Last Wednesday I started off on one of those spur-of-the-moment sewing projects. This one was to make a comfy and cool summer dress - just for wearing around the house!
I'm very pleased with the way it turned out. The fabric is a very lightweight cotton, (almost a lawn) though it's woven to mimic denim, and the dress is unlined, so it's definately much cooler than the usual knit t-shirt for those hot summer days.
The dress bodice was cut from this 1941 pattern.
I've found it's a great 'basic' pattern with which to begin dress variations!
The changes I made were to shorten the bodice a bit and add a waistband, and add my own slightly puffed sleeves, and a fuller 2-panel gathered skirt.
After these pictures were taken I also added two big hidden pockets in each skirt side seam. Very handy.
The 1940s are definately the best era to turn when looking for inspiration for comfortable but modern styled house and day dresses. The basic sillhouette is the same, but the variation in styles seems to be endless...
Jumper dresses, gathered yokes
Sporty with little pockets....
A-line and longer skirts,
Big pockets, and tiered skirts!
Add all the variations of adorable cotton aprons in vintage styles, and I think that cooking and cleaning might never get boring again!....lol. But seriously - don't you feel perkier if you take the time each day to put on something cute and neat? I know I do. Even if it's 'just around the house'. :)
What do you think? Do you like the idea of house-dresses?
Would you wear one 'just' for housework and gardening?
Housework is indeed much more fun when you take the time put something cute! I do like the idea of wearing house dresses. I need to make one or some. :D Yours is very pretty!
ReplyDeleteWOW!!! I L.O.V.E. it!!!
ReplyDeleteGORGEOUS!!
Love you~Naomi
That is lovely!! I definitely like the idea of a housedress. I think it should be on my 'next to sew' list. :) I very much enjoy wearing something super comfy, but feminine (ya won't catch me in baggy sweat-pants!) and cute. So, I'm thinking this is right up my alley... now just to find the material. ;)
ReplyDeleteLovely dress! I have been admiring all of the 1940's dress patterns on Etsy. : )
ReplyDelete-Sarah
Cute! I love 40's and 50's dresses. That jumper dress pattern looks really cute and comfortable. I like the idea of house dresses, but when I put so much time into making a dress, I'm afraid of getting it dirty! Maybe I should make some aprons too... But other than gardening and cleaning, I wear dresses as often as possible, even to class at community college where everyone else is still in PJ's.
ReplyDeleteThe dress is simply darling! I love everything about it esp. the fact that it has pockets! Perfect for summer. Let me know if you will be selling similar dresses in your shop!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless....
Constance
Hi there! Just found your blog, it's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI blog over @ http://www.bundana.blogspot.com, would love you to have a look.
I sometimes think I need to make less dresses and more separates! But then I look at your dress and think... nah!
Glad to have found you!!
SO CUTE! I need to try to make something similar someday..:-)
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog, and I absolutely love it! I especially like your Etsy shop...I used to participate in historical dance reenactments at Christmas festivals in Tennessee, and I am in love with period costumes. :-) Your work is gorgeous!
Have a great evening and God bless,
Shannon
{blog} http://gabby-marie.blogspot.com