1930's dress for the Historical Sew Monthly June, just a few months late...

It's been a long time since I posted! I feel like the last few months just went by in a blur. The end of summer always seems to be that way, trying to fit in as much as possible before fall comes I guess. I'm so excited for fall, and holidays coming up! But before I say goodbye to summer completely, I have to post my Historical Sew Monthly for June! I know, so sad that it's taken me this long to post, especially since it was actually finished on time by the end of June. Anyway, the challenge for June was "Out of your comfort zone" to sew something from a time period never attempted before. I started to look into the 1920s-30s, a couple of decades I have not tackled before, and as my sister happens to love with the fashion of the 1930's I decided to make her my guinea pig and make a day dress for her from that era, which was perfectly alright with her! We researched patters and originals until she had found the dress she liked, of course it wasn't one with a pattern, it was an original 1930's dress for sale on Etsy, so of course I would have to make my own pattern. We got lucky and Fabric.com was having a retro pattern sale, so we ordered some retro print cotton and I set to work. Again, I meant to take pictures of the construction process as well as finished work, but I get so zoned in when I'm sewing I never can seem to remember to stop and take a photo. Below is a picture of the original dress that we decided to recreate.

It really is a nice shape and easy to dress up or down, which is what she wanted. I was super excited too because I had a bunch of 1930's shell buttons to use for the front in my button stash just waiting for an item like this. So, after a day of pattern drafting I came up with what I decided was a workable pattern. Really the bodice was the only problem, smocked shoulders and a tucked waist, the skirt was pretty simple. Once the pieces were all cut out they went together much easier than I expected as I have never actually tried my hand at smocking before. Here are some photos of the finished dress. 

I did shorten the sleeves a bit at my sister's request, otherwise, I think it does the original justice. Now, on to the particulars...

The Challenge:  Out of your comfort zone

Fabric:  Retro print cotton from Fabric.com

Pattern:  My own 

Year:  1930's

Notions:  Vintage 1930's buttons, thread

How historically accurate is it?  I'd say it definitely looks accurate, though I don't know how exact the construction is. 

Hours to complete:  About 4 probably? More if you count the pattern drafting. 

First worn:  By my sister sometime in the end of June. 

Total cost:  $24 for fabric, buttons from my stash.

I'm sure it's not surprising that I didn't even attempt the challenges from July, August, or September. Now, technically I've still got a few days to work on something for the September challenge which is "Color Challenge Brown". I may think of something I could whip up, but if not I hope to be back for October's challenge, "Sewing Secrets". And I do hope to be posting more often during the next few months, as I'm sure I'll be working on some crafty things with my kids for the holidays. Until next time!