A Tale of Two Dresses

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Difficulty:

Category: Sewing

Type of item: Clothing

For: Children

Style: Romantic, Classic, Retro / Vintage, Cute

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Materials

Cotton batiste, white organdy, insert lace

What was your inspiration?

I found the McCalls Pattern from 1943 in some of my deceased mother's sewing 'stuff'. I remembered I have a dress very similar to this one that my mother made for me in 1943 that I wore and wore. I have it preserved and stored. While I do not believe the original dress I posess was made from this pattern, it is very close. I am sorry to say I do not remember or have the original dress coat and hat made from this pattern that mother originally made for me when I was 2-1/2 years old. Anyhow, I thought it would be fun to make a 'modern' version of this vintage pattern. The original pattern is a size 2 and had been well used. Since I was the only girl in a family of tw brothers, mother always made me lovely little outfits so I would look like my daddy's 'little princess''. Now, at 71 years of age, I can appreciate the love and care that went into the making of all of those wonderful little frocks. I will forever be grateful for all of the sewing and needlework techniques my dear mother and grandmother passed on to me. What a wonderful heritage.

What are you most proud of?

It is just such a sweet little dress. The lines are so typical of the time period (i.e. lovely princess lines, embrodery embellishments, and all pieces matching. I am considering making a little coat and bonnet as the pattern shows from matching pale maize matte satin. Perhaps.............

What advice would you give someone starting this project?

Be patient, and all of your sewing skills will be challenged. Patterns from this era assumed that the sewer knew certain sewing construction techniques, and they must be used to have the garment turn out as was intended. This little dress is constructed with French seams, eased hem, back placket opening and puffed sleeves with bias finish on the sleeve edges.