Description
project: 1940s sailor three-piece playsuit (blouse, shorts, skirt)
pattern used: Wearing History reprint
fabric & supplies: navy blue linen blend, white braid, white star appliques
notes: This project has been on the sewing table for a bit, and even longer in my “to photograph” pile! I spent most of one weekend back in March doing the majority of the construction, and finishing details over the next couple weeks (mostly because I was waiting for some buttons I ordered).
There were a few alterations to this pattern; all small fitting issues that I make to most 40s patterns. Most noticeably, I shortened the crotch seam on the shorts; I often find in 30s and 40s slacks the length is far too long (especially for modernized streetwear). Another area I tend to tweak is the sleeves. Most 1940s sleeves I find too long and/or too loose in the upper arm (I have “spaghetti noodle arms” as I call them. A real pain to fit!). On this particular project I just shortened the sleeves an addition 1 1/2″ to a more flattering point on my upper arms, but I left the original width in tact. The final skirt length will also be a tiny bit shorter; since I have proportionately short legs I find that a knee length (rather than just-below-knee length as indicated in many 40s patterns) is more suitable. The only thing I don’t like about this pattern is the closure on the shorts. With the buttons on either side of the waist, it just doesn’t give me the “nipped in” look I’m used to. A small, piddly detail, but one that will nag at me a bit until I just get over it. lol.
For the curious: yes, I am wearing shoulder pads with the blouse! I lately have been adding some moderate (I don’t go for the Linebacker Shoulders Look) pads to various dresses and tops I make from 40s patterns, and let me say, they do improve the overall silhouette! I know I promised a tutorial on how to make your own earlier this year, and I haven’t forgotten. I shall have to do that soon as a dress I made needs some padding.
As always, please visit my blog for more details!
Material Notes
linen
Difficulty
Intermediate
Mar 14, 2011, 04.12 PMby adrie00
You continue to impress me.
Feb 19, 2011, 03.53 AMby lanternwaste33
Ooh, jealous of your pattern! I’ve been dying to make a vintage romper for months. You did an awesome job! I would wear this any day! And you look great in it too!
Jun 7, 2010, 08.49 PMby rjhopkins12
Love it!!!
May 27, 2010, 03.39 PMby lepetithoot
Ooooh! Just wonderful! I’ve been waiting to see something new from you for a while. ;) This is great! You really do know how to work those patterns to make them fit. :)
May 26, 2010, 10.06 PMby missdandy
Wow! I’ve always found sewing from pre-1960s patterns to be so difficult and you’ve sewn an entire 1940s era 3-piece playsuit! It’s wonderful!
May 26, 2010, 05.21 AMby nessys
Yes, once again, you are an inspiration to us all in sewing ability, incredible style and grooming to die for! xx
May 26, 2010, 01.06 AMby almalou
Beautiful, as always! :-)
May 26, 2010, 12.49 AMby misteebelle
OMG this is adorable!! I’ve been eyeing off quite a few Wearing History patterns so it’s great to see one come to life. Can’t wait to see what you come up with for the swimsuit (I’ve been reading your blog for a while). : D
May 26, 2010, 12.28 AMby ink
holy goshbungles this is just fabulous. I wish I had started sewing a long time ago. Just fabulous! So everything; pinup, sexy, wonderful. Living in a military town, you would have these boy’s heads spinning!
May 25, 2010, 11.47 PMby susanne2011
I really admire your skills, this is so beautiful! I wish I was able to figure out how to make all these alterations… Very very nice!
May 25, 2010, 10.25 PMby lilibellech
O lala……. how sexy is that ;-)!!! Wonderful!!
May 25, 2010, 09.36 PMby tapgirl
Super Cute!! WOW!
May 25, 2010, 09.31 PMby sarsaparilla
It’s fantastic! I drafted a sailor top almost just like yours, so I’m really excited about making it now :)
May 25, 2010, 08.05 PMby misssylver
Hey Elegant, do you know if there is a UK version of this pattern? I love it but I just can’t justify thirty dollars for just one pattern xxx
May 25, 2010, 07.48 PMby lolasangel
Very nice! I love the look.
May 25, 2010, 05.44 PMby Sanne K. Astrid
Marvelous indeed. :)
May 25, 2010, 05.25 PMby jaimesews
So fun! I love the dress into shorts idea.
May 25, 2010, 04.59 PMby tamezdc
Great Job!! The wait was worth it. Your pictures are beautiful, and the outfit fits you perfectly. Those alteration to the pattern were right on.
May 25, 2010, 04.56 PMby laurii
gorgeous:)
May 25, 2010, 04.24 PMby badyan
Adorable! Well done!
May 25, 2010, 04.20 PMby Geeky Seamstress
oo thanks for the hint, I never thought of looking for vintage patterns on etsy :-) (No0b!) I’m crazy in love with this :-)
May 25, 2010, 04.04 PMby emilie6709
SO beautiful! Simply gorgeous.
May 25, 2010, 03.59 PMby sunnilj9
I love it and the blue is so becoming on you! Beautiful rendering of this pattern! I love how all the peices come together and I love the shoulder pad too. It adds a small but noticeable difference I see. Lovely!
May 25, 2010, 03.31 PMby dilshadburman
So so so so so AWESOME!! I love it all!! Such neat work and SO well executed!!
May 25, 2010, 02.59 PMby Peter Lappin
Marvelous! Just love this, Casey.