4.13.2010

1930s farm dress

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Yesterday I was excited to finally be in a place to sew (all boxes unpacked, house is clean, and a day off). Lately I've been wanting something simple and neutral to wear, and all my spring frocks are rather bright. So I pulled out this yardage I bought a few years ago when I was working at a fabric store, and it was just perfect to pair with this much used 30s dress pattern. Including this dress, I've made four dresses from this pattern, and am looking forward to fashioning a black wool dress in the fall with long sleeves and a white collar, and little pearly buttons :)

But anyway, I was inspired to make it by watching Gosford Park a film that takes place in an old english mansion in the 1930s and revolves mainly around one of the ladies maids. She's so cute, very plain, very simple, but I still admired her style the whole film.

So I put together a dress that was just that: Plain and simple. Neutral colors with a basic design, but a few key details. I put vintage wooden buttons on the bodice, a matching belt, tie-circle pockets on the front, and instead of a zipper a side fastening of ten buttons and hand finished button holes.

The dress still needs a little fin tuning, I am going to take in the bodice a bit as it's a little billowy, which works on others but not me. But other than that I'm quite happy with the way it turned out, I think an old barn would make a great backdrop for it for photos.

Oh and the second picture is what my sewing area looks like when I'm not sewing, and the third is the machine ready to go!

35 comments:

Sew Brilliant said...

Your buttonholes look hand worked. They're beautiful and delicate.

esme and the laneway said...

Oh my goodness, I'm almost speechless – it's amazing! I am very very impressed! The fabric is so pretty, too :)

VOGUE VIGILANTE said...

Adorable! I'm completely smitten with those pockets and am now determined to recreate them myself. Gosford Park is one of my favorites and often put it on just for a little background ambiance. :)

Unknown said...

Lovely work. I like how you finished the pockets.

Lisa said...

Gorgeous!! Do you take commissions??

Peldyn said...

Turned out lovely! I have been so lax and my sewing list sits here untouched. I am a slacker!

Jenni King said...

oh i wish so badly that i could sew!

MadameDollface said...

I've been contemplating sewing lessons for months now and aftr seeing this I cannot wait to begin and am researching schools now! I love the pockets on this dress

The Vintage Housewife... said...

oh my word...speechless doesn't even describe it...i love this farm dress...which are my favorite dresses ever...i envy that you can sew...you always look so adorable...but i vote this is one of my very very favorites!!! adorable kitten...

Amy P. said...

That's just amazing! Such a cute dress! I love the pocket details and that you made your own belt! I'm learning how to sew right now and you are totally inspiring. :}

Anonymous said...

What a lovely patterned fabric.

Beautiful design.

:-)

Claire Nouveau said...

gorgeous! absolutely love the pockets!
xo,
claire
Mamushka Marie

garofit said...

Love it and love the fabric too! You make me wanna take up sewing, but I really distrust my abilities! In the meantime, I really want a few simple dresses like that,for everyday wear...just don't happen to get my hands on any...how hard is it to sew?

On a different note, your little fox friend there is very cute, and very similar to the 2 fury chaps I have.

Rothmonsteress said...

beautimus! I have a modern machine and a 50's remington I just inherited to put to use. Gorgeous dress love!

Casey said...

Such a pretty frock! I just adore 30s patterns in these styles; they lend themselves so well to endless variations! Your sewing area is so darling too! :)

I often have to take in/adjust bodices because of the same problem with vintage patterns. Thankfully, it's an easy fix, but I often wonder how many women at the time found that extra "billowiness" flattering? lol.

♥ Casey
blog | elegantmusings.com

Jennilee said...

Beautiful! You certainly are handy with the machine!

Victoria / Justice Pirate said...

How very very talented you are. This reminds me that I have to finish sewing a few things I have patterns for from the 40s. One of these days. :: sigh ::
I love the print you chose and this is just so gorgeous on you!!!!

+Victoria+
http://tiedemanntribe.blogspot.com

Flapper Flickers + Silent Stanzas said...

Solanah...I am so incredibly envious of your sewing talent! It's a perfect dress. Just perfect - and you look amazing in it! ^_^

the snail and the cyclops said...

I saw your tweet about stitching up a 30s dressed inspired by Gosford Park and I KNEW it was going to be good! And gosh, it really is!!! It's absolutely perfect! I wish my entire closet was filled with simple 30s dresses with pretty details! (the pockets are perfect!!!)

Maria Confer said...

OH, this is amazing. I can't believe you made it. Gorgeous.

Lulu Letty

JGO said...

I love your dress, Wow! your work area looks so attractive, and the machine is old fashioned. Fabulous!

Jacqueline

mary van note said...

Wow. You did a great job. I'm just learning how to sew now. I hope to be able to make dresses like that someday soon.

thestoryofkat said...

so lovely! i like the simple hair to go with it, very relaxed and pretty. you're just so darn good!

alittlevintagestory said...

totally cute! love the print, you've inspired me to get cracking on some unfinished sewing projects.

Miss Lottie Lou said...

What a wonderful photo story update! Fantastic job on the dress too :)
Lottie x

melina bee said...

that is so pretty and well made! I wish I had your skills, but lucky for me there is the internet so I can live vicariously.
melina bee

WhenSheWasGood said...

What a sweet dress - you did a beautiful job!

Erika said...

Lovely dress! I love the pattern, cute but not overwhelming. I actually prefer these simpler/more modest fabricpatterns, the cut of the dress stands out more and the interesting details are visable. Nice work!

Your sewing area is gorgeous! I'd love to have a corner like that, exept I need my sewing machine to be viisable. If it's a project to find the machine I'd never get around to sewing! Too lazy, I guess... =)

Isabelle said...

Simply gorgeous! Fantastic details:)

Robin said...

goddness what a cute dress!!! I just got a large bag full of vintage patterns from my granny...I have GOT to try making my own piece! Thanks for the inspiration :)

Pink Sun Drops said...

You have such an amazing vintage look! The haircut makes it all the more perfect.

Sewheather said...

Well done, the dress is a beaut. It looks very well made and I adore the pockets

Heather

SeeSaw Designs said...

Very lovely dress!

Debra at HOMESPUN: http://www.thehomespun.com said...

I came upon your site via The Country Farm blog. Wow your site is so much fun ....I worked my way through a few posts over lunch at work and then reminded myself to comment and mark you to Favorites when I got home so I could read some more when I get a chance. Showed the ladies at the office as well! :)

Unknown said...

Nice job! Have you seen Cold Comfort Farm or Paper Moon? Both set in the 30's I believe. Great clothes...