A 1940's outfit (for sew for victory sewalong)

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As part of the above sewalong I decided to make a complete 1940's ensemble.

Starting with butterick 5209 for the dress. I chose view 'b'. Its a 1947 pattern so after the war but still in rationing (in the UK) so it was cut with a mind not to waste fabric. It left me with a nice long strip of fabric to make bias binding and some accessories from. I plan to make a bag/hat and fabric 'flower' for my hair.

The Dress

As you can see I added an inch to the bottom of the front halterneck peice. This allowed for a bit more ease or else it would have come up a little high. I also cut the waistband peices on the fold to illuminate the seam. I did not cut out any lining.

I found the bodice was quite quick to sew.  About 12hours by hand just for the general construction.

here is dress with hat pinned to it.

The Accessories

Inspired by the newsreels and this image from a 1947 pattern.

Source: vintagepatterns.wikia.com via Lady on Pinterest

The Bag

The bag with be based on the instructions given in a 1940's newsreel. But with a few modifications.

The Hat

The hat will be based on the instructions in a 1940's newsreel. I'm using felt as the base fabric with cotton bias binding for the hat band.

Because I used felt I didn't need 'stiffening' added to the hat. It was a very simple process sewn in one evening.

Rosette

For my hair.

Now the complete ensemble in the mode of the moment that moment being 1947....