1930s Summer Housecoat Replacement

This was the 3rd of a trio of January projects (all in blue, incidentally...) which I finished a while ago and finally am getting around to documenting on the blog. I normally would not make a summer project out of season, but my first version of this pattern gave up the ghost last year with major, unmendable fabric disintegration, and I needed something lightweight to wear during a planned winter Hawaii vacation!

 

The fabric choice was not high priority - I wanted something cotton, dark enough that it wouldn't be see-through, and not a piece favorite enough to save for a dress. This print I'd gotten ages ago at JoAnn was pretty much the only one that fit the bill - it just happened to be blue. ;-) 

Since this is the 3rd time making this pattern, everything went rapidly and smoothly. The princess seams always mean construction is fast, and the yoke was the only thing that took a little time, but that was all pretty basic too. I didn't get any full length pictures for some reason, but I made it mid-calf length instead of floor length like the one it was replacing - which was really too long to be practical. I continually had issues with tripping on it. This one fits me better and is certainly more tidily constructed too, which is nice to see as a landmark of how my sewing quality has improved.

 

Because I can never make just a plain project, I also added rickrack the whole way around the yoke, for trim, in one of the more subtle accent colors from the print. I like how rickrack looks applied this way, with only half of it sticking out. Plus, otherwise the  top stitched yoke would have been quite lost in this busy print.

 

I wanted to tie the rickrack in on the sleeves, but without putting it on the hem, where it would be more uncomfortable to wear. I found the solution by folding down a pleat to stitch the trim under, above the hem. 

 

And finally, I used the remaining scraps of rickrack as little decorative knots to hide where I sewed the snaps down the length of the front opening, to shut it. I had the perfect amount from that card of vintage rickrack! Unfortunately, I found out after I'd sewn all those snaps by hand that I should have used a heavier duty size, and will have to redo them before I can wear it very much. I'm not pleased with that, but at least I now know for next time.

 

I didn't get any sewing done in February, after my sewing flurry of January, so there haven't been any recent photos on the blog for a few weeks. As a result, now you can see that Baby Two is putting in an appearance! This housecoat should serve me well over the summer with its adjustable waist, yet remain un-maternity for later wear.

 

Once again, one of the reasons I like this pattern so well is that, especially made in a dress style print, it has the comfort and convenience of a robe, but looks formal enough that I don't mind wearing it around other people or answering the door. My 2nd version of this pattern is dress length and does not open all the way down the front, and I wear it as a house dress quite as a matter of course.

 

Not a very exciting project perhaps, but one of my need-to wardrobe gaps filled. Something that will get a ton of wear, instead of just one or two outings a season. Useful and necessary - but cheery and pretty too.

Comments

[Rebecca Young]

I didn't realise that you are expecting baby no 2 - Many congratulations!

[Dee]

Interesting rick-rac knots! Did you make that up or see it in a vintage book?

Congrats to you & your family! Not surprised when I was expecting to see that Baby 2 is coming. When are you due? Best wishes on a healthy, happy pregnancy :) :)

You have some of the best maternity outfits and always look lovely!

Happy Spring!

[Mattie]

Congratulations on Baby 2! I wish you the best!