1950s Floral Flair Dress

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.

Comments

[Jodiebodie]

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'.

[Dee]

Blue is my favorite too and looks great on you! I like the matching belt. Looking forward to seeing the satin version.