>A Plaid Wool Dress from 1941

>While tidying up the other night I spotted the fabric I had in a pile in the dining room to make a dress on my “to make while I’m inspired” list. Actually, other than a fabric that’s coming in the mail it’s the ONLY thing on that list. So instead of taking the two seconds to walk it down the hall and into it’s proper bin I started cutting a big plaid for a new dress. Color me crazy. Probably a good hour or two of cutting that night and a good six or more hours of sewing on New Years day and I have a dress. This was supposed to be a relaxing, fun project- so why oh why did I pick pleats and plaid? HA! The kicker- I was doing the last thing, putting in the zipper, and I actually managed to put it in upside down.  And in the wrong color. I really should pull it out and put in another one, but I don’t want to.  I am really pleased with this little dress, though.  The pattern is Simplicity 3706, which I have up on my Etsy store right now.

 Here’s my version.  I did make the collar a bit different- instead of matching at the center front blouse I added a seam on the collar there, purely by accident.  I also made up the welt pocket instead of reading the directions. Ha.  I works.  I really want to find a nice golden wool so I can make a matching jerkin like on the pattern envelope.

In other news, I did make up some gingerbread from this recipe from the 1880s. The whole house smelled so yummy!  We’ve already made out way through the loaf, and my husband said it tasted like “eating candy”.  The first day of 2010 and I already had a dress made and a loaf of bread baked.  Yay!
I’ve been plugging away at the coat for my husband.  The under collar is nearly done, so then to attach it.  Hopefully I’ll be on my way and will have more pictures to show tomorrow.
Tomorrow our local post office is back open at regular hours so I can send out the many international orders piling up by the front door in their neat little envelopes.  If anyone is reading this that ordered, thanks so much for your patience!
Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend!

8 Comments on >A Plaid Wool Dress from 1941

  1. Kate
    January 3, 2010 at 11:31 pm (15 years ago)

    >I love, love, LOVE this!!

  2. reilly
    January 4, 2010 at 12:45 am (15 years ago)

    >I'm so glad even you do things like put in a zipper upside down, haha. :) That gives me a little sewing mistake relief!

  3. Patricia
    January 4, 2010 at 1:54 am (15 years ago)

    >Lovely dress! I'd love to see you model it. I can't believe that you made it so quickly!

  4. Bettie Booh
    January 4, 2010 at 1:38 pm (15 years ago)

    >Gosh. I LOVE it. Its perfect.

  5. casey
    January 4, 2010 at 7:16 pm (15 years ago)

    >Oh my golly, Lauren: I can't believe you whipped that up so quickly! :) (What is your secret?! I must know. haha!) It's really gorgeous–even with the little "mistakes" (I make those all the time. rofl). I just adore that plaid…♥ Caseyblog | elegantmusings.com

  6. The Dreamstress
    January 4, 2010 at 10:27 pm (15 years ago)

    >I love the dress, and I am so beyond envious that you only had one thing on your 'to do when inspired' list. My list is in the triple digits :-S

  7. Twila Jean
    January 5, 2010 at 7:08 am (15 years ago)

    >sounds like what happens when Solanah and I sew.. something always goes on crooked or inside out, or upside down. LOL! I have a few items lying around waiting for something as simple as a hem or button holes… ahh to get the inspiration to finish them! The dress looks wonderful, love that plaid!

  8. Lauren
    January 5, 2010 at 9:28 pm (15 years ago)

    >So cute! I love the style and the fabric. You're so talented.

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