Simplicity 1587 1940s Vintage-Style Dress

Howdy doodily! It’s been some time since I last wrote a blog post. I do have an excuse though, I had to switch platforms from one host to another and that was soul-sucking in itself. Then, I decided to update each and every blog post. Why!? Why would someone do that? Annnd, after that was all said and done, I enrolled in another photography class at the local college- which was brain cell killing as well. Oh, and to top it all off, I thought it was a good idea to open up a photography business. Yep, I’m officially a photographer now. I do portraits. I’m not your typical portrait photographer though. I create photos with magic and whimsy in them. If you’re in Southern California (or Monterey County, where I often travel) and are interested in photos, or know someone who might be, I invite you to check out my site. Whew! It’s been a huge whirlwind but, I’m finally hopping back into the sewing life. So, here we go!

Let’s start with a dress I made 1.5 years ago. I needed a dress for a friend’s wedding in San Diego. I wanted something with a 1940s feel to it. I had a pattern and bought two different fabrics. I loved the pattern so much, that I wanted to make two dresses. Spoiler alert: I didn’t end up making my first pattern choice.

Cue the Rabbit hole of sewing. And, patterns. And, muslins.

The First Dress

This dress was made in a short amount of time so, I didn’t photograph the whole process. This blog post is more of a “this is my dress I made” rather than a tutorial on how to make the dress.

I started with a Sew Over It dress pattern I had in my stash for years. Years, I tell you. I made a muslin and did a FBA and it didn’t fit. I thought I did something wrong, and made a whole new FBA and muslin. Nope, it still didn’t fit right. Something was way off. I went to the trusty ole Youtube and Google machine and found that most sewists had a similar issue. It fit funky. So, I went back to the drawing board and pattern rabbit hole.

The Final Dress

I discovered the Simplicity pattern and snagged one in my size range at ye olde JoAnn. I made a quick bodice muslin and it fit! So, I whipped the dress up in less than 24 hours. Ha! I told you I needed it for a wedding. This is the first garment I’ve ever sewn in a short time frame. I finished it minutes before leaving for the wedding.

The only issue I had was the yoke. Yokes can be finicky sometimes and this was no exception. I sewed it and ripped it out a few times. In the end, I didn’t care about the puckers anymore. Shhh, don’t tell the sewing Gods.

It has an easy pleated neck tie, gathered sleeves, a drop waist, and is comfy. It’s not the most flattering or form fit, however, it does look like a true 1930-1940s vintage style dress. I paired it with some 1940s-style booties from Payless Shoes Source, RIP. Looking back, I wish I had worn some different shoes. But, San Diego along with all of southern California was getting dumped on by all the rain in the world that weekend, so boots were worn out of necessity. Puddles and ballet flats don’t pair well.

Ignore my 2 different shoes. I was deciding which one to wear and forgot to change before taking some photos.

Awkward pose and view of the cute necktie.

Look at the easy gathered sleeve. You make this with a small piece of elastic.

The cute peephole button in the back. I love this dress! The button is a burgundy covered button I had in my button jar.

Hope you give this dress pattern a try if you’re searching for an authentic 40s-style dress. It is easy to sew and fits well.

No, I never did make the second dress with my other fabric (both were purchased from JoAnn). Maybe that’ll be next up on the sewing table, right after I finish a new purse, more flared shorts, and wide-leg trousers. Ha!

Please share in the comments your favorite 1940s dress pattern. I’m always on the lookout for new ones.

Thanks for popping by,

Annette

Sewing A Barbie Dress

Hi Barbie! Have you noticed the pink phenomenon that is spreading all over the world? It's a whole Barbie craze! And, I'm here for it. Gimme aaallll the pink. Have you seen the movie? I saw it twice. I made a dress and had to share it with you. Yay for Barbie sewing!

Barbie Dress. Check! Pink fuzzy slippers. Check!

I grabbed the Barbara Bodice pattern from Gertie's Patreon. If you aren't a member, run, don't walk, and join now! She gives so much over there, even at the base level. The Barbara bodice is the updated version of her original Butterick 6453.

This isn't a sew-along, but it's more of a show and tell. I want to show you the Barbie movie-inspired dress. If you've made a Barbie dress, shorts, PJs, or other inspirational item, tag me. I want to see what you made. I've seen a few goth Barbie outfits that are super fun too.

Let's dive in!

Feeling fabulous!

Barbara Bodice

My thoughts on the Barbara bodice might not be the popular opinion. But, I much prefer the Butterick 6453. I like how the back fits me. It has a simple dart. The Barbara has a 2-piece back pattern. It's fine enough, but seems to be extra. 

Barbara has different cup sizes, which is awesome!! No more figuring out your FBA. For the busty gals, this is a huge plus! However, my bodice didn't fit, as flawlessly as the Butterick 6453. I had some extra armpit room, which is weird. I like the FBA I created for the Butterick pattern better. I plan on making another Barbara (I didn't make a mock-up for my Barbie dress) and I'll play with the pattern, fit, and sizing.

