The Polka Dot Project - Green 1950s Dress

My latest Polka Dot Project used an all-over pin dot cotton fabric I got at JoAnn a long time ago and had this pattern paired with for almost a year before it finally became reality.

 

It's a slender style 1950s pattern, with an asymmetrical pocket that the skirt sweeps up to meet with pleats.

 

That's the special feature. The rest of it is simple - princess style lines.

 

I made this pattern, sizing it down about 3 in., and followed View 2 pretty closely.

Although you'll notice that my pocket ended up on the wrong side! That was one of those face-palm moments when I realized I was cutting out the single layer front skirt pieces on the wrong side of the fabric. Thankfully since I cut them all out on the wrong side, it still worked - just I ended up with a pocket on the right instead of the left.

 

Aren't the pleats cute, though?

 

The tiny round pearlized buttons and round buckle echo the polka dots.

 

I paired it with pearls and a white 1950s hat, but though white shoes probably would have matched better, I wanted another excuse to wear my new Chelsea Crew green sandals - one of the few retro style modern shoes that actually looks like a reproduction (more 1940s than 1950s though). I've seen ads in vintage magazines for sandals that look just like this, and have another pair of vintage ones that has an identical woven-crossed toe.

 

It's so much fun to see an idea come to life, especially after being in your mind and lying on a shelf for almost a year! When I realized I could make it as part of my Polka Dot Project, it got bumped up in my sewing queue and now crossed off.

Comments

[Sarah A.]

Splendid job once again, Kristen! You always look so classy. Looks like you could have stepped out of one of the photos of my grandparents. :) The little details on the dress are very appealing. And I like your new shoes!

[Kate-Em]

This is a lovely dress, I really like the pleats and the pocket. Great shoes too!

[Kristen Stoltzfus Clay]

Thanks so much, ladies! I was a little unsure about the way the skirt would turn out when actually worn - actual models always look a little different than the drawings - but it was so unique I had to try it and liked how it turned out, for the most part.

[bonita]

What a fun pocket! I do love how your buttons mirror the white polka dots on your fabric, I think that's such a neat little detail. This whole outfit really is fabulous, and oh! Those shoes! They are darling! :) ❤

xox,
bonita of Lavender & Twill

[Esther]

SO gorgeous!!!! And it makes me so happy (if you know what I mean) to know that other people forget about which side of the pattern to put up on occasion as well! I made a blouse a while back (Simplicity 1278) and did the very same thing. Luckily though, like this dress, it just came out with the crossover going the opposite way and worked fine.
This dress is just beautiful! I am a complete sucker for polka dots. ;)

[Kristen Stoltzfus Clay]

Esther - getting a crossover or pocket on the wrong side is one of those things you don't tell people and then they'll never know! Just pretend it was what you intended in the first place. :-)