I did not intend posting about two blue dresses in a row, but judging from the amount of blue in my stash it's likely to happen more than once, and at least they are quite different in styles and shades!
I settled on this 1950s pattern as a good fit for some satin fabric I wanted to use for a formal dress. But first I needed to make a trial version to make sure I could still nurse with the slanting opening, so out came some giant floral cotton that I had stashed for a "something 1950s" project someday.
It was a bit challenging to figure out how to cut it out correctly, with some pieces needing cut only once. Thankfully I had enough fabric that I didn't worry about disaster if I would cut something incorrectly.
The dress went together quickly, and I didn't have any difficulty with the pattern. It certainly was intended for a long-waisted gal though! I took a pinch out of the torso pattern pieces when cutting it out, and when I basted the skirt on and tried it on the first time the bodice was still too long. I had to take the skirt back off and trim the bodice off yet another inch or so.
I wanted to make the sleeves a bit more interesting, so I stitched a bit of ecru cotton lace on them, which also helps to break up the print.
Even with the crossing-front style, I found it easy enough to nurse in, and really like the variation it provides from the usual row of buttons down the front. I close it at the waist with a hook and eye on one side and a snap on the other, to keep the gore smooth.
I have seen this style as a house dress a lot, but the pattern illustrations show it as a more dressy outfit, so I am sure it will work out well in my formal fabric as well. I will wear this one as a house dress, but wanted to dress it up a bit for these pictures, since I think the large print is fairly versatile.
It was intended just as a quick trial of a pattern I needed to make, but actually, I was quite pleased with it in its own right. I like how simple it is, yet very classic 1950s, and a different type of basic. The simple lines are ideal for a large print like this one, and I love the skirt flare.
Now I can start the next version with confidence, and meanwhile enjoy wearing this one for everyday.
Such an elegant ensemble from the first photograph! You look gorgeous in this and agree with you that you can dress it up to make it more than 'just a house dress'.
Posted by: Jodiebodie | 10/16/2019 at 07:04 PM
Blue is my favorite too and looks great on you! I like the matching belt. Looking forward to seeing the satin version.
Posted by: Dee | 10/16/2019 at 08:29 PM