Gertie included 2 strap options with the Barbara Bodice. Self-tie straps that are thin, and wide gathered straps, for bra strap coverage. I opted to use the thin self-tie straps, and they covered my wide bra straps well enough. 

The Barbara doesn't have any facings, it's fully lined, which I'm a huge fan of! I definitely love the pattern and am a huge fan. Both the Butterick 6453 and Barbara come together so easily and are fun to sew. It's the perfect last-minute dress pattern. But, I'm still on the fence if I'm over the moon happy with the Barbara. 

Have you sewn it? If so, have you compared the two patterns side by side? The general consensus I've seen across the interwebs is that the Barbara is wonderful. But, as I've gone down the pattern-making black hole, I've become more of a pattern snob kabob. 

Thinner straps that you can tie into a bow. Easy and cute.

The new scoop back is pretty too.

Skirt Stuff

Gertie also created the Barbie movie skirt pattern to go with the bodice. It's a full box pleat skirt that uses aalll the fabric. When I ordered my fabric, I ordered 4 yards. However, the skirt alone uses over 4 yards. So, I went with plan B.

I opted to draft my own circle skirt, and of course, I added roomy pockets. I actually prefer circle skirts over gathered ones anyway. I have a fuller tummy and appreciate less fabric in that area. Plus, circle skirts are just fun! 

I've been learning pattern making as I mentioned above, and I'm taking it one step at a time. If you're interested, check out Tricia, she's the best teacher! And, her motto is "You don't need to be good at math for pattern making". Which I'm all about because mathing is hard. Haha :D

Self drafted circle skirt.

Circle skirt twirls are the absolute best.

---

Welp, that's it. Do you love the dress? I sure do. I feel so girly in it and it'll be a February staple as well. I plan on wearing tights and a sweater, or a long sleeve underneath it.  

Not a Barbie fan? You can sew a 1950s-style swimsuit instead. It's the Bombshell and it's flattering on everybody.

Have you ever been interested in making a quilt? Read my blog post and you can sew one up in about a week. 



Thanks for hanging out today. Happy sewing of all things pink! 


XOXO,
​Annette

New Look 6446: Sewing Fail

Sewing is a journey. Whether you've been sewing for a few months or decades. As sewists, we are constantly learning. We have ups and downs. Recently I took a jump and disregarded a golden sewing rule. Yep, I had a sewing fail. I've been sewing for over 20 years and you would think with that many years under my belt, I'd be a super pro. Nope, not the case. 

I started with a pattern I've made before. The fit is good but, I went rogue! I used knit fabric for a woven pattern. And the outcome was, well, all kinds of wrong. Here's why you stick with the fabric that the pattern recommends. 

Choose your fabric wisely. When you pick a sewing pattern, the envelope gives you lots of important information. Do not ignore it. Read the fabric recommendations and stick with them, for the most part. I made my first New Look 6446 pattern back in 2020 with a stretch cotton sateen. It turned out beautifully. I wear it all the time and love the fit. I wanted to make another one and figured since the last one turned out, I could use knit fabric for a second one. It would be the ultimate cozy secret pajamas. I was wrong!

I followed the directions to the T. I even followed the layout instructions after I had made a mental note of my directional fabric. The back legs ended up getting cut upside down. Womp womp. Nevertheless, I carried on.

Sewed the darts on the front and back bodice pieces. 

Added the interfacing to the top piece. At this point, I started to realize I had chosen the wrong fabric. the knit didn't like being sewn in this direction. But, I kept going. 

The pocket bags sewed up nicely. This pattern has such nice roomy pockets. I love it!

Legs are sewn together.

Pant legs went together easily. I realized I sewed them with upside-down fabric afterward. So far, the only wonky part is the bodice.

Sewed up the crotch seam. I was getting excited because it was coming together nicely.

Pinned the bodice piece to the legs at the waist and sewed. I did notice a little stretching at this seam but thought it was no biggy. Secret pajamas remember!? This is going to be so cozy!

Next up was the invisible zipper. I love sewing these. It feels so wrong the way they go in, but it looks so right after they're in. I buy mine in bulk, so it was either black or white. I chose black, but wish I used a white one. Ah well. 

I didn't take photos of the lining, but it's the same as the bodice. It was all stretched out. I attached the shoulder straps and hemmed the legs. 

I tried it on and it fit. It fits with tons of extra room! Not good. It's not a baggy-style jumpsuit. It's supposed to be more form fitting. Ack!! 

Where I Went Wrong

• I chose knit fabric for a woven pattern. Not smart. The amount of ease and sewing pieces were created for a nonstretch fabric. When I made my first one, the fabric had a slight stretch but, wasn't knit. Lesson learned. 

• I laid my fabric out with the direction in mind, but then left my brain in the kitchen and placed the pattern upside down. So, my back pant legs are upside down. Face-palm, lesson learned.

• The rippled top piece was interfaced with stretch interfacing. Not sure if this was a good or bad move. I think it was a bad move perhaps? I also think I should have made the lining with a woven fabric. It would have acted as a stabilizer to keep the knit fabric from stretching out. 

