Green Rayon 1940s Suit

So, I made up a 1952 pattern and when I was done, it looked more 1940s to me, so that's how I'm styling it. It's been a while since I've done anything 1940s, since lately I've been on a 1930s binge with a few 1950s things thrown in here and there.

 

Funny story about this fabric...when I saw the pattern I had the idea to do the narrow gores front and back of the skirt in a contrast fabric. I had this solid green rayon to use and found something that would go with it (sort of) as a contrast but the two shades of green weren't a perfect match. Then when I shook out the solid green rayon to wash it, here it was actually striped and I had had it folded inside out! Of course that solved my problem. I just used the wrong side of the fabric for contrast and the greens matched exactly.

 

With my serger, and some invisible stitching for the waist band, the inside looks nice and tidy. Which makes me happy.

 

The skirt was as simple as gored skirts usually are, with the added interest of the contrasting panels (less subtle in person than on the photos I think). Side zipper and hem and you're done. The jacket was easy enough to make - princess lines and triple front darts - but I started running into a few issues, especially with fit. So I'm not as happy with the finished jacket as I am with the skirt.

 

I did learn some things from this project. One is, don't use limp rayon for a structured top. This fabric would have worked much better as a ruched 1940s dress or something that could utilize the drape better. I could have fixed it I think if I had lined the jacket, but didn't think of that until too late, though I did use interfacing on the front for the buttons and buttonholes to help keep the fabric from stretching.

 

However as a good learning experience on this project, I did learn how to do this type of collar - my last attempt was not so successful! I ended up just sewing the collar on with a facing like I would normally. This time it turned out just fine. Using the wrong side of the fabric! :-)

Like my vintage flower pin? I'm finding that it goes with everything! (And of course, it's very springish.)

 

I finished up this outfit in time to wear it to finally meet my new friend Gina, whom I met on the blogging world and was thrilled to find out she lives not too far away! We met up and had lunch and she took me to her favorite antique mall in Meridian - a marvelous place that made my head swim with how big it was and the vast amount of goodies crammed into it. Some lovely sewing booths will become my favorites I'm sure. (Later this week I'll show you one of my favorite finds brought home that day!) We had so much fun together and had a thoroughly enjoyable day - at least I did! I love finding new friends that are also kindred spirits.

We dressed up for lunch and shopping - Gina went 1920s, I was 1940s. Hey, when you're wearing things for fun a decade or two out of fashion from each other doesn't matter, does it?? We got a lot of compliments. People love to see ladies dressed like ladies. But oh, I despair of ever reaching her level of seamstress accomplishment! Isn't her dress lovely?

 

I got this hat at another Idaho antique mall last year, and finally found the right outfit to style it with. Such a fun 1940s tilt hat - black straw, with a ruff of white flowers. Perfect for spring suits.

 

I suppose only time will tell if this outfit gets a lot of wear, but it certainly was a good sewing experience in a lot of ways so I'm grateful for what I learned.

 

And despite the 1952 date on the pattern, I feel very 1940s when I wear it!

 

Comments

[Linda]

Beautiful and elegant!

[Kristen Stoltzfus Clay]

Thank you, Linda!

[Gina White]

Oh my gosh!!! That hat is fabulous! I love how it swoops down onto your forehead! Marvelous! I am still in love with your dress and how you used the non striped side for the accent! So fun! It was so much fun having lunch and then going shopping with you! Can't wait to do it again!
Blessings!
g
PS...you are a great sewing talent!

[Kristen Stoltzfus Clay]

Oh, thank you Gina! Any compliment from you means a lot, since I've seen your own sewing talent! By the time you saw this outfit, it was considerably more wrinkled from the long drive, though. :-)

I'll look forward to next time!