I finally finished the Red Lace Dress for Christmas. I used a late 1950s style for the top, using the pattern as a guide and drafting it with my bodice block. I used a 1940s style pleated skirt for the bottom part. I think the style looks very 1940s, especially when paired with set hair.

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Front view.

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Alternate Front View.

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Side view.

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Dramatically posing view.

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Back view.

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Detail of the sleeve scallop view.

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Posing with Santa Esteemed Sewing Assistant. (Bean hates wearing hats btw. It was a great struggle to fit this hat on his head, which was one-size-fits-all and fit well enough 2 years ago, but for some reason only barely fits him now.)

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Patterns used:

I used Simplicity 4254 for the skirt:

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I used Simplicity 4432 as a guide, but drafted it based on my bodice block:

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Pattern notes:
I used Simplicity 4254 for the skirt, and I used Simplicity 4432 as a basis for the bodice. I based the top part on my bodice block, making a jewel neck adjustment like Simplicity 4432 and traced only the sleeve from Simplicity 4432. I cut the scallops on the lace so they were facing the sleeve edge and the hem, and adjusted the skirt length so it would be knee-length for someone of my height. The top back area gapes a little, but not to the extent that the collar falls off. I need to put a hook and eye on the top most part of the zipper closure so it doesn’t gape as much.

Merry Xmas to everyone who is reading this. I hope your holidays are safe, productive, and full of vintage sewing.

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