So, I’ve been fabric shopping and eventually found this lovely deep red silky fabric for my 1940s dress.
The print seemed right for the period without being old fashioned and I loved the colour.
The fabric can’t be silk though because it was only £7.50 a metre, so my long sleeved dress will cost just under £30 to make.
Bargain.
I’ve actually had the fabric all weekend but haven’t been brave enough to start the dress yet. Truth is I’m dreading cutting into and then sewing that shiny, slippery fabric.
And having glanced at the pattern instructions I have a sneaking suspicion that ‘For Average Sewing Ability’ meant something entirely different in 1943…
And whilst on yet another visit to my favourite charity shop the other day I was really lucky and found this lovely vintage knitting pattern booklet from 1946.
I’m going to make myself the cardigan on the front cover (eventually!)
Not in black and white though, maybe brown and cream?
See? I’m definitely turning into my Granny.
I love that cardigan pattern! So cool.
As for the fabric, slippery can be a little tricky. Just go slowly and don’t panic. It will be lovely when it’s finished. 🙂
The red fabric will be great for your dress. Just go for it, you’ll be fine.
I love that cardigan too. Wish I was slim. Wish I could knit that well. I dream of a kimono/wrap cardigan – all snuggly with a beautiful button fastening. One day I will find it!
and the dress should be amazing.
that fabric is a beautiful shade of red, i love that colour, we have loads of it in our house right down to my red food mixer! can’t wait to see the dress, i shall keep my fingers crossed that the fabric behaves itself when it meets the sewing machine!.
Love the material,Janet. As for the cardigan – I think your Mum used to wear one just like it!
the fabric is just perfect and i can’t wait to see the ‘finished’ results…also envious of the cardi…that will look beautiful.
my girls refer to me as ‘the bag lady’ and not because i have lots of lovely bags but because i look like i should be pushing a trolley full of dustbin sacks with my life’s possesions in it…i’m liking your ‘granny’ style very much…
That fabric is a find! Perfect for your project. And I’ll second the “just go slowly” advice. It’ll be fine.
well isn’t that the perfect print for a 40s dress?
I can’t wait to see it on you!
The fabric is magnificent. It’s perfect for a 40s dress. Wish I had the courage to start a dress for christmas.
can’t wait to see your finished dress! that fabric is to die for.