9.26.2010

1940s overalls

Photobucket Photo by Twila Jean

Although overalls have been around for centuries, it wasn't until the 1930s that many women took to them for factory and farm work. There were even printed versions labeled "beach overalls" similar to beach pajamas. During WWII, as you can imagine, sturdy, easy to wear overalls accompanied jumpsuits in the factories, and became standard workwear.
Softer, more feminine versions came into fashion during the 1940s, either full length, knee length, or in a shorter romper style.

I made these using this pattern, from Eva Dress, and am really happy with them! Some days I just want to pull something easy on, and these do just the trick. For next summer I want to make them in the romper version, they would be darling in red!
The denim I chose for this is pretty thin, so not really working overalls, and I don't think the design would work as great with a thicker textile. I do however want to order this other 1940s overall pattern as it looks like it could handle a heavier denim. Y'know, for all that manual labor I do....
Photobucket
Kitty, of course, wanted to lay on the pattern pieces I needed. When I tried to pull them away, he grabbed them from me! Luckily the pattern is printed on thick paper :)

22 comments:

Miss Caitlin Elizabeth said...

how cute are you in those overalls:D Absolutely adorable. I really like the shape and pattern of these overalls, I have liked the second pattern for awhile, but I need another sewing project like I need another hole in the head lol. great job

art deco dame said...

Iam a fan of overalls,I like the way yours turned out and yes!A pair in red would be fab!Congrats on the kitty hes a cutie

OldFashionAllies said...

Gosh, I wish I could sew better... Those are super cute!
I think it's a cat trait to want to be involved in whatever you're doing. Anytime I laid out a pattern, homework, clothing to measure... Literally ANYTHING I was working on, Holiday would waltz over and lay on it! She's back in Humboldt andI miss her so :(
Have fun with your cute new kitty!
Take Care,
Valerie

ilene @ muchloveilly said...

aw, you are so cute! looove the overalls on you!!! you are so talented!!!

Michelle Murray said...

WoW! you did a great job! U look darling in them :)

Bombshell Bettie said...

Super cute, I can't pull off the style but you're darling in them. Teehee isn't that just like a kitty to lay on everything you need, right when you need it.

p.s. i want your brooch!

Unknown said...

Wow they are great and with the nipped in waist very feminine. well done you ;-) Thats just what my timmy would do bless ;-)) Dee

Clara Cupcakes said...

I was just looking at that pattern the other day and thinking in need to make them! They looks fabulous on you!

My kitties like to play on pattern paper too. Like literally play and roll and scuffle and rip. I have to put them out of the room if I'm going to sew!

Kate said...

Ahaha, my cat loves pattern pieces too!

Victoria / Justice Pirate said...

They are very lovely!! what fun! I love your shirt too.

Aimee Marieee said...

Super cute! And what a great job on the fit!!

Dakota said...

Wow, those are fantastic! I always have trouble imagining un-frumpy overalls, but these have convinced me of their merits! So cutely styled, too.

Anonymous said...

Wow! Those are fantastic, well done Rosie ;)

Anonymous said...

Wow! Those are fantastic, well done Rosie ;)

Casey said...

Those turned out darling! I haven't worn overalls since I was a kid (back in the early/mid 90s, probably), but I've been itching to add 40s style ones into my closet. We've been helping a lot of people move this year, and these would have been sooo handy!

♥ Casey
blog | elegantmusings.com

Flapper Flickers + Silent Stanzas said...

Aww, so cute! So adorable! So sweet!

And you look pretty nice, too. ;)

Anonymous said...

Kitties all seem to secretly desire a career as a seamstress. :)

The overalls look amazing! I'm even tempted to try some myself now!

Kitten loves vintage said...

The overalls look great, well done! :)

Bette on Toast said...

Wow, so practical and yet so glamorous! I like the way the top (calling it a "bodice" doesn't seem right on overalls!) is fitted and halternecked - bombshell dungarees!

Courtney said...

Those are adorable! I would love to try and sew some, but I find sewing pants a little intimidating.

Anonymous said...

i think you need one in every color! ;) love it with the brooch too

Rachel said...

These are very cute! You work wonders with a sewing machine.