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March 4, 2010

A Vintage Dress

The vintage bug bit me a long time ago, but late this fall and early winter I actually sewed a vintage dress! I think I have Pleasantview Schoolhouse to thank for inspiring me, and Joanna to thank for leading me to PVSH through her list of blogs. Thank you!

Here's the pattern I used, Simplicity 2617, from around the late 1930's or early 1940's. I made the style on the right. Even though technically it should be too small for me, I had to adjust it so that it wasn't too large!



And here we have the finished dress!





It is sewn in a bright, peacock blue cotton poplin, which was a bit finicky. After making this, I found out that a "slide fastener" is actually a zipper, not the little hook and eyes I used. Even my grandma (who might have sewn a dress from this pattern, back in the days) was confused by the term. Now I know, which is good, as I'm planning another dress.

I really like the French cuffs, and the large collar is fun! Definitely vintage. I did leave out the recommended shoulder pads...

The dress is graciously modeled by my duct tape dress form, which needs a name (maybe). Any suggestions?

5 comments:

  1. I saw that in your closet and was going to ask! How cool. It turned out very nicely.

    Did you really wrap yourself up in duct tape? I did it to my Mom, but I'm not so sure I want it done to me... How bad is it? Does the dress actually fit you the same way it fits the form?

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  2. Well, Chrissy and Mama wrapped me up. It actually wasn't that bad, though. Getting out was really nice, but I never felt claustrophobic. It really does fit me the same way!

    I have a small book about sewing Romantic era clothing book by Elizabeth Stewart Clark called "The Dressmaker's Guide to Fit and Fashion" if you'd like to borrow it. It's got lots of advice for period clothing, and a section on duct tape dress forms. Let me know if you're interested.

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  3. Appluase, appluase! Very nice dress you made there, and beautifully modeled. ;) Now I just can't wait to see it on YOU. Haha.

    So for names, um... Charlotte? I don't know. It reminds me of a Charlotte. I need a name for my cello; have any suggestions? Oh, wait, never mind -- you already suggested our Cupid friend. That's right! :)

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  4. That would be so cool! Could you? That is the book Jennie Chancey consulted when she made all her patterns. [www.sensibility.com] I'd love to take a peak at it. Do you have my address? I can pay for shipping...facebook me, it is probably a little more private. :-)

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  5. Hmm... Charlotte. I like that name a lot. :)

    I was joking with C.O.H.I.Walswick - don't feel like you need to stick with that name. ;)

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