Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Sew for Victory Plans

I've finally had the chance to work on my Sew for Victory project. I'm using one of my recently acquired patterns and some vintage fabric from the stash. The pattern is McCall 3306.  I found the date April 1939 stamped on the inside of the envelope. That was a nice little surprise. :) I am making the short sleeve version of the dress. I haven't decided which collar to make but I'm leaning towards the one with the double collar as seen in view B.

The fabric is very lightweight and sheer. I debated lining the whole thing, or maybe just the bodice, but I don't have enough fabric on hand. Plus I have several other projects on my plate right now and want to be able to finish this one in a timely manner. I have a couple vintage slips that should work under this dress so in the interest of time I won't be lining it. I've seen a few dresses from the 1930s and 1940s that were not lined so I feel comfortable skipping it for this project.


And look what I found stuck to the fabric! The original price tag for $.67 a yard!! I discovered this tiny tag when I unfolded the fabric to put it in the wash. Not sure the exact age of the fabric but can anyone remember paying less then $1.00 a yard for fabric that wasn't on sale?


The pattern is one size too big for me so I'm having to make some minor adjustments. The skirt is made of six pieces with both center front and center back cut on the fold of the fabric. The bodice front and back are each one piece of fabric, also cut on the fold. I have just enough fabric for the dress! I might be able to use the remaining fabric for a blouse if I cut carefully.

The bodice has little gathers at the shoulders which you can see in the close up picture below. There are also two little darts at the back neckline. The waist section of the bodice is gathered to fit the skirt and the dress will open with a side placket. So far all the piece are cut, the skirt assembled and the bodice is almost ready to attach to the skirt. I need to cut bias strips to face the neck and sleeves edges as well as a placket for the skirt. So far sew good!


I'm thinking of brown and white accessories. What do you think? I have a pair of late 1930s brown and white shoes that are to die for, a lucky find on Esty last year. They are very similar to pair on the top left of page 35 of the March 18, 1939 addition of the Boot and Shoe Recorder. The Great National Shoe Weekly. (I posted a couple pages from these magazines back in February. See the post - "Ensembles in the Major" - Shoe Magazines!) I also have a little straw tilt style hat trimmed in brown velvet ribbon. I don't think I've shared the shoes or hat on my blog so I'll be able to share both for the first time along with the finished dress. :)


9 comments:

  1. I just made a 1930's sheer dress recently and didn't line it, since I know that some dresses were made that way, to be worn with a slip, as you said, so I think you will definitely be good on that score! ;) Can't wait to see the finished product! I'm sure it will look fabulous!

    Brigid
    the Middle Sister and Singer

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  2. I love this pattern - so classy! This will be a perfect summer dress with the vibrant green and the sheer weight. Can't wait to see it finished!

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  3. A side placket, I so admire you. This is something on my "to learn mile long" list. A beautiful print and so fun to see the tag. Your dress is going to be just lovely and I can't wait to see all your progress. I love these patterns from the late 30s early 40s.

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  4. Thank you ladies for your kind comments. At this point the dress is very close to being finished. I just hope I have a sunny day to take some pictures outside. :)
    -Emily

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  5. Neat project; I look forward to seeing the finished dress. Occasionally I see shoes in a thrift shop that look possibly 30's or 40's, and I am always tempted to get them for you, but I don't know enough to be sure they'd be right (or fit!).

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  6. That's so sweet of you Joanna! Finding vintage shoes that fit can be tricky, especially if shopping online. I wrote a blog post about that a while back. It's always nice to be able to try something on first. The red shoes I have listed on Etsy right now are a pair that turned out to be too narrow.
    I'm a modern size 6 1/2 to 7 but some of the vintage shoes I've purchased online were listed as a size 5 or 5 1/2. If the inside measurement is about 9 1/4" in length there is a good chance they will fit me.
    I keep a little measuring tape in my purse. I often find things at thrift stores that I think might work for Cori or one of our friends. That little tape comes in so handy. :)
    -Emily

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  7. This is one of my favourite sew for victory projects. Can't wait to see it finished!

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  8. Love that green and white fabric! It's very springtimey and instantly puts one in a chipper mood when they look at it.

    ♥ Jessica

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  9. Thank you Anthea and Jessica! :)
    -Emily

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