Fixables

• Armhole sagging, gapping, bagging. I will unpick the waist seam and take a "dart" out of each side seam. This will hopefully eliminate the baggy armholes.

• I'll take in the waist seam a bit too, it's on the too big side.

A Positive Side

I learned my lesson on fabric choice. I thought I'd be able to get away with using a different fabric, but learned that I, in fact, cannot. I'm glad it was a silly mistake that I can fix. I still love the jumpsuit and plan on wearing it for three seasons. It's super comfortable and looks cute. The upside-down fabric on the backside doesn't bother me as much. The print is small enough that nobody will even notice. 

It’s a wonky green thing, but I wear it often. It’s another secret pajama outfit!

What's your most recent sewing fail? Or sewing win!? Let's celebrate both today!! Comment below. 

Happy sewing!
Annette

Happiest Tuesday to all you lovely people! 🧵🪡 I'm working on the digital pattern for my reusable bag. I used to sell them in my Etsy shop, and I wanted to share the pattern with you. (If you're on my email list, you'll be first to get it.)😘 🩵I always have one with me. 🩵They also make great gifts for the person who has everything. 😜 🩵Do you use reusable bags? #recycleideas #fabricbags #bagpatternmaking #sewingbags

It's Sewing Sunday!! 🧵🪡💕 Our whole AC unit/ furnace/ ducting was replaced this past week. So, the sewing machine has been moved back into its home. First up is this little banner. 🩵 It says "Own Your Power". I'm making it for a friend. 🥰 But, it's also very cool because sewing is a super power! We can take a piece of fabric and turn it into anything!! 🎉😄 What magic are you making this week? 🤩 Fabric:@rubystarsociety #sewingisasuperpower #ownyourpower #rubystarsocietyfabric #sewingsociety #sewcal

Happy New Week!! I finally cleaned up my sewing area that has looked like a trash pile since April.🫧 Yaaay! I put all my new fabric away- yes, everything has a home now. 🩵#ripJoann And, now, I'm excited to start Spooky Sewing!! 🎃 First up, a bag, then cute Halloween dolls. And then a shirt made with #mrbones fabric. I'm planning on cutting everything out and sewing will come after our AC is fixed. 😉 🍁 🎃 🍎 🍂 🌰 Have you begun sewing for Fall yet? 🍁🍂

I'm alive! Barely. 😆 Just lounging in the summer life, where routine is just a distant memory. 🤪 🧵🪡🚫🧵🪡 My sewing machine is collecting dust because, swamp cooler in the window = sewing fail. So, it's a no-sew, no-stress summer. How are you surviving the heat? 🌞 P.S. My fave cup was crafted by Jennifer @factoremfox ages ago, and I'm still in love! 🤩

Happy Sewing Machine Day!! This is the only Singer I use. I'm a Brother girl all the way. 🙌😄 ☀️During the summer months, I don't sew. The swamp cooler is in the window where my machines are. So it's always a no sew summer here. 🥲 What are you sewing this summer??

Quick Viva recap because it was a month ago!!🤣 Does anyone even care about it this long after? My outfits were a flop this year, but I still had fun. 💃🪭💖🎉 My favorite outfit was a vintage Scully with @freddiesofpinewood Jeans. It was also the warmest because I froze the entire weekend. It was great seeing friends and chatting with new people. And it was too short, as always. My daughter is wearing the green dress- you know, the one where I burned the pattern. 💚😱 There are some Gertie patterns in there and some Simplicity ones too.

Viva Day 2! 🎉 I didn't get a photo of my outfit yesterday, but imagine it was cute. 😉 Today was a blast, as usual. I ran into old friends, made new ones, and chatted with a few IG sewing friends. And, the best part? Photos with my eyes open!! Huzzah 🤗🤩🥳 Oh and an obligatory one legged photo -- scroll for that one. I wore my Patio dress, sewing pattern by Gertie. Fabric is coral shirting from @fabricwholesaledirect. Definitely plan on making another one of these, it is super comfortable!!

Happy Good Friday!! I'm trading chocolate bunny binges for sewing binges this weekend. 🩵🐰🩵 The kids are basically grown up, so I'm outsourcing egg decorating and ham-cooking duties to them! 🩷🤪🩵

Whew! I'm being a last minute Lucy over here! I've got a mile high pile of fabric and patterns to finish for @viva.las.vegas.vlv And this guy isn't helping. 😹 I'm currently working on the #vacationpants and then onto another #starletgown. 🧵🪡🧵🪡🧵 And then.... And then... And then.... 🩵🩵🩵 Are you totally ready for Viva?

Hobbies? 🧵✂️🧵 You bet I've got some: Collecting fabric Cutting fabric into tiny pieces Sewing fabric together Buying patterns Tracing patterns Making mistakes on fabric Making mistakes on patterns And the list goes on... Oh, and let's not forget coffee - that's a hobby in itself 😘 🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵 What are your top 3 hobbies?