1940s Nautical Adjustable Dress

My maternity-friendly dress adventures continue...

I don't usually wear denim, but when I found a length of denim with flocked nautical emblems on it for just a few dollars at the thrift store, it was too cute to leave behind. I almost made a modern pattern out of it, but the fabric was pretty narrow and I didn't have enough. So I decided for a trial of a simple 1940s dress I've been wanting to make.

 

I found very few photos of denim vintage wear online. Even things like jackets and slacks were usually made from fabrics like corduroy or gabardine. So I'm not sure how accurate it is - but that's ok! I'm glad to have a summer dress that I don't have to be careful of because it's a favorite reproduction print, or something similar. This one can take some wear and tear.

 

This pattern is not intended to be a maternity dress - in fact, it looks like more of a Junior style to me - but it certainly is maternity friendly. It is made of princess seams and pulls on over the head. No zippers or buttons needed, which was nice. The waist is wide even with the shaping darts, and since it ties to fit, it's nicely adjustable.

 

A super simple pattern, I faced the ties instead of hemming them and used a contrast just for fun. I also shortened the neck band and gathered the neck a bit more, to make it higher. The cap sleeves turned out too short and wide-holed, so I added a bias band around them as well, but even with those minor alterations it was quite a quick and easy pattern.

 

I think it may be one of my more successful patterns that I can wear for maternity, but that won't look maternity when I'm not pregnant. It doesn't open down the front, so I won't be able to wear it for a while after the baby is born, but I will put it away in my closet and pull it out later. It's very cool and comfortable for summer.

 

Perhaps because of the more modern fabric I used, though probably more because it's a simple, classic style - despite using a vintage 1940s pattern, I think this dress could easily be worn as a modern style, especially depending on accessory choices.

 

Perhaps this is as close to a modern dress as I'll ever get around to making!

Comments

[Rebecca Young]

I like your dress - it appears to be a very soft denim and with the pattern it works better as a dress than had you made yourself a pair of slacks

[Rae]

Can you give information for what pattern was used for this dress please.

[Kristen Stoltzfus Clay]

Hi Rae - It is a mail order pattern, number 3764. I'm not sure of the exact brand. I got it on eBay a long time ago.