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I made this dress from one of my cherished patterns in my stash, McCall 3189, and afterward looked through my McCall magazines to see if it had alternate views and a description, and it did indeed! My version is made of a vintage rayon/linen blend fabric and instead of the split all the way up the back bodice I seamed it up the center back and left a slit near the top neck. Wouldn’t you know I had the perfect hat to go with it already?
It seems this style of dress was called a “Monk Dress” because the front was cut all in one piece and then belted or gathered in. Perhaps reminiscent of monk’s robes, though it may be a far stretch even for fashion! A little research and I found the two dresses, also from 1939, showing the style. One is a mail away pattern with a bolero. Seems you learn something new every day!
I finally got a chance to wear my dress, so added some photos to this blog post :)
The Dreamstress
May 6, 2010 at 1:39 am (14 years ago)>I love it! Are you going to be putting this pattern in your shop?
Wearing History
May 6, 2010 at 1:41 am (14 years ago)>Thanks! No, not planning on it. I actually have a new vision for my patterns- they're going to be original designs but with period cuts :)
Steph
May 6, 2010 at 3:57 am (14 years ago)>Gorgeous dress, I love your use of stripes. I'm excited about your new vision. I've often trolled the internets looking for exactly those sorts of patterns….
Debi
May 6, 2010 at 6:46 am (14 years ago)>I LOVE this dress! And the pattern is amazing!!!
In The Heyday
May 6, 2010 at 8:27 am (14 years ago)>wow that hat is perfect for it! looks gorgeous.
casey
May 6, 2010 at 3:35 pm (14 years ago)>How darling! I have admired this style of dress for awhile (have tons of images of similar styles saved…). I love the fabric you chose for your version–so cute!♥ Caseyblog | elegantmusings.com
Miss CherryBubbles
May 7, 2010 at 3:06 pm (14 years ago)>Oh, what a terrific dress! Love the fabric, and that hat really tops it off (pun intended – hehe)!
Sally
May 14, 2010 at 12:06 am (14 years ago)>I love it!! That pattern is so cute!