Hello sweet friends, happy Fashion Friday! Today’s post is a bit different from others I have done in the past. I’d love for you to help me decide on Which Valentine Dress Should I Sew?
Which Valentine’s Dress Should I Sew?
On February 11th the Women’s Vintage Society of Dallas is participating in a Valentine tea and fashion show.
I went through my closet and found:
1940’s Vintage Valentine Fashion
Both choices are too casual for what ladies would have worn to a tea in the 1940s or 50s. So that means I must make a new dress!
I went to the small closet where I store my fabrics. I had two in mind that had come from the thrift shop.
1930s
The first fabric that came to mind was a pink cotton gingham with tiny hearts. I only have 3 yards of this vintage cutie and it also is only 39″ wide. (Most standard fabrics today are 45″ wide.) So this is why I thought of a 1930s dress. Dresses in the 1920s thru the early 1940s were quite conservative in style and required less fabric. Usually around 3 yards for a woman of my size.
I checked Pinterest to see if pink gingham was a thing in the 1930s. Woo hoo!
I’ve had the Simplicity 8248 pattern sitting in my stash for awhile now. It’s gotten good reviews. There is a side zipper and I happen to have a vintage pink zip in the right size.
The pink cotton bias tape would edge the collar and pockets.
The lace hearts would further embellish the darling pockets.
The only downside to making this dress is I do not have a 1930s hat and time is quickly ticking away.
Edwardian
For the second fabric my mind instantly thought of a late Edwardian/WWI/Armistice dress pattern, Simplicity 8650, that I have also had for awhile.
While the 4 yards of fabric would be stretching it I knew I could win pattern Tetris. I also had two pieces of Edwardian eyelet that would be so pretty on the sleeves.
However, the fabric is quilting cotton which makes it much to heavy.
Dresses from this era are often referred to as “lingerie dresses”. While they were often made from cotton the fabric would be lightweight voile or lawn.
1950s
Pink was a very popular color in the 1950s. Think about all those pink kitchens and bathrooms!
The shirtwaist dress was in style for several years.
I also love that I was able to specifically find a floral cameo print. The 1950s fabric was made by Sanderson and called Rose Pink Cameo Panel.
This 1957 pattern is so pretty. I’d be able to use the eight heart shape buttons I’ve been hoarding for a few years as well as some delicate cotton eyelet on the sleeves and collar.
There’s really no down side to this pattern. I even have two hats I could wear with it to choose from.
I hope you have enjoyed reading/seeing the behind the scenes thought process that I use when planning a historical garment.
Now the big question is: “Shall it be the 1930s gingham dress or the 1950s floral cameo dress?”
Let me know in the comments. (“Both” is not an answer at this time. 🙂
Laura
1950’s pattern gets my vote!
My mother had so many dresses like the 1950 style. Make that one.❤️
I know you said “both” is not an answer–but I don’t think you could go wrong with either one. I love them both. But I’m leaning a bit more towards the gingham with hearts. and the 1930s pattern.
Definitely the cameo – though both are nice.
Definitely the cameo!
*hugs*
I prefer the 1959s cameo fabric. It looks more formal and more appropriate for the occasion. I worry that the gingham looks more like a house dress or for little girls.
The 1950’s dress is the prettiest. And I love the cameo fabric.
I’m leaning toward the 50s because you might get more use out of it after. But they’re all wonderful (my second fave being the Edwardian!) No matter what you choose, Laura, it will be terrific!
1930’s!!! I’ll bring over my trousseau of hats and we can find you something!
I love them both! But the 1950’s with the hat on the left would be my choice.
I love the rose cameo fabric & it would be so cute as a 1950’s shirtwaist. And you already have hats to choose from. Win win!
1950s!
1950’s!
I think the 50s dress fits your body type better!
YES!!! 1950’s One of my favorite memories of my mom, was her pink gingham shirtwaist dress…that she made. She had enough fabric left over and made me a sleeveless sunsuit…it was my fav!!!! Mom worked as a professional seamstress for years.
*Are you aware…when making a comment the typing is sssooooooooo tiny….can it be helped…it just me????
I noticed that, too. But, at this point, I can’t read directions, bottle ingredients, or anything smaller than a 12 point font even with new glasses on.
The cameo dress for sure!!!! Hope you picked this one❤️ The hats are adorable as well to go with this sweet dress. Fancy!!
I love the 30s but Edwardian is my favourite.
Edwardian!
Laura, I think another idea would be to wear a ribbon in your hair with that particular 1950s dress style and pattern. Or one coordinating larger flower with your hair in a French Twist. Pretty!
1930s gingham dress or the 1950s floral cameo dress
Glad it’s not my decision! I tend to like the 1950’s styles.
1957 dress.
Which did you choose?