I made this dress from a 1940s Marian Martin sewing pattern (9049), bought on ebay, while I was still at University studying for my undergraduate degree (BA English as it happens). I love the large pockets on the skirt and the pleated bodice. I made version two with short sleeves.

According to the envelope that was included with the pattern, the original owner was a Mrs Goodwin of California.

It’s  now eight years since I finished University so the dress is at least eight years old, but I think I’ve only worn it once or twice. In fact, when I remembered it a few weeks ago and decided to try it on to see if it still fits I couldn’t even find it, as I’d left it behind at my Mom and Dad’s house when I moved out two years ago. Poor dress!

After trying it on I realised the problem. When I made the dress, I followed the pattern and instructions exactly. This meant the dress worked out at around ankle length. However, I’m quite short and have a preference for short skirts and dresses (I don’t normally wear anything longer than just-above-the-knee length), so I just didn’t feel comfortable in it.

This was easily fixed. I chopped 12″ off the bottom of the dress and then re-hemmed. The resulting short-skirt version is much more my style.

I also spotted a few issues with the finish of the dress. Eight years ago I was obviously lazier, and the button-holes and seams were pretty messy. I’ve started to tidy them up but didn’t finish in time for yesterday’s Birmingham meet-up organised by Marie, Kat and Claire. However, I decided to wear the dress anyway – after 8 years in the wardrobe I thought it was time to give it a decent outing.