Sep 10, 2014

Sewing a 1940's-50's Girl's Outfit - Pt. 1

Last week, I offered up my post "Cake and Crinoline" as an explanation for why I'm putting my other projects on hold.  I'll be showing off the cake on this week's "Fun Food Friday".  

But you won't have to wait that long to get a glimpse of the Crinoline part of that post. 

With only 16 days until the wedding, it is time to get serious about making outfits for the upcoming 1940's/50's themed wedding.
.   

Step 1  Find a pattern.  
With so little time, I have no interest in drafting 2 patterns from scratch.   Luckily, I picked up these 3 vintage patterns at a yard sale about 7 years ago.  A quick rummage through my pattern file, and they are now in my hands.  

As I scan the back of the envelope, I feel a rush of excitement.  Could it be  true?  I double check the numbers.  YES!!!!!  The Butterick pattern (the bigger image) is just the right size for my daughter.  A chorus of angels begins to sing, while rainbows, and songbirds fill the air. 
O.K., not really, but I was very happy.   

Step 2  Find the fabric.
I found so many adorable vintage style prints that would have been perfect, and every single one was shot down by my daughter who insisted in THE TONE.


 Her:
"mom, you know I'm kind of into solids, right?"  

Me:
 "o.k. come to the fabric store and help me pick something out."

Her:
Silent, as a look of terror spreads across her face.

 Despite my threats of choosing something very pink 
(she wanted blue) 
with huge cabbage roses and lots of frilly stuff 
(we're in that I don't want to be cutesy phase)
I ended up at the store alone.
Sigh.......

Finally, after a ridiculous amount of agonizing on my part,  I choose a very simple fabric with a grid of dotted white lines forming diamonds on a blue back ground.   



The verdict:
"It's nice" she says.

Next time, kiddo, it's cabbage roses all the way!!

Step 3 Fit the bodice.
This is when things got tricky.  In my excitement to choose a pattern, I didn't realize the front bodice pattern piece was missing. Luckily, the front facing was there. I used it along with the back bodice section to draft a new piece for the front.  I have plenty of muslin on hand, so I cut out the bodice section, basted it together and tried it on her.

Hmm... a bit long and blousy.  But what did I expect, the kids got a high natural waste and she's still on the willowy side.
A few strategically placed pins later, and all was well.  I marked a new waistline and released her from the "torture"(her word) of fitting.

Next up, 
Pt. 3 Matching Seams
Pt. 4 Finished Dress

2 comments:

  1. I realise that this was made over a year ago but could you happen to tell me what the pattern number is for the Butterick? I'd like to find it for myself.7

    ReplyDelete

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