Finished Project- Early 40s Playsuit, and Fashion Horizons

I have been so inspired for summer wear by the early 1940s, in especially the short called “Fashion Horizons” from 1941.  Here’s the videos from YouTube so you can enjoy these as well.

My playsuit is actually a crop top and skirt that I “finished” about two years ago.  One try-on revealed that the crop top was *way* too short, and whenever I would lift my arms my brassiere would be revealed.  In actuality I didn’t read the instructions and hemmed it one inch where 1/4″ was actually allowed as it was supposed to have a bias binding.  However, even after I took it out and fixed it it was still much too short, so this morning the eyelet ruffled trim was added to the bottom and luckily I had enough to go around the bottom of the skirt as well.  I added yellow rick rack for contrast and to tie it all in together.  I had actually clipped in my corners of the front, so in order to selvage that and still get the extra length I’ve got a bit of  a scallop at center front.

I was rather iffy about the whole thing, but now after trying it on and wearing it for the afternoon I can say I love it and I’m so glad it was selvaged!  The fabric is vintage rayon and the trims, with the exception of some of the rick rack, are new. The pattern I used was Simplicity 4321 (the picture of the outfit before I fixed it to be able to wear it is still up on Vintage Pattern Wiki). This is the second version of this pattern I have made- I previously made the dress. I do like this pattern quite a bit, however, both versions of this pattern have armscyes that are not very practical- lifting the arms causes the whole garment to raise up which can be a bit of a problem with the crop top (thus the ruffled eyelet trim was added). I did make changes because of my eyelet trim on my sleeves and neckline but I don’t remember now what they were. Despite these issues I do still like the pattern and will more than likely make another version of it in the future. Maybe the shorts are next! Too bad I don’t have any more of this fun rayon print!

30 Comments on Finished Project- Early 40s Playsuit, and Fashion Horizons

  1. Jill
    June 27, 2011 at 1:52 am (13 years ago)

    Oh, you look darling! Another wonderful creation!!!

    • wearinghistory
      June 27, 2011 at 8:22 pm (13 years ago)

      Thank you! :)

  2. Stephanie
    June 27, 2011 at 2:10 am (13 years ago)

    Super cute! :)

  3. wacky tacky
    June 27, 2011 at 2:18 am (13 years ago)

    Amazing as always – I love the photo on the hay bale! This park looks great; I want to go there next time we are down in your neck of the woods.

    • wearinghistory
      June 27, 2011 at 8:23 pm (13 years ago)

      Thank you :)
      It is a wonderful place! We should definitely go :)

  4. Quincy
    June 27, 2011 at 2:39 am (13 years ago)

    I love those videos! and that playsuit is perfection!!!

    • wearinghistory
      June 27, 2011 at 8:23 pm (13 years ago)

      Thank you!
      I love those videos so much! I want (nearly) every outfit :)

  5. Shelly
    June 27, 2011 at 5:47 am (13 years ago)

    Your playsuit is gorgeous. I especially like the last photo on the hay bale. The videos were really good, I loved them

    • wearinghistory
      June 27, 2011 at 8:24 pm (13 years ago)

      Thank you so much :)
      Yay for the videos!

  6. VeraVenus
    June 27, 2011 at 10:18 am (13 years ago)

    Good save!! Sometimes I find rescueing a disaster project almost more satisfying than a completely problem-free make.

    And you look drop-dead gorgeous sitting on those hay bales :)

    • wearinghistory
      June 27, 2011 at 8:25 pm (13 years ago)

      Thank you!
      I admit a lot of times I cast them aside to either just forget about or revisit in the future. After the initial fun is gone I have a hard time revisiting things! But for this one I’m so glad I did and that it turned out well :)

  7. Casey
    June 27, 2011 at 12:59 pm (13 years ago)

    Your little “fixes” really make this outfit a stunner, Lauren! :) Loving the fabric’s print and the eyelet ruffles especially. And your shoes are too cute too! :)

    • wearinghistory
      June 27, 2011 at 8:26 pm (13 years ago)

      Thank you, Casey!
      Eyelet and rick rack make almost everything better :)
      Yay! Thanks! I just got the shoes at a vintage sale and this was my first time wearing them :)

  8. Hannah
    June 27, 2011 at 2:46 pm (13 years ago)

    This play suit is adorable, loved how you fixed it! You look perfect.x

  9. nancybixler
    June 27, 2011 at 4:52 pm (13 years ago)

    I want to come to your house and steal that outfit. Way way way cute!!!!!!!! I love the added ruffle trim. What a great idea and a great way to save an awesome outfit.

    • wearinghistory
      June 27, 2011 at 8:27 pm (13 years ago)

      Thank you! I’m so glad I was able to save it. I loved the fabric but was a little iffy- I sometimes think I look silly in little girl styles but I actually am getting quite fond of them and might have to make another little girl style playsuit sometime soon :)

  10. Heide from apronhistory
    June 27, 2011 at 5:19 pm (13 years ago)

    Very Cute! The eyelet really adds a nice touch.
    Didn’t know you could find vintage fashion shows on youtube!

    • wearinghistory
      June 27, 2011 at 8:28 pm (13 years ago)

      Thanks so much! I love eyelet- I actually bought this trim for another project, but I’m glad it worked and I had enough. Yay!
      Yes, there’s a plethora of vintage fashion shows on YouTube. It’s so fun to see them in motion!

  11. Rozann
    June 27, 2011 at 9:04 pm (13 years ago)

    What a cute outfit! And the big ol’ pepper tree reminds me of my hometown, San Diego. Remember to measure bodice lengths, as women in the past were generally much shorter than we are today. Great job on fixing things!

    • wearinghistory
      June 29, 2011 at 7:41 pm (13 years ago)

      Thank you! Yes, I love the pepper trees as well! We had some pretty awesome tree forts in them when I was younger :) Great for swings, too.

  12. BoPeep
    June 28, 2011 at 2:05 pm (13 years ago)

    Tis the season of playsuits! My next one must be a skirt though. Love all the extra trim!

    • wearinghistory
      June 29, 2011 at 7:41 pm (13 years ago)

      Thanks! Yours is so cute! I know, they’re addictive. I think I need to make my next one with shorts :)

  13. Tasha
    June 28, 2011 at 8:27 pm (13 years ago)

    Oh my goodness, that is SO fantastic! What a fun and summery outfit to kick around in!

    • wearinghistory
      June 29, 2011 at 7:42 pm (13 years ago)

      Thanks so much :D

  14. Blanka
    June 30, 2011 at 12:27 pm (13 years ago)

    If I only could sew!!!
    You look gorgeous… I love the last photo of you. It looks really vintage.

    • wearinghistory
      July 2, 2011 at 12:54 am (13 years ago)

      Thank you so much!
      You should give it a try! It’s not that hard if you start out slow, and totally is fun to make your own clothes :D

  15. Alice
    July 1, 2011 at 5:27 am (13 years ago)

    That video was made at the Camelback Inn in Phoenix (paradise valley) Arizona, I remember seeing in on a video archive site. If you ever get to AZ, the buildings still look the same.

    • wearinghistory
      July 2, 2011 at 12:54 am (13 years ago)

      Thanks so much!
      I actually just found that out recently and it’s now added near the top of the hotels I’d love to stay in someday :D Guess I have to make a wardrobe to match ;)

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