The pattern is EvaDress D40-5087, an afternoon dress from 1940. I'm not entirely sure what an afternoon dress is but regardless I wore this the whole day anyway.
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| Trying not to squint just looks like I'm glaring |
I liked the colour of the middle dress on the pattern envelope so I used a green wax print cotton. The pattern instructions were minimal (as most 40s patterns seem to be), but once I deciphered the diagrams it was pretty straightforward.
You can see the gathering, shoulder yoke and puff sleeves a bit better in this picture. The instructions call for stiffening in the sleeves to make them stand up but I didn't use any because the wax print cotton stays up on its own. I'm not usually a massive fan of puff sleeves but I love these ones. Maybe it's because they are quite high, they look less little girl and more bomb girl.
I really like this dress. I'm already planning on making a more winter appropriate version with three quarter sleeves.
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| Wonky seams |
These stockings always seem to provoke a reaction from people. I usually get asked at least once when I wear them whether they are tattooed on.
Shoes: Brumby
Stockings: Online somewhere, I can't remember exactly where
Scarf: Op shopped
Belt: Op shopped
Dress: I made it
Beautiful frock!!! I love the colour & print, & the details like the shoulders. You look incredible in those stockings too. You would most certainly win the best dressed comps at the vintage fairs! Xx
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yes, I love all the gathering details on the shoulders and bodice as well.
DeleteWhat a stunning dress, I love the fabric you chose and those sexy stockings.
ReplyDeleteI expect an afternoon dress would be something you wore to meet friends for High Tea in a Lyons Coffee House! xxx
Thanks! That makes sense. It all sounds far too civilised for me so I'll just continue wearing my dress whenever.
DeleteWhat a lovely dress!
ReplyDeleteI mostly wear stockings when out and about and getting the seams to sit straight is a battle! I did hear that if you run Vaseline along where the seam should lie before putting them on, it keeps them in one place. I'm sure a heavier moisturiser would do the trick too xxx
Thanks! Yes, it is. Mine always seem to twist around even when I check they are straight before I leave the house. That's a good idea. I'll have to try it.
Deletefabulous! sp pretty with the blue bow in your hair too. definitely will have to have a go at making 40s dresses soon and not just 60s ones... this pattern is lovely.
ReplyDeleteThanks! You should. 40s dresses are lovely and flattering.
Deleteit's beautiful! well done!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Franca!
DeleteSuch a beautiful dress!! I need to get into some more 1940's style frocks as they are just beautiful. I love the scarf and those stockings too!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Me too. I only have a couple but they are so flattering. I might have to make some more.
DeleteGoodness this dress is so stunning! Beautiful choice of fabric. Very clever!
ReplyDeleteI love the dress and your headscarf. The puff sleeves help to really make your small waist look smaller. I think the print goes well with your stocking - its sort of a double optical illusion - are the stocking fishnets gone wrong, was my first thought. I think they really do work with the dress.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, afternoon dresses - I doubt anyone really followed this custom in the 40's, as they were all too busy with the war. But certainly in the 20's and 30's ladies (especially) had set rules for when to do what. In the morning they supervised the household and wore clothes for that. In the afternoon, they would go visiting, and wear an afternoon dress. They even had visiting cards!
Thanks! I never thought about the stockings mirroring the print but you're right. I just grabbed them in the morning because I couldn't find any other seams.
DeleteThanks for the info. That's interesting. I guess since this dress was from the beginning of the war they may have called it an afternoon dress in an effort to hang on to their pre-war traditions.
Your dress is great, you chose a beautiful pattern but your awesome fabric takes it to another level!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I didn't really buy the fabric with the intention of making a dress but they just seemed to go together perfectly.
DeleteI am so glad you are back posting, my wonderful friend and EVER inspiraton, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
ReplyDeleteYou kill me with that WONDERFUL dress.
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Thanks! I am going to try and post more but then, I always say that.
Deleteawesome dress, I love the pattern, especially with your hair tie. I love the stockings and the shoes too xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks! I did the hair tie thing mainly because I didn't have a hat that went with the dress but I actually really like it.
DeleteWhat a beautiful dress, the sleeves and gathered detail on the shoulder are lovely. Wonderful fabric. You look amazing. xxxx
ReplyDeleteThanks! The gathering and the sleeves were the reason I bought the pattern.
DeleteThis is such a great style for you. I love the red belt against that print!
ReplyDeleteThanks! The red belt was a happy accident. I couldn't find any other belts at the time.
DeleteWhat a fabulous dress!!!! It fits you perfectly xx
ReplyDeletethis dress is totally amazing. it makes you look like a bomb girl!
ReplyDeleteOh buddy. What a perfect silhouette. Inspiring me to dress more 40s.
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