1940s Summer Suit

I first used this 1940s pattern as one of my earliest sewing projects years ago. It was a pretty terrible suit since I made it sloppily out of a striped sheet, and cut all sorts of corners. You can imagine how awful stripes can look if they are done badly - and it did! So I decided it was time to try it again now that I'm more experienced, since I love the style lines.

 

I remembered that the early version didn't hang right, so I decided to try it in a lighter weight cotton, hoping that would be the happy medium since I didn't really want to try it in rayon, with that more structured suit jacket.

 

It worked out better, but still initially not so great. The skirt was fine, but the jacket back stood out like a bustle era dress, with all kinds of weird peaks. I tried to make it better by deepening the back seams so there was less peplum in the back, and that helped a great deal.

 

The giant white floral buttons were the perfect match for the spring-green and white pinstriped fabric. Actually, I could even have used the other side for more of a white look, but I wanted to emphasize the green a bit more. It's fun to have reversible fabric, whether it's purposefully reversible or not. :-)

 

My first version was made solely because I wanted to make those amazing cuffs on the 3/4 sleeve view, and I still love that element. But for a summer suit, I went with the short, cuffed sleeves instead.

 

Of course it could be accented with many different colors, from classic to colorful. I went with a more classic styling with touches of pastel color, and my trusty Peggy pumps from American Duchess. I love how the white makes them go with almost everything all-white shoes go with, yet the darker color makes them more versatile. 

 

Also I love these vintage corsage flowers I got at an antique store! I pinned two together, and I really like how they look.

 

While overall pleased with the styling of the suit, I didn't really like it on me when worn the first time (also when these pictures were taken.) In thinking about it and looking at the pictures, I believe it's the double-breasted jacket I don't like on me - though I love double-breasted jackets in general!

 

So I think this pattern will go on the shelf, and I will find a suit pattern that I like better, to use those unique button-on cuffs on. That is an easily transferable element from one pattern to the next. 

 

And I don't think this suit will end up staying in my closet. But it was a fun trial - and turned out SO much better than my early sloppy version!

Comments

[Sarah]

Hi Kristen,

I always enjoy following your blog and seeing your beautiful sewing! I am not on Instagram, but do check a few accounts each week. Your account is one that I like to visit. I noticed your post about the book "Shining Windows" and just had to comment to you about it! I too love that particular scene and agree that "Shining Windows" is one of my favorite books. It is one that I could read over and over again! I was wondering if you have ever read any books by Grace Livingston Hill, Bess Streeter Aldrich, Temple Bailey or Emilie Loring? They are my top favorite 20th century authors. May you have a blessed day!

Sarah

[Angelique]

Dear Kristen,
I was curious about the hat. I know from your other posts that you made it yourself and it turned out so gorgeous! Did you put a headband in it like the original tutorial or how is it held on? I was thinking of making one for church because my baby is old enough to grab my mantilla now, but headbands usually give me a headache. Thanks! Beautiful blog!

[thrift shop in Panama City Beach, FL]

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