This project began with the 1950s Gertie designed fabric I bought from JoAnn years ago.
FABRIC
As I was highly charmed and intrigued by the windowpane fabric with red bows, I poured through my 1950s dress patterns.
The only thing I didn’t like about the fabric was that it was polyester, which means I would be challenged sewing it neatly on my machine.
Struggling with the decision of whether to purchase it or not, I delayed it for months before taking the plunge.
Since I couldn’t find anything similar in a natural fiber, I decided to experiment with this fiber.
PATTERN
Deciding on Butterick 6018, I loved the idea of a sweetheart neckline and full skirt.
Historically, the sweetheart neckline debuted in 1940.
Due to strong fabric restrictions during World War II, dresses were shorter and slimmer.
To make up for the lack of fashion, Americans came into the fashion world by creating special touches with minimal fabric, during this time of closure of European fashion houses.
With a sweetheart neckline, dresses don’t always need darts to shape the bodice.
While watching the 1942 movie, Holiday Inn, I noted two of Marjorie Reynold’s gowns designed by Edith Head, that had sweetheart necklines: the Valentine’s Gown and the French Court gown for Washington’s birthday.
Neither appeared to need any darts, since the Valentine’s gown appeared to achieve shaping by ruching the fabric, while the French Court gown seemed to shape by creating a deep heart shape on the neckline.
However for my pattern, small darts are needed, front and back.
SEWING PROCESS
Because of the sheer fabric, I underlined it with black fabric polyester faille.
The most difficult part of the sewing was totally all that polyester.
PHOTO SHOOT BY MY SON
Many thanks to my son for taking the photos and creatively suggesting poses!
FUTURE PROJECTS
In the New Year, I hope to sew some petticoats for this dress, to help the skirts kick out.
I’m thinking black and perhaps red petticoats would be fun.
COMMENTS FROM MY OLD BLOG
Holly – January 1, 2019 at 9:52 PM – Love your dress!! Looking great girl!!! Holly
Black Tulip – January 6, 2019 at 4:41 PM – The end result is lovely, and very festive-looking. I’m glad you stuck with it.
