White Linen 1950s Dress

I've had a white dress in mind to make for a long time. A classic white summer dress, no matter in which decade, is such a staple in a vintage wardrobe and I had none. So when I bought this Spadea pattern, it went to the top of my sewing queue.

 

And I envisioned it in white, or off white, with a contrasting front panel. So I pulled out some loose-weave linen from the stash, and spent some time in a leisurely way putting the dress together.

 

It was one of those projects that goes together quickly then takes a while to finish. It was really interesting to put together, with princess seams in the back, and a darted panel inserted in the side front.

 

The facings were so easy, with a button-up dress like this. But there were so - many - buttonholes to make! And it was a covered button lover's dream project. The fabric was way too easily frayed to cover the buttons, so I went with a white satin and really like the white-on-white look. (Yes, I know tithe dress looks a little baggy on the mannequin - but it's several sizes smaller than I am! :-)

 

So much detail too, in such a simple, classic style. Besides the inserted panel, I love the little half belts that button on the sides. (Only I sewed them on to save making 4 more buttonholes!) 

 

I like the way the weave looks on the fabric I used, but it is fairly heavy fabric and was a pain to work with because it frayed so easily. I don't know how I would have managed without the serger! So it probably is more of a spring dress than a summer dress, because of its weight.

 

Of course I had to go a step farther and make panels that switch out, by just pinning on the buttons. I made a handful of them, one of them reversible, so I have a total of 5 different panels to button in the front of the dress.

 

Just re-pin the buttons, and you've got a whole new look!

 

I enjoyed this dress, not hurrying over it, and working on it a bit at a time, especially once it reached the handwork stage. It was my first Spadea pattern, so I didn't rush it. The only trouble I had with it was a little bit of fitting issues - the princess seams are easy to adjust, but the panels ended up a little too wide after I'd made the dress a little smaller, so the facing doesn't hide the panel edges completely. 

 

It's another example of how simplicity is often the most elegant option, and how understated can still be ultra-feminine and classy.

Comments

[Esther]

Wow, what a gorgeous dress!!! I absolutely love the details; they are very different from the norm but yet perfectly ladylike and vintage. You did such a beautiful job on it, and I love the fabric choices! Can't wait to see it on you at some point! :)

[Kristen Stoltzfus Clay]

Thank you, Esther! You're right - it is different than the common vintage styles, but still very 1950s, which makes it fun. :-)

[Emileigh]

This is utterly fantastic! I love the shape, details, and variety options you made! Fabulous work!

[Christina]

Absolutely beautiful dress!

[Dee]

The dress is worth the effort because you can change the front panel. I really like that option. :) Ladies had less clothes back then but looked so elegant and pretty. Change the panel add different shoes, hat and gloves and one has a new dress...endless options!!

The half belt is an interesting detail. I see one probably would not want a separate full belt because the buttons are there. With the half belt, one looks prim and proper.

[Kristen Stoltzfus Clay]

Hi Dee! Yes, I love the versatility of the front panel being interchangeable. I think we could learn a lot from vintage wardrobes when ladies had less clothes as you mentioned but were so creative with ways to wear them.