! It was a great vacation! We'll have to talk soon. :-)

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  8. Oh, this makes me want to hop in the car and drive to the beach right now!! I love how you used this a a beach cover up, so perfect.
    -Madison
    www.1minniemuse.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks Madison! Yes, I'll be sad not to be even remotely near a beach when I get back home. It's SO lovely!

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  9. Oh you look gorgeous Emily! That fabric is such fun! Isn't it positively wonderful working with vintage rayon?

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    1. It IS wonderful! It's not as tricky as some other fabrics, and there's no drape like it!

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  10. Emileigh! This is just perfect on you. I love the fabric and the pattern. Looks wonderful. I just got back from Florida also, and I love your beach pictures!

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  11. This looks absolutely lovely!! Congratulation's you your win with Wearing History, you totally deserved it and sure put the winnings to great use.

    She Knits in Pearls

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    1. Thanks a bunch! I LOVE Wearing History Patterns, so I was really excited! You'll be seeing more!

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  12. That outfit is amazing and looks great on you. The fabric print is very fun and I love the style of the outfit. Nice Job!

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  13. This is so cute! That fabric really is a find. Such a cool print!

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  14. Beautiful job! So interesting that you used bias tape. Why did you use this vs pinking? Did you want more stability? Such a lovely place to photograph in. Beautiful!

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    1. The Patten actually called for everything to be hemmed with bias tape, and since a lot of the edges are curved, I figured it would be a lot easier than a regular hem! It wasn't too difficult at all actually, just tedious. I did pink all the unfinished edges inside though!

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  15. You look stunning! Such a useful cover up at the beach, I often find cover-up to be unflattering but his is stylish and romantic!

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  16. Wow. You are the best advertisement for this pattern! I don't remember even noticing it before and now I want one. I'm glad you had a relaxing holiday -it certainly looks like it was amazing :)

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    1. Ha, we'll I'm glad a pattern is on your radar now! I love sets like this, but vintage or repro are both so expensive! This one has been on my radar for a while, and I think I'll have to make a couple versions!
      My vacation was relaxing! Our friends were a huge part of that, but the beach sure helped too! ;-)

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  18. Wonderfully gorgeous - these photos are so fun, charming and pretty. You look fantastic, dear gal.

    ♥ Jessica

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  19. Fabulous outfit, you look so good in it. Really great fabric too. I love all these beach photos, hope you had a lovely holiday.

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  20. What an amazing outfit! You look flat out gorgeous! I love the separates, and although it made a perfect beach cover up, I want to wear that out to a luau party, or even just out to brunch. I think you did a great job bringing the vision to life - you're making me want to run off to the beach right now.

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    1. Thank you so much! I lined it so I could wear it other places besides the beach (without sheer scandalousity!), but I'm just not sure how my more conservative land-locked community would handle a tied up crop top and this juncture....But the skirt is a definite go!

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  21. You look absolutely lovely in this!!! And oh man, that print is amazing!

    Carla, Tiny Angry Crafts

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  22. Stunning photos, and you look so darling in this outfit! The print of your fabric is so awesome, and I think it fits the pattern you made up perfectly, it's a great match. Super job! ❤

    xox,
    bonita of Lavender & Twill

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  23. You are so darling, I love these photos!! And your style is out of this world, girl. I can't wait to keep following along with all of your style adventures! xo

    Jenna
    J.Lynn Designery

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    1. Thank you so much, Jenna! I love your blog and I'll be following you, too! :)

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  24. I LOVE this look! Just stunning. That print, the cut, the backdrop..seriously gorgeous. Erin xx

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