Dress Parade {Coral Rose}
10 April 2012 | by Jen in Sewing
My little 1930s dress is done after much tweaking! I don’t have a lot of experience with bias and I guess if you don’t cut it perfectly on grain there will be a bit of wonkiness to be dealt with.
At first I hesitated to use such a busy print with this dress because you wouldn’t be able to see the that mid-section detail. But I really wanted this fabric in the same silhouette so I just went for it.
Originally the dress was the same length as pictured on the envelope but after photographing it I thought the proportions would be better if it hit above the knee; because otherwise it kind of pulled me down (does that makes sense?). I also decided to go with a more simple sleeve that was also bound at the hem. I had to make the front of the armscye much deeper so there was some trial and error there. The collar turned out way too short and I didn’t have enough fabric to cut out a newly drafted one so I made do; I turned the collar around (it just fit better that way) and left a gap on the front. The fabric is actually more rosy than pictured but to get a closer match in the photo my skin turns out too pink for some reason.
In the first view I fashioned a bow by safety pinning 2 pieces of ribbon to the shoulder seams underneath the collar. But I can wear it unadorned too.
And belt it! There was not enough fabric to make a belt (unless I piece it together) so a skinny leather one it is.
I would totally make this again though next time I’ll take out about an 1″ in the midsection, horizontally, to raise the hipline up, and use a solid fabric or one with a more simple print. Maybe something slightly sheer with a lower hem.
What are your thoughts, dears? | ♥ 9 Comments
That is so pretty! Love the color with the black accent. It turned out great!
Thanks, Elizabeth!
Again, another fabulous dress, Jen. I love how the collar turned out, especially with the bow. 1920s-30s are definitely the style of dress for you, and this fabric even gives this one a Dust Bowl feel. Great documentary on the 1930s Dust Bowl at this link.
Thank you, Lisa! And thanks for the link–I’ve been wanting to learn more about the Dust Bowl’s history. I love costumes from Carnivale (HBO), btw, have you seen it?
Thank you, Lisa! And thanks for the link–I’ve been wanting to learn more about the Dust Bowl’s history. I love costumes from Carnivale (HBO), btw, have you seen it?
This print is so pretty and the dress is flattering.
Nice work
Thanks, Nancy!
The dress is awesome,I like the design very much!
Just stumbled across your blog, this dress is just absolutely gorgeous! What wonderful handiwork! Bookmarking your blog!