vogue 8811

Lobster Dress

by Joni on June 12, 2013 · 30 comments

in 1940s,Dresses

I fell in love with this Michael Miller lobster print the moment I set eyes on it. I don’t even know why, since I don’t really care for seafood, but it was so obnoxious I had to have it. For the dress I used Vogue 8811 – this was my first Vintage Vogue, in fact it was my first Vogue pattern period!

The pattern came together fairly quickly and easily, even though I decided to make it harder on myself and line the bodice. I did an invisible zipper by hand and made a belt to match, both of which used to scare me silly! I also hand-stitched the hem – and that is a LOT of hem – while I was sitting by the pool for my kids’ swim lessons today. It was fun because people kept asking me what I was making.

I’m so jealous of those of you who show lovely photos of your creations! I don’t have anyone that can photograph me well, don’t have a decent backdrop, and don’t look good in most photos anyway. However, I think you can see what a fun dress this will be. I can’t wait to wear it on our vacation to Florida next month! And now the wheels are turning, I want to make six or seven more of this pattern in more obnoxious novelty prints.

Tagged as: michael miller, novelty print, Vintage Vogue, vogue 8811

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My 1940 Sew for Victory Cotton Dress

by tanya maile on March 12, 2013 · 2 comments

in 1940s,Dresses

I’ve just finished my first sewing challenge — Lucky Lucille’s “Sew for Victory” challenge!

1940 Peacock Blue Cotton Dress

Lucky me, I already had the pattern (Vintage Vogue 8811) and the fabric and the intention of making this dress for myself anyway.  I previously made this dress for a client and thought it would be cute to make for ME as well!

1940 Peacock Blue Cotton Dress

I used a peacock blue stretch cotton broadcloth and fully lined it.  I thought that a self fabric covered buckle would be a bit too monotonous for this dress and instead used this vintage buckle that I found at a sewing show in the Bay Area a few weeks ago.

1940 Peacock Blue Cotton Dress

I opted not to put the darts in the back and added a little fabric to the bodice so that I’d have more of a blouson effect.

Vintage Brass Button

I found this vintage buckle in my grandma’s button box.  It was used and probably from the 40s-50′s.  I opted not to make a thread loop for the back as I was lazy…..plus, I like ribbon better anyway. :)

I can’t wait to wear this dress and liven it up with some snazzy jewelry and some espadrilles!  I promise to have photos of myself in a dress the next time I post on here. :)

Tagged as: 1940 cotton dress, 1940s dress, peacock blue, sew for victory, vogue 8811

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