Burda Style For people who sew
Description
My stories always have the same beginning: trudging through op-shops for fabric fabric fabric! On one occasion, I found a mini houndstooth treasure, in lightweight wool. A lovely browny-grey colour too. There was only thing for it: a delicious 1940’s dress…
I used an old Anne Adams pattern for this dress, altering the skirt length and the waist and bust widths. The woollen fabric turned out to be tricky to use, shifting around quite a bit, especially for the bodice, where pieces were cut on the bias. Luckily, the print wasn’t too large, or we may have had some issues with matching lines perfectly.. phew!
The bodice of the dress has several 40’s features which are hard to go past: rouched waist, peplum, bow on the back. One thing that threw me a little bit was the unexpected circumference of the finished neckline – it was rather tight! I ended up lowering my button placement, which gave the back neck opening a delightful little keyhole effect.
To finish the ensemble, I put on my 1940’s beaded pearl collar (this is a removable collar, which closes with a hook and eye), and a thin black belt.
Material Notes
lightweight wool
Difficulty
Intermediate
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Oct 13, 2010, 04.46 PMby cantare
Adorable, flattering and this model is oh-so lovely!
1 Reply
Oct 16, 2010, 08.30 AMby olystyrene
Thank you sooo much :D PS. love that giant unicycle!
Oct 13, 2010, 03.46 PMby emilie6709
Absolutely beautiful!
1 Reply
Oct 16, 2010, 08.30 AMby olystyrene
Thanks!
Oct 13, 2010, 03.26 PMby alenahenriksen
This is ABSOLUTELY gorgeous! You are just AS gorgeous. Great job! I wish I could sew just as well as you. I am in love with this dress.
1 Reply
Oct 16, 2010, 08.29 AMby olystyrene
Thank you, you’re so sweet!! I’m glad you like it ;)
Oct 13, 2010, 07.08 AMby nessys
There are no words I can use to express just how utterly fantastic this dress is and how well it is made and fits you.
Gosh – it’s just gorgeous – as are you. I adore 40’s clothing – and you look fabulous!
That dress is the bee’s knees Honey!
1 Reply
Oct 16, 2010, 08.24 AMby olystyrene
Thank you, my dear! Oh if only you were in Sydney, I would steal you away and make you become my sewing buddy!
Oct 11, 2010, 02.49 PMby aur0ra
I adore this dress! It fits you perfectly, and I love your hair in the pics.
1 Reply
Oct 12, 2010, 11.20 PMby olystyrene
Whhhyyyyyy, thank you! ;)
Oct 11, 2010, 11.49 AMby distie
This is so lovely! I love how you styled your hair for the photos too. These shots are great!
1 Reply
Oct 12, 2010, 11.20 PMby olystyrene
Aaah I am obsessed with the 1940’s.. it was such a fun activity!
Oct 11, 2010, 08.59 AMby louisebarbara
awesome detailing on the collar
1 Reply
Oct 12, 2010, 11.21 PMby olystyrene
I wish I could say I made THAT myself.. But yes, I thought so too. Some patient lady would have made that 60 or 70 years ago..
Oct 11, 2010, 06.22 AMby frkbustad
It’s super classy! I really like all the details! The fit looks very good, so well done. And your styling is also amazing… love those shoes!
1 Reply
Oct 12, 2010, 11.21 PMby olystyrene
Thank you! Those shoes are my all-time favourites ;)
Oct 11, 2010, 06.15 AMby janene
Very classy and I imagine a pleasure to wear.
1 Reply
Oct 12, 2010, 11.23 PMby olystyrene
It is indeed! The wool is lightweight, and not scratchy, which is wonderful. The fabric is perfect for spring and autumn.
Oct 11, 2010, 04.51 AMby carolyn-s
This is really beautiful and fits you like a glove! I love how you went for the era-appropriate hairstyle in your photos, too…
1 Reply
Oct 12, 2010, 11.23 PMby olystyrene
Thank you _
Oct 11, 2010, 01.27 AMby lizajane09
beautiful!
1 Reply
Oct 12, 2010, 11.23 PMby olystyrene
Thank you muchly!
Oct 11, 2010, 01.10 AMby nettie
Ditto the first two comments!! You look amazing in this!
1 Reply
Oct 12, 2010, 11.23 PMby olystyrene
That’s very sweet! Thank you :)
Oct 11, 2010, 12.29 AMby 20beverly08
beautiful dress! well tailored fit. very nice!
1 Reply
Oct 12, 2010, 11.24 PMby olystyrene
I’m really pleased with the fit actually, considering how tricky the fabric was to work with. Especially since the bodice was cut on a bias!
Oct 11, 2010, 12.13 AMby nazmiehm
the fit is amazing on you!!
1 Reply
Oct 12, 2010, 11.24 PMby olystyrene
Thaaaaank you!