Recently I found an incredible yellow 1940s dress that had beautiful details, an amazing print, and would--miraculously--fit me perfectly.
However, before I could get to it after work that evening, it sold on Etsy in a matter of hours. Talk about depressing. Finally geared up to drop some cash on a dress, and it sold so quickly. I was more dejected than one should be over a dress.
However, I finally accessed my gumption reserve and said, "Well HEY NOW, I don't need your perfect 1940s dress! I'll make my own perfect 1940s dress! And it will FIT me perfectly! And it will be amazing! I do what I want!"
So, I took the money that I was going to buy that dress with and bought three vintage patterns in my size, 16 vintage belt buckles, and 1940s rayon-cotton fabric. I have set about making dresses and blouses I love to add to my wardrobe. Not to mention, talk about being more cost-efficient. I am going to be able to make at least 3 dresses out of the same amount of money I would've spent on one vintage one.
Here is the first creation, a bright red frock made from Simplicity 3851! (There's a summary of the deets at the bottom.)
I found this VERY bright red fabric in the clearance section of Joann for around $3 a yard. It's mostly rayon with a bit of polyester thrown in. (I generally hate polyester, so a fabric has to be "mostly" something else for me to care about it at all.) For such a low price, I couldn't resist! Luckily, I had enough fabric to make this pattern. I used it as a wearable muslin.
I finished it on the way down to a couple of friends' wedding in Florida this past weekend! It worked out beautifully, which was great because I brought no plan B outfit to wear! This is also the first time I've done a real collar on anything, so I was extra glad things worked out!
I also ended up wearing it to another wedding this past weekend, and the "official" outfit photos are from then. These pictures were taken after several hours outside in a Missouri summer, and, unlike my hair, the dress was still going strong!
And you may notice the shoes are not quite 40s, but I love them. For in my book, gold snakeskin is a neutral.
And you may notice the shoes are not quite 40s, but I love them. For in my book, gold snakeskin is a neutral.
Outfit details:
lucite purse: gifted
red dress: Simplicity 3851 from Sydcam123 Etsy shop
shoes: Payless
belt: me-made, buckle from JanesVintageToo Etsy shop
bakelite bangles: gifted
Here is a summary of the pattern details and things I changed:
Fabric: rayon-polyester
Pattern: Simplicity 3850
Year: Unsure, early 1940s, probably during WWII
Notions: I used 13 buttons, 1 zipper, belt buckle, belting, and shoulder pads
How historically accurate is it? Very accurate! The only not-so-accurate part would be the shoulder pads I used (from the 80s, I think), the polyester fabric content and the synthetic belting. But who cares? No one sees that!
Any tricky parts to the pattern? Nothing really tricky, just tedious (cough, buttons and loops). There are also several pieces that are drafted on your own (like the button loops and belt), but they're just rectangles and not difficult.
Did you change anything? I used shoulder pads and raised the hem 3 inches for my shortness. I also used slightly larger buttons, so only 13 of them on the bodice.
Time to complete: about 3 days
First worn: Saturday, July 19
Total cost: $26 pattern + $7 fabric + $1 shoulder pads + $5 belting + $1 belt buckle + $6 button kit = $46 (but many of these elements, like the pattern and belting, can be used again or have leftover pieces for other projects.)
Notes: The pattern is pretty simple, actual, and that's coming from someone who has never made a real collar and only 6 buttonhole loops previous to this project! The directions were easy to follow, the pieces obvious in how they fit together, and the fit perfect for me!
I bought a size down from my bust size (I'm a 31-32", and the pattern is a 30"), and it worked out to exactly the right size. I recommend this for others buying 40s patterns, as the bust measurements seem to run large.
I used some stiff scrap fabric as stiffening for the sleeves, but it isn't working as well as I'd like (see the droopy sleeves above). What would you use for stiffening?
I used some stiff scrap fabric as stiffening for the sleeves, but it isn't working as well as I'd like (see the droopy sleeves above). What would you use for stiffening?
P.S. Thanks to my friend Lauren and to Alicia for letting me use your phone pics!
And also, this was my first time trying Cheerwine soda, and it was delicious! I'm not a huge soda fan, but I REALLY like this one! Very flavorful!
And also, this was my first time trying Cheerwine soda, and it was delicious! I'm not a huge soda fan, but I REALLY like this one! Very flavorful!