I just finished up this sewing project for the Historical Sew Fortnightly’s “Wood, Metal, & Bone” Challenge. Since The Dreamstress said that rayon and cocoanut shell were allowed as part of “wood”, this is my entry.
In the 1930s there was a fad called a “suit frock” or “jacket blouse”. These took the tailored look of a suit and combined it with a more casual alternative.
For this challenge I used two vintage patterns from 1936. Since they were from the same year, the same size, and the same pattern company, they were based off the same basic blocks and fit together without any extra alterations. I liked the front of one blouse and the back of another.
The Challenge: Wood, Metal, & Bone
Fabric: Linen look fabric- blend of linen and rayon.
Pattern: Two vintage McCall patterns
Year: 1936
Notions: Cocoanut shell ship buttons and buckle, metal zipper, metal snaps.
How historically accurate is it? Very. I used interlocking, which was available in factory made clothing but not in home made clothing.
Hours to complete: Quite a few. Like usual, I didn’t keep track. I spent the better part of one day on it, then 15 to 20 minutes throughout the last week every day.
First worn: Yesterday, September 21, 2013, to a friend’s birthday party.
Total cost: I had everything in my stash, so don’t remember what the cost was of each part individually. I didn’t, however, pay $0.10 each, like the patterns have on them in marker (sadly).
Jill
September 22, 2013 at 6:42 pm (11 years ago)Just fantastic, Lauren!!! LOVE those buttons!
Stephanie
September 22, 2013 at 6:55 pm (11 years ago)You are too fabulous! Love it! Really, I need to sew more 30s because they are so great.
Laura Okita
September 22, 2013 at 7:09 pm (11 years ago)Gorgeous!! Absolutely stunning work! I love the color combination!
Cherise
September 23, 2013 at 12:14 am (11 years ago)OMG! My jaw just dropped! This is awsome and so authentic looking. I have to admit I’m a bit envious right now :) I love the coconut shell buttons and buckle and the color combinations and and and…!
Anna
September 23, 2013 at 1:27 am (11 years ago)You look amazing! One piece of information I’d love: what are the pattern numbers? I’m trying to keep track of 30s-40s patterns I like :)
Brigid Boyer
September 23, 2013 at 5:35 am (11 years ago)Oh, lovely! It is so neat how you were able to combine the two blouse patterns without any trouble! My appreciation for the 1930’s styles has begun to grow over the past few months. I think reading blogs like yours certainly has helped. :)
Siri Andersen
September 23, 2013 at 5:59 am (11 years ago)That jacket is absolutely fabulous!!! I totally agree the to the mixing of patterns you did. Although both patterns are lovely, you picked the best of both and improved the design. It is beautiful :)
Helen Mae
September 23, 2013 at 6:16 am (11 years ago)Gorgeous, I love it! The back of the blouse is very nice indeed, I can see why you chose that one for this piece.
ette
September 24, 2013 at 3:04 am (11 years ago)What a great outift. The pattern, the colours, those Buttons with the matching buckle, I simply love it. And what a beautiful black-and-white-picture, you look great!
Black Tulip
September 24, 2013 at 12:16 pm (11 years ago)Wow, that’s stunning! You look as though you’ve just stepped out of a 1930s movie. The buttons and matching buckle are just fabulous, and really finish it off.
Bex
September 24, 2013 at 6:06 pm (11 years ago)Oh, those buttons are to die for!
Joy
September 24, 2013 at 7:09 pm (11 years ago)Gorgeous outfit！ And those buttons and buckle are amazing.
Meg
September 25, 2013 at 9:53 am (11 years ago)That is so Gorgeous! and the photographs really set it off!
Kendra
October 3, 2013 at 4:06 pm (11 years ago)I love things that are tailored and yet feminine. You really hit that mark… And I love the color scheme!