I'm a costume designer, one part of The Sisters Hayes (a trio of sibling artists) and a shop girl. I'm also an infrequent sewer, slow knitter shopaholic and hoarder of broken things... This blog is where I cut, sew and fix things up.
For my first post, it's very apt that I start with my first made for me dress in two years, which I am making in my first sew along! When Lucky Lucille hosted the first Sew for Victory, I thought I'm definitely joining if it happens again. So as soon as Rochelle announced the next one, I promptly pulled out my Butterick 5209 and 40s feedsack fabric I had in my stash. I knew there wasn't enough yardage to create as full a gathered skirt as illustrated but I thought the red, blue and white checks matched the theme perfectly.
Unfortunately the pattern and fabric sat in a pile for about three and half weeks. So in my usual form I'm trying to whip up the dress a few days before the deadline. As a girl who likes little to no ease and knowing modern patterns have a lot of ease I made up the lining as a sort of toile. It came together quite smoothly and I thought to myself, I really should sew more for myself it's really easy and fun.
Then I started the bodice....
Why oh why, when I knew I didn't have enough yardage in the first place, did I choose checks!?! Is what I mumbled to myself as I unpicked seams and tried to will them into matching by steaming and pinning a hundred pins per mm. In the end I've managed to match most of the front and back, figuring I can hide the side seams by keeping my arms down or crossed at all times.
The next problem I hit was that I was in serious denial about how much fabric I had for the skirt. The answer is definitely no way near enough. It was kindly suggested on the forum that I make a four gored skirt but I don't even think I have enough for that and I'm trying to avoid matching up seams :|
Looking for skirt inspiration I found this image in Johnathon Walford's Forties Fashions Book.
The ladies are wearing handmade dresses representing the allied countires- America, France, Britain and Russia in 1944. I'm going to try and run up a skirt like the one the American dress. Fingers crossed I succeed, as I really don't have the legs to pull off just the top of a dress ;)
Hello dear Esther, warmest welcome to the world of vintage blogging. Your site, and you, are both absolutely beautiful. I feel honoured to be the first person to leave a comment here and sincerely look forward to getting to know you better (I'm off to add your lovely site to my blog lings page and feed burner right this very moment).
ReplyDeleteI truly appreciate your comment on my post yesterday about staying true to one's style and soul. How exceedingly rude of those women to say unkind things about you not only point blank, but within earshot of you! The gall, nerve and lack of manners that some people possess never ceases to amaze me. Your friend was spot on, and I'm very glad that you (both) raised that point. The most stylish and initiative people have always been met with criticism. It's a harsh reality, but luckily it's not one that you have to worry about encountering often online from those in the vintage community, where most folks are so sweet they make honey look like vinegar.
Big hugs, and again, a super happy welcome to the vintage blogging world!
♥ Jessica
Oooo, I saw your finished outfit on the Sew For Victory flickr group, and I was curious to see what pattern it was. It's a dress pattern and dirndl skirt?! And I happen to have this dress pattern, too, I think! I may have to try it at least as a blouse, because it's totally fabulous!
ReplyDeleteDid you lengthen it in any way or something to make it easier to tuck it, or was it just alright as it was?
Thanks for your comment! Yes its a dirndl skirt and I used the bodice of Butterick 5209 for the top. I didn't lengthen the bodice but I did add a 11/2 waistband so it would stay tucked in :) I also used a placket on the side for the opening, using poppers and hooks and bars for fastenings- but buttons would look very cute too.
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