The “Sleeve it to Me” Dress
The Facts
Fabric: Vintage Rayon? Gifted by Cute Church Lady
Pattern: Simplicity (pattern # unknown) Gifted by Cute Church Lady
Year: Circa 1940′s
Notions: zipper from the inherited stash
Time to complete: Before sleeves – 8 hours, After sleeves – 30 min
First worn: Before sleeves – August 2011, After sleeves – February 2012
Wear again? Sure, after I stuff my bra enough.
Total price: $0
When I originally made this dress, I had chosen to not add the sleeves to give it a more modern look. I thought that I was done with it. But realized last month that I had never actually worn the dress since “finishing” it last August. All because of the sleeves. I felt weird wearing it. Like it was missing something special. I decided to officially finish it and use it for my UFO project. I had sold the pattern last December. I wish I had a picture of it to share with you, because it looks so darn cute on the hand drawn figure wearing it. Thankfully I had cut the sleeves out back when I first started this dress.
I received the fabric and pattern from a cute and nice church lady. I loved the pattern, I thought it to be so chic. The bodice has the circular gather at the waist. I enjoyed learning how to put it together. I did not enjoy the constant adjusting of the darts, front and back. The fabric was to die for! I knew this fabric was meant for this dress. I instantly fell in love with the feel of it, the print, and the colors. I wish I had more of it so I could make a blouse as well.
When I first started this dress, I had the hardest time getting it to size down in order for it to not look so frumpy on me. I have a hard time getting things to fit my small frame properly. The pattern must have been a 12 or 14. Which in the 1940′s my waist size is perfect for a size 12 or 14 pattern, but my bust and hips are not. So the dress fits great in the waist, but is a bit frumpy in the hip and bust area. My straight figure does not wear vintage well, but I love it so much I cannot resist the urge to at least try.
I also wanted my photos to feel a little vintage, so I applied a gritty layer to them in Picnick. Though garage door backdrop isn’t very vintage. I wish my area had more photogenic places.
My husband did actually compliment me on this dress, so I suppose I will wear it again (after I get a very padded bra and a roll of toilet paper).
That’s a lovely dress! You’ve done such a wonderful job.
As a curvy-shaped vintage nerd, I’d like to point out with envy that your straight figure would be perfect for all the 1920s outfits that I can’t pull off because I have booty. :)
1940′s dresses are definitely for curvier figures. I don’t why I keep trying. I should look into making 1920′s dresses instead. I am now on the hunt for patterns I can recreate. Thanks!
Love the fabric and pattern choice. You should definitly wear it again!
Thank you. I love this fabric so much.
Way to go with the posing. Great pattern design, lucky to get such a great gift.
Ha ha ha ha, thank you Krista. I always feel so awkward posing for pictures. Especially in public.
Love that vintage print. Congratulations on de-UFOing.
Thank you Najah!
It’s a lovely dress, and the fabric is too. Your hair looks great too – did you do it yourself? I can’t do hair. How good is PicNic! What are you going to use when they go offline?
I did do my own hair. I braved the curling iron and hoped for the best. Thank you. Picnick was super easy. I have no idea what to do once they are gone. It’s a bummer really, though it pleases my graphic designer husband.
I am loving your dress and the print really is to die for!
Thank you! I love the fabric! Wish I could find more of it.
My dear, with a figure like yours, I suggest a few episodes of Downton Abbey and bring your sketch pad. Any of the incredible outfits in that series would look fabulous on someone with a shape such as yours, guaranteed.
I caught an episode of Downton Abbey as you suggested, via Netflix. I love their costuming! I took my sketch pad and all and went to town on a design I hope to use in the near future. Thank you so much Jenn!
very cute! great fabric! and I think flutter sleeves like that are my favorite kind.
Flutter sleeves are quite fun. Thank you!
lovely fabric and it’s such a pretty pattern. I think you have definitely made it work for you.
Thank you, Jen
I love this dress it’s just beautiful. And I think it looks great sans curves too.. so don’t worry about it!
Thank you so much Casey! I do love this dress for the most part.
Cute Church Lady gifted you a fab fabric and pattern! Congrats on finishing, and definitely keep wearing!
I think I will, with all these great compliments from all of you amazing women! Thank you!
That fabric is soooooo pretty!!! It’s a lovely lovely dress :)