Teal Rayon 1930s Dress

My latest sewing project was a late 1930s dress, in a vibrant shade of teal rayon.

(Like the mountains in the background? Me too! But my snowy background is going to disappear in the next few weeks, probably. Spring is on its way here in Idaho!)

 

This dress is full of fun details...

 

...and surely these are the cutest sleeves ever! Unfortunately, the also cute sleeves that went with this pattern were missing a piece, so I substituted these sleeves from a pattern from the same era.

 

I loved working with the rayon suiting, and of course it has a nicer drape and weight than cotton. A solid color was perfect for this dress, since I didn't want a print to hide the details. And making vintage dress patterns in rayon just seems so...suitable...since that was one of the most common fabrics used.

 

This was my first trial of this pattern, and as usual, the belt hides a few imperfections and the fit is not quite perfect - hardly surprising when I size up the dress from a 14 and the sleeves from a 12. Good thing I am not a perfectionist. I do want to make it again, and should be able to tweak the fit on a second version, but this one is certainly wearable!

 

I paired it with my trusty brown 1930s hat, a vintage brown clutch and gloves. Funny thing about the gloves - they looked the same color as the clutch in the daylight, but once the sun hit them they turned quite a different shade of brown!

 

And of course, my new brown suede heels. These beauties, I am told, were worn by the seller in 1947 - but I think they also can work for the 1930s since the top perforations and shape give them an art deco look, in my opinion. I'm still looking for a pair of quintessentially 1930s shoes, but meanwhile, these will work.

 

The dress was pleasingly easy to put together, even with the interesting bodice detail. I did a hand-pricked side zipper and made a sash style belt without a pattern. My biggest trouble was trying to press everything thoroughly without leaving marks.

 

Yep, there's a reason this small window of fashion, transition between the 1930s and WWII, is one of my favorite eras!

Comments

[Esther]

This is absolutely gorgeous, Kristen!! That is such a lovely style (the sleeves are divine!) and it suits you perfectly. Lovely, lovely, lovely!!!! :D

[Emily's Vintage Visions]

This looks fantastic! Love the details on the dress front and the sleeves. And of course the shoes!!
Emily

[Kristen Stoltzfus Clay]

Thank you so much, Esther and Emily! I like it too. :-)

[bonita]

The pleats in the sleeves of your dress are amazing! I definitely think you did the right thing by going with a solid colour, it's far better for showing off those amazing details that would otherwise be sadly lost! ❤

xox,
bonita of Lavender & Twill

[Kate-Em]

This is such a lovely dress with great details, especially the sleeves. I really like it paired with brown accessories.

[Kristen Stoltzfus Clay]

Thanks, Bonita and Kate-Em! I love the sleeves too. I'm sure I'll use that pattern again. And I do love a nice solid color fabric; prints usually catch my eye but I find that solid colors are usually what I want to sew with!

[Sarah A.]

Where have you found such lovely brown shoes? These and the ones with yoru periwinkle house dress? I am in need of some brown dress shoes that are semi-comfortable and these look lovely. I realize they are vintage but do you have a good source for such shoes? :)

[Kristen Stoltzfus Clay]

Hi Sarah - I have found almost all my vintage shoes on Etsy or Ebay...it's kind of hit or miss because the sizes vary. I have a pair of 7.5 B vintage shoes that fit me well, and a pair of 8 narrow that barely fit. I will occasionally find a pair in an antique store, but usually I just keep an eye out on Etsy and Ebay. Sometimes you can find some in your size on sale or for a good price - or sometimes they are worth the splurge (to me at least). Actually, most of my shoes I've gotten on Ebay over the years. I've found a few brands I like, find out my size in that brand, and keep my eye out for models that I like on Ebay. Sometimes I have to wait a while but then can get a pair for $10 on Ebay (usually used) rather than $60 new so it's worth it.

[Tricia]

The dress is gorgeous, love the details and you wear it well!

[Charisa]

It is a very lovely dress! Where could I find a pattern with simaler sleeves?

[Kristen Stoltzfus Clay]

Unfortunately, I don't know of a modern reprinted pattern that has them. These were on a vintage pattern, McCall 3142. You may be able to find a copy on eBay or Etsy.