Fifteen years ago I made a dress from this vintage Vogue pattern from the 1930′s. It is one of my favorite periods of fashion. Clothes were feminine, elegant, and flattering. This particular pattern was fairly easy to make. I loved the sleeve and the way it fell in folds down the upper arm. I made the hemline asymmetrical and added a ribbon on one side with vintage beads. I chose a silk chiffon that I dyed blue from a Rit dye. It was my first experiment with dyeing, and I was unaware of any other dyes that could be used at the time. Every time I wore this dress I felt very elegant and feminine. I have not worn it in years, maybe thirteen. I had not been able to fine it, but on Sunday as I was going through a drawer I pulled it out from the very back. The chiffon is so light-weight that it can disappear under heavier items. I was happy to find it, but now I don’t recall what I wore under it….what kind of a slip that would have blended in with the blue silk.
The pattern had a side zipper closure, but I used buttons with metallic loops that I made because I wanted to use these lovely old buttons that I had found.
For the neckline, I embellished it with ribbon and sewed it on with metallic thread that I secured in a zig-zag fashion with tiny lavender beads.
Instead of a belt or sash, I used the same variegated ribbon and vintage beads along the waistline.
Along the shorter side of the asymmetrical hemline I repeated a similar but wider ribbon and the same beading.
All these photos are simply inferior, and I apologize. Lately I have been using my iphone to take photos because I have two relatively new cameras that are not working, and I am in a quandry as what to do to remedy this situation right now. So please bear with me until I can find a way to take some decent photos again. The dress looks best on a figure, not a flat table. It was always a bit of a dream to be able to wear it. I think I have gained ten pounds since I wore it, so it will probably have to live its life in a drawer and dream of the days it used to be worn with spirited grace and charm.
This is lovely, something to dream on.
It is lovely and like a dream. I am sure that you felt Nora (as in The Thin Man sereies). She was always my ideal in loveliness and elegance. I would watch on TV and be swept away by all that they represented.
I am sure that you felt like you floated on a cloud when you wore it.
Beautiful…I love this dress and it is one of my favorite colors.
I also love 1930′s style…I often wish I could find dresses from that era that would fit me. I like wearing dresses and skirts…it makes me like you feel more feminine and graceful.
it looks great in these photos so it must be out of this world.
lovely lovely lovely…..did you try it on anyway?? as for under it, maybe a black slip or nightgown? At least hang it where you can see it, maybe in the way of a window so it catches a breeze.
a lovely dress. such wonderful detail. and I am in full agreement with you….the 30s gave women a timelessness in design that was indeed elegant and flattering to the female form…..
What a beautiful dress!