Front view #1.
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Front view #2.
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Front view #3.
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Closeup view: lucite bracelet and faux bakelite black bracelet. (The bruise is probably from getting beaten up at jiu jitsu.)
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The Facts
Fabric: Navy and white polka-dot rayon, $5/yd 60″ wide
Pattern: Simplicity 1578
Year: 1945
Notions: Navy invisible zipper, $1
Time to complete: 16 hours, maybe more
First worn: Never been worn yet!
Wear again? Yes
Total price: $11
Pattern used:
It’s the middle of winter here and since every week has been 30 degrees and freezing. It’s refreshing to work on a summery rayon polka-dot sundress.
I’ve made this pattern once before unsuccessfully. This time around was different.
Construction details:
- made a muslin (which accounted for the 16+ hours)
- basted all the seams before sewing it up
- inserted an invisible zipper in the back
- used seam bindings for the armholes
- serged the seams
- used some leftover navy gabardine for the neckline facing
- hand-tacked the facing at center front to prevent it from flipping up
Using a fabric with good drape and hand was crucial. The rayon is lightweight and has good drape. This pattern also reminds me why the 40s is my favorite sewing era. I have enough leftover fabric for a skirt, a blouse or shorts and the silhouette is vintage enough to be authentic yet doesn’t look costume-like or overwhelming.
I don’t know how many sleeveless sundresses I’ll be making but this silhouette is definitely a win.
Pingback: Simplicity 1578, circa 1945: The Polka-Dot Sundress «
Certainly, that dress is a victory! The silhouette harmonizes well with polka dots and you look so summer …. Oh, I hate the cold … I also need a breath of spring.
Wonderful job!
Looks so pretty. I am always so impressed with your sewing one season ahead plans. Wish I could be so organized.
perfect pairing of pattern and fabric. Cant believe only cost $11!
Agree with above comments!
Wouldn’t have seen the possibilities of this pattern, but the fabric picks everything up and makes it absolutely perfect. Loved the lucite/bakelite bangles, too. Wonderful perseverance doing the muslin!
Great job – and many thanks for teaching this old dog a new way of looking at 40′s patterns!
(Now, where’d you get that fabric – been looking for exactly the same thing for aaages!)
Thanks guys!
I found the fabric in this small store in the garment district here in NYC (not sure what it’s called!) They were having a sale on cotton in the middle of winter so I just found one that had the best drape.
I definitely think 40s patterns are one of the most under-estimated. Most times I think they look frumpy in the illustrations so others tend to overlook their potential, but I find them some of the easiest to fit and most economical to make.
Oh! NYC garment district – am **green** with envy!
Definitely agree with “frumpy.” Will remember your comments about fit & try some.
Thanks again!
Hi! Thanks for the comment on my last blog post – I just wanted to quickly let you know (before I leave the house and forget!) that the pattern is a ‘Vintage Vogue’ one – V2787
http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v2787-products-15.php?page_id=850
-Andi x
I’ve been meaning to tell you how much I admire this — you’re absolutely right about the 40s — still lovely and authentic without being costumey. What a great summer dress to have (and easily layered in the cooler months!). The color and shape, I think, is very flattering.
I am definitely obsessed with sleeveless sundresses (they feel more casual to me, so I’m more likely to wear them) and I just bought a 40s slip to whip up with some crepe for a dress — we’ll see how this goes
Thank you Andi! I managed to order the pattern and hopefully I can make it up soon.
Awww I’m fortunate enough to live within walking distance of the garment district so I’m there every few weeks or so.
I really enjoy your dress. It looks fantastic. Most of the sewing terms are lost on me, but I’m learning and I am super glad there are bloggers out there like you to inspire me.
Thank you, Riki! Most of the times I feel like I’m talking more to myself with the sewing terms just so I can remember it for the next version.
Just too cute!