My Thanksgiving Dress

 

Last year I made an autumn-hued 2 piece 1950s outfit for Thanksgiving. This year I wanted to change it up a little and do a non-typical fall dress for a 1940s Thanksgiving. 

 

I'd had this pattern paired with this Wildflower abstract berry print fabric for a while, and was happy to make it up finally.

 

I had a little challenge with the ruffles, but it came together smoothly overall. I could not figure out how they were telling me to put the collar and facing on, so I just skipped those instructions and did it the old-fashioned way. Though I have a feeling if I had been able to figure out what they were telling me it would have been a nice shortcut.

 

The skirt had 4 narrow gores in the front - so fun! Though you can't see them well in this fabric.

 

 This was my first pattern that had elbow darts on both sides of the sleeve. Very comfortable to wear! Though me being me, they don't quite match up. :-)

 

I tried it with a self belt that tied in the front with a bow, but decided it was too distracting from the neck ruffles, so opted for a simple side-buttoned belt which I like very much. The buttons were vintage glass ones I picked up from an antique store (I think). I also was happy to pair the dress with my 1940s purple gloves. Finally - something to wear them with!

 

And again, since I didn't make a muslin first, I shortened the torso a little too much, so my belt repairs the damage by hiding the high waistline and putting it at the right place.

 

The other change I made to the pattern was to make the back dart tucks into actual darts since I don't like blousiness in the back - even for the sake of Period Correctness!

 

Taking photos on a windy day, in a dress with ruffles, is challenging!

 

It's a very comfortable, cheery dress, pleasant to make and fun to wear. I want to make this pattern again in a solid fabric. And I felt very 1940s for Thanksgiving!

Comments

[Esther]

This is an absolutely gorgeous dress, Kristen!! I love floral dresses like this, and the ruffles make it even more beautiful.
Lovely job as always!!

[Leya Delray]

Adorable dress, Kristen. And it looks so nice on you! I looked at the pictures and thought, "How DOES she do that? A dress like that, with the pattern and the ruffles and all, would completely swallow me!" But you look perfectly lovely.

Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving!

[Gina White]

Huzzah!!! It looks beyond fabulous! I love the fabric you used...it is so pretty and feminine and works so well with the ruffles! Your gloves are awesome purple-y goodness!!! LOVE this new outfit!!
Blessings!
g

[Kristen Stoltzfus Clay]

Thank you Esther, Leya, and Gina! I had a lot of fun making it.

My younger brother thought the dress looked like it had "paw prints" on it - that's a boy for you - so I'm glad you think it's pretty. :-)

I'm thinking I'd like to make it again in a solid color drapey fabric, like rayon, because then I think the skirt would look more like it does on the pattern drawing. We'll have to see if I get around to another version!

[bonita]

Gorgeous dress ~ I love how the ruffle at the neckline matched that trimming on your hat, it's very cute! ❤

xox,
bonita of Lavender & Twill

[Annie]

The top photo is simply stunning! The dress is lovely, vintage patterns are so fun to sew, aren't they!

I must admit that my favorite part of the outfit are the gloves, they add a beautiful touch of color. This is definitely among my top favorites of all of the outfits you have blogged about so far!

[Kristen Stoltzfus Clay]

You're right, Bonita! I hadn't noticed that the ruffling is paired on the hat. I actually had just grabbed a hat to take the pictures with, so it's nice to know it ended up coordinating!

Hi Annie! I'm so glad you like the dress. And I have to admit that one reason for making this print up was so I finally had something to wear those purple gloves with! Aren't they just gorgeous? 1940s detailing is just to die for. The top photo is my favorite as well...it was one of those lucky captures just as I was turning into the wind. Most of the pictures with wind didn't turn out so well. :-)