I’ve blogged about this dress previously but didn’t get any decent photos so thought it was worth another post.
This was actually the first item of clothing I made, with the exception of the few things I made during Textiles class at school (I remember an awful fleece hat in particular…). I didn’t make things easy for myself by starting with an original 1940s Marian Martin sewing pattern (9049)!
I made this dress while I was still at University studying for my undergraduate degree (BA English) approximately eight years ago, but pretty much never wore it as the original length (ankle length) didn’t really suit me. When I rediscovered the dress in the attic last year I lopped a big chunk off the skirt to get to the current length. Much more my style:)
This week (spurred on by me made May) I finally got around to tidying up the hem and redoing the buttonholes (which were frankly awful, tut tut Charlotte of 8 years ago). Now I can finally get some wear out of my new-old dress!
This dress is worn below with my Brigitte Scarf. It was a lovely day but was actually a bit bright so I got Phil to take some photos in the house too, which means you are seeing a few of each!
english girl at home 
May 16, 2014 at 11:17 am
I can’t believe this was the first thing you made – it’s so well executed and there are a lot of details which could be really daunting to a new sewer! Such a pretty dress 🙂 The Brigitte scarf is great with it.
May 18, 2014 at 8:45 am
Luckily you can’t see the inside which is not so well executed! I’m going to overlock the seams at some point & tidy up…
May 17, 2014 at 11:15 am
Ahhhh lovely. It turned out so close to the original!
May 18, 2014 at 8:47 am
Thank you. Except for the ridiculously tiny waist on the original illustration! I might make the sleeveless version at some point too
May 17, 2014 at 11:09 pm
Woo! Hi Charlotte, this is Vicki – we were chatting in the pub today. This dress is lovely, and I like your Afternoon Blouse very much as well. I read in your About page that you work at a university – me too! Pity we didn’t get to compare notes today. I felt sew inspired by the time I got home that I’ve cut & started the final practice trousers for my boyf Roger before I cut the real cloth for his wedding suit trousers. I found a few meters of a vintage pinstripe wool in a charity shop a month ago, perfect timing for final toiles. Anyway, I’m just saying hi & I’m now following your blog & I look forward to seeing more of your makes. Xx
May 18, 2014 at 8:53 am
Hello:) Great to chat to you. We should have compared notes! I can’t believe you got started on the trousers already! I did absolutely nothing when I go home. I’m planning some sewing today though – as well as actually doing some housework… Hope the wedding suit & dress turn out well & doing require too many alterations:) Hope to see you at a meet-up (or online!) soon. x
May 19, 2014 at 7:19 pm
Lovely dress, and nice to meet you Saturday
SSB. https://facebook.com/sassysewingbees
May 20, 2014 at 7:49 pm
Thank you! Great to meet you too & hope to see you again soon at a future event:) x
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