Gray and Coral Print 1930s Dress

I finally got pictures and can share my first sewing project since the baby arrived! It took closer to 3 weeks to complete, rather than the 3-4 days I was used to when I could sew at leisure instead of snatching moments or nap times here and there. However, I'm getting better at managing my time and Davy is sleeping better (a big help!) and lets me put him down more, so I already have my 2nd dress completed and another one cut out!

 

(After all, sewing is definitely not top priority when a wee man this adorable wants to be held!)

 

This dress has top stitched yokes front and back. They were easy to put together, and my first problem happened when I couldn't figure out the sparse instructions for the front opening.

 

It turns out, I had cut one front piece facing the wrong way (perforated pattern pieces can be so hard to tell which is the right side!) so the overlap was on the wrong side of the front.

 

Meanwhile, I had tried it on and found it was way too big for me.

After trying to figure out my options, I decided to just trim the piece down and overlap & top stitch the front under the button opening, which also helped to use up some of the extra width.

I'm not 100% happy with that alteration, since the pieces weren't meant to be overlapped that way, so the center front isn't even. Thankfully the print is so busy it is hardly noticeable except from my vantage point of looking down at it. And now I know for next time!

 

I used 3/4 sleeves from another 1930s pattern. Love the cute detail!

 

The neck fits too widely, which is strange since the pattern illustrations show it close fitting. That and the sizing issues should be helped another time by taking a pinch out of the back yoke piece when I cut it.

(I know, I need to work on a good mid-'30s hairstyle. So far I pretty much do it the same all the time except for combing the top to the side instead of into a roll...)

 

But since it's an everyday dress, I'm not too concerned about the little issues. I hope to correct them in the next version (planned in time for Thanksgiving), and I do love the fabric, the hip length row of close white buttons, and the overall appearance of this pattern.

 

I didn't feel like doing a back belt on this one so I left it in tie form. The somewhat adjustable waist is nice to have.

 

Overall I'm pleased, and am delighted to have one project from my list take shape in real life!

Comments

[Alyssa]

The front opening looks good in your pictures! And I love the sleeve detail :) I've really enjoyed reading through your blog, and congratulations on your son! He's adorable!

[Kristen Stoltzfus Clay]

Thank you so much, Alyssa! I'm so glad you stop by!

[Lily]

Charming! And so happy for another glimpse of Davy- he is utterly adorable. :-)