Verity Vintage Studio

Versatile: A 1930s Set in Green

I had this combo on my sewing list for a while, and a few months ago I made it happen. I realized I couldn't keep cutting into this forest green cotton pique for contrast on things like last year's Easter dress, or my most recent Christmas dresses, without eventually ruining it for the jacket & skirt plans I had.

 

I've been wanting to make this 1930s skirt again ever since I made it in white, and dark green solid is a much more practical color. Plus it goes with anything and in any season!

 

The jacket I used from another 1930s pattern, and it is my first time using an open ended zipper like this. Of course back in the day it would have been metal, but I used what I could easily source. It was actually quite easy to install. I should do more zip-front things like this!

 

The pique has a nice texture and a bit of stretch, so it fits well. 

The jacket really was quite basic and quick to make, too. I realized later that it would be a great background for some embroidery or other decoration...I will have to think about it and see if I'd wear it more that way, or if it's more versatile when left plain like this.

 

I like how it looks like a suit when worn together, though of course all pieces can be paired separately with other things in my closet.

 

The blouse is cut from a pretty piece of vintage seersucker I got from an eBay seller a while back. I had just exactly enough to squeeze out this blouse and a sash.

 

Such a pretty print!

 

The sash makes it more versatile, or I can also use it for a hair scarf if I want to coordinate in a different way.

 

I didn't look at the pattern closely enough, however, before I started cutting it out. Then I realized that it was meant to meet in the center, with an underlap, and close with lots of little fabric button loops. I was not about to mess with that many button loops every time the baby wants to nurse, so I decided to just overlap it and button it like normal.

THAT plan was underway when I realized that the V in the front wouldn't meet if it was overlapped, but be several inches off. :-(

 

Well, clearly I hadn't thought it through well enough...so I eventually decided to make it look more purposeful by adding another top stitched tuck farther up on one side, so it might look done on purpose instead of supposed-to-match-and-doesn't. Asymmetrical details are quite popular on 1930s clothing.

 

So that was all a hassle, but hopefully it didn't turn out too badly! I do love the print, the V in the back, and the sleeves, and how well it coordinates with the green pique.

 

I can wear it tucked in or out, which helps with more versatility as well. 

 

But I really do need to do another version of this blouse with more thought put into it! The pattern definitely deserves a more accurate treatment.

 

The jacket, though lightweight, is a bit too warm for summer, but it will work nicely for fall and spring transitional weather. Meanwhile the skirt and blouse can be worn for summer, now that summer will be arriving any minute in our neck of the woods. 

 

I am glad to have it finished! One more long-time project on my list crossed off.

 

Late 1930s Dark Blue Rayon Dress

This dress has been on my list for a VERY long time. For over 3 years I've had this rayon paired with this late '30s dress pattern...every fall it would still be on my sewing queue and I just never quite got that far. There were always new, more exciting projects crowding it out!

 

Then I realized that just because I didn't get it done last year for fall (again!), didn't mean I could not go ahead and make it this spring. It's actually a great transitional piece and can fit in many seasons.

 

I actually quite like wearing dark colors in the summer, since I can wear less layers under them. So I opted for the short sleeve version to make it more versatile, and went ahead and sewed it up during a big sewing spree before Easter.

 

We didn't get pictures taken right away, which ended up working out just fine...because our wildflower season was the perfect time to get pictures.

 

These blue wildflowers are my favorite. They lie in the wet hollows like pools of living water. We found a nice little hollow full of them, and had a photo session. 

 

1930s style Sound of Music, anyone? 

 

I had intended to make it with the white collar from the view 2 of the pattern, but changed my mind not long before making it, to use instead one of the vintage collars I've picked up at antique stores. Thankfully I had one that fit the V shape of the neck perfectly!

 

It was breezy when taking these pictures, so the collar and skirt don't always lay perfectly..but such is life when taking photos out of doors.

 

The pattern size was smaller than I am, so I had to size it up. It worked out well enough, though I wouldn't say it is quite a perfect fit. It's close enough for me (since I am not a perfectionist.)

 

I love all the tuck details everywhere!

 

I've done some dresses with similar construction and tuck detail, so it wasn't too difficult to put together. I think I shortened the skirt tucks a bit so they would look better on me, but otherwise followed the pattern (also adding a panel to heighten the neckline).

 

 

This rayon crepe - actually a fine black/dark blue houndstooth pattern - is limp, yet with a crisp feel, and hangs beautifully. Just like real vintage rayon. It was textured enough to not be too slippery while I was sewing, which was nice. The skirt feels more tailored but is still nice and flow - an element about pre-WWII patterns I enjoy.

 

This is the sort of classic dark dress that is easy to wear, fun to pair with various accessories, and versatile for different seasons and occasions. I can easily layer it with a cardigan for colder weather.

 

I am really pleased to finally have this off my to do list where it has languished for so long. It will be fun to style it different ways in the future.