I have a few 1930s & 1940s Women’s Wear magazines with drafts for various jackets, dresses and skirts and thought I’d share a few of them. The drafts use the bust measurement as scale and the instructions are easily followed.
First up is a sweet and simple Tennis Frock from June, 1939.
Follow this link to view and download a copy from Google docs, no sign up necessary:
If anyone drafts and makes this up, please let me know and email me pics to share here or a link to your blog! I'll be posting a few more soon.
I've put this on my "to-do" list - I'll let you know how I get on xx
ReplyDeleteFABULOUS! Thanks for the link!!!
ReplyDeleteI downloaded and wanted to say say "Thank you!"! (new subscriber)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing, that is too kind of you!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
ReplyDeleteHow pretty! Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteYou're all welcome :-)
ReplyDeleteJennie - thanks, please do.
Oh, the dress looks fabulous - thank you for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteI decided to jump in and try this. Last week I drafted it onto wrapping paper -- The measurements given in the sample are larger than mine, but I didn't want to complicate matters on the first attempt by changing them to my own measurements.
ReplyDeleteLast night I began my test version and I've now almost finished the bodice (still needs buttons, front darts and sleeve cuffs).
I wasn't sure if the pattern included seam allowances, but since I was working from a bust size several inches larger than my own, and the instructions suggested the front darts can be adjusted to fit, I figured I'd risk it. However i hedged my bets and only seamed with a 1/4" allowance rather than the 5/8" I've seen on vintage printed patterns. The result *just* fits, so if anyone drafts this to her own measurements I'd recommend adding a seam allowance.
The major pieces came out ok, but I ended up improvising the collar and facings after I had cut out and assembled the bodice; the front facings were easy, the collar and neck facings required a couple of tries.
The sleeves have a gradual curve on one side and a sharp curve on the other, and the instructions don't make it clear which is the front. I tried it both ways, and settled on gradual-curve-at-the-front, with the tucks at the top of the sleeve near the shoulder-yoke.
Further updates as it progresses.
Skirt has been attached. I ran low on fabric, so it's a couple of inches shorter than called for in the original pattern. Looking at the photo again I see my waist seam is a bit crooked. May get lazy and just hide that with the belt and make sure the skirt comes out even when I hem it.
ReplyDeleteI am also going to omit the pocket this go-round as the fabric print is already a bit busy.
Like most dresses I've made from vintage patterns, it's very comfortable to wear, but the close fit and non-stretchy fabric make getting it on and off the hard part.