I made this dress a couple of weeks ago from the pattern supplement in one of my French magazines; Votre Mode from May 1956. You can see pages from this magazine here.
Featuring on the cover, the pattern is a classic '50s shirtwaist. The pattern is given for the upper half of the dress (with the option to lengthen it into a blouse). The skirt is cut as rectangles and gathered or pleated into the waist seam; I did a gathered skirt this time. I think one thing to note is that the collar is much wider than in either the illustrations or the photo. I think I'll trim it down on my next version; it's a bit excessive.
I used the leopard print cotton poplin I bought just after Christmas, and the large ones of those swirl buttons. I used the sleeves from Gertie's shirtwaist dress. This pattern has two sleeve options: straight fitted or puff. I wanted a puff sleeve, but the one with the pattern (on the cover) is hugely puffy, so a little too much volume for a day dress.
The dress buttons to the waist and has a lapped side zip. I also added side seam pockets to the skirt, so the zip continues down behind the pocket on this dress.
I also got new shoes! It's been years since I had any summer shoes that really worked for me, other than the flat ballet slipper type. I don't do heels well, and a half-size difference between my feet means that a strap of some sort or a high vamp is a must or the shoe falls off the smaller foot! I spotted these when I was doing the food shopping a couple of weeks ago and loved them. I was waiting until I could afford them, but Boyfriend's mum decided to treat me instead. So now I have a lovely pair of summer wedges with a nice '40s feel.
Plus, they happen to match the dress!
Outfit Details
Me-Mades:
Dress: Leopard print cotton, Votre Mode 10 Mai 1956
Knickers: Blue viscose jersey midis
Worn With:
Belt: New Look
Shoes: George at Asda
