>A Striped Shirtwaist Dress, 1941

>

New Vintage Lady, or Lady Day on the Fedora Lounge, had a great idea to make July Make and Mend Month! I’m sure we’re all overflowing with fabric and patterns, and don’t even get me started on the *cough*two bins*cough* of things I need to repair.  I know it’s the motivation I need to get some more things made.  Maybe you would like to participate, too?  There’s all sorts of options from mending to making something to someone else, to using fabric you already have.
Out of the depths of the fabric stash  comes this project.   This dress has been on my to-make list for at least five years.  I *think* I bought the striped yardage at the Vintage Fashion Expo eons ago and I just happened on the blue vintage yardage that matched at an estate sale- one of those ones you wish you could go back to years later since it’s where I got most of my mad stash of old metal zippers and seam binding, and other odds and ends (including the vintage beach chair and umbrella we used in our photoshoot for the latest pattern!).  
The pattern I used for this was McCall 4070, which I think was one of the very first 1940s patterns I purchased.  I just LOVE this pattern, and having made it up I think I love it even more!  I always want those smart summer frocks with a tailored twist that were especially popular in the early 1940s, but for some reason I never find the excuse to make them.  Now that I have made one I certainly want more!
I even have the perfect hat to go with this ensemble! An off white straw with brown band, a lucky Etsy find. 
This whole ensemble feels very Rita Hayworth to me!  Here she is in a striped ensemble during WWII, broadcasting with Fred MacMurray.
The photo above was borrowed from an awesome blog called Film Noir Photos, by Mark A Clark.

In other news, I recently re-discovered the Vintage Pattern Wiki.  When I first found it I posted several of my patterns on there, but, as usually happens, I got distracted and didn’t update for a long while.  I’m been trying to go through my blog and add some pictures of things I’ve made from patterns.
And many thanks to New Vintage Lady for alerting me that my newest pattern, Sunkissed Sweetheart, was featured in the Etsy feature, “It’s a Shore Thing”! Oh my gosh, I’m so excited and quite surprised! It’s so fun to have been chosen, and I feel beyond honored :D
So I guess that’s all the news here! Hope you all are having a great week!

15 Comments on >A Striped Shirtwaist Dress, 1941

  1. Carys
    July 8, 2010 at 9:24 pm (14 years ago)

    >I love the idea of a 'Make and Mend Month', and that shirtwaist is amazing!! Lovely hat too, what a great find!!From Carys of La Ville Inconnue

  2. Miss Meiow
    July 8, 2010 at 10:09 pm (14 years ago)

    >Hello,LOVE the outfit! I wondered, do you ever do little tutorials about sewing? I so desperately want to make fabric belts for a couple of my vintage dresses like the one you made for the above outfit, but I haven't a clue where to begin. Any pointers?V x

  3. Lauren
    July 8, 2010 at 11:20 pm (14 years ago)

    >I love it! There's something so wonderful about using one's fabric stash. This is so cute!

  4. Wearing History
    July 8, 2010 at 11:29 pm (14 years ago)

    >Thanks, gals!Miss Meiow, I haven't done tutorials for a LONG time. I've been meaning to but just haven't made the time! Here's a link to a threads article to help get you started, though :) There's links at the bottom of the article to sources. I just use a belt kit- you can still buy them but usually chain fabric stores don't carry them. They're easier to find online.http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/4542/4-belt-styles-that-are-a-cinch-to-make

  5. The Dreamstress
    July 9, 2010 at 4:10 am (14 years ago)

    >I love that dress! Those fabrics look like they were made for each other! The make and mend vibe must be in the air – I've been tackling my box of abandoned projects for the last two weeks. It's so fulfilling to finish things I started such a scandalously long time ago.

  6. Debi
    July 9, 2010 at 6:17 am (14 years ago)

    >Ohhhh…I love the fabric combination on this dress! How amazing is it that you found the matching fabric at an estate sale?

  7. Andi B. Goode
    July 9, 2010 at 7:14 am (14 years ago)

    >Ahhh! That dress is amazing! I think I love each new thing you post more than the last (if that's possible).-Andi x

  8. casey
    July 9, 2010 at 11:42 am (14 years ago)

    >Ack! I'm totally coveting this! :D I love these smart, summery looks so much–and the stripe is to-die-for! ;) Another gorgeous project, Lauren! :) Bravo for using your stash too–I need to start busting some of mine. lol.♥ Caseyblog | elegantmusings.com

  9. jennywren
    July 9, 2010 at 11:43 am (14 years ago)

    >Love the dress. It could easily be mistaken for a genuine vintage dress.

  10. Porcelina
    July 9, 2010 at 5:42 pm (14 years ago)

    >Fantastic! Love the fabric choice.I'm currently having a fabric choice dilemma and would appreciate some guidance – I'm having a late 40's wrap dress made and was thinking about plain black as I want it to be a Spring/Autumn dress, but is that incredibly boring?!I have a picture on my blog here:www.vintageburlesque.blogspot.comAny suggestions would be gratefully received!!Thanks,Miss P xx

  11. jnce
    July 9, 2010 at 8:09 pm (14 years ago)

    >Well done! The colour choice is stunning.

  12. Pretty Little Pictures
    July 14, 2010 at 2:53 am (14 years ago)

    >Ah this is gorgeous!! I love everything about it, its lovely and light and summery. It just makes me want summer all the more ;)

  13. Diva
    July 25, 2010 at 10:29 pm (14 years ago)

    >With the hat and all its like out of a movie! I do hope you will do a post when youre wearing it to.

  14. Miriam Parkman
    August 2, 2010 at 7:25 pm (14 years ago)

    >Wow it's completely adorable!The pattern is amazing and the fabric you've found for it just perfect.Very inspirational!

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

Close