Sewing: 1940s Summer Dress

Tuesday 2 May 2017


Summer is over but I was still able to wear this dress out on  a warm afternoon last month. Made with a 1940's vintage sewing pattern, this has always been one of my favourite dress styles and I hope to make another one for next spring/summer!


Photos: Mum

Outfit Details

Dress - Made by me with an original 1940's McCall Pattern
May Gibbs Wattle Babies Brooch (Sold out but back in stock soon) - c/o Erstwilder
Hat - Rivers
Shoes - c/o Charlie Stone Shoes


I bought this sewing pattern four or five years ago on eBay after falling in love with the dress style and the beautiful illustrations. I had wanted to make it for ages as I'd see it every time I'd flick through my patterns deciding what to make next. I'm not sure why I waited so long because this has to be my favourite thing that I have ever sewn. 

This fabric was on special and really cheap at Spotlight for $2.89 p/m when I purchased it, I bought 4m of fabric and used most of it for this project. I also bought the zip for a couple of dollars and the belt buckle was something that had been floating around in my sewing box for ages. 

When I bought this pattern all those years ago I knew that I had to make it similar to the illustration, the light green fabric always caught my attention as I would flick through my patterns and so it was awesome to come across this fabric. I usually like to buy cheaper fabric when trying a pattern for the first time, I just couldn't handle it if a project didn't work out and I lost out on expensive fabric. Saying that, this fabric is actually really nice to wear and quite good quality for the price!

The instructions for this pattern were very limited but I found it was a pretty simple dress to construct. My main issue was just attaching that bottom gather just right and just adjusting the bodice a few times to make the fit just right, that took a bit of extra time but I think the fit in the end was a really great result. 

I feel like this dress is very me, I just really love this style and silhouette. A more a line skirt like this with gathering is always a favourite and it is just one of those styles that is easy to chuck on and feels a little more low key which is nice for a walk in the park or for anything in that matter. 

Next time I make this I might add two cute little front pockets and maybe even make the straps into a tie up style so I can have cut little bows. I really loved making this dress and can't wait to wear it again next spring and summer! 

My next sewing post will hopefully be soon, I have been working on a 20's day dress by Decades of Style patterns... I mentioned in a previous blog post that I love the pattern but am unsure about my fabric choices now. Regardless of that I will still blog about it as I will be making the dress again next summer!

Kayla - GracefullyVintage xo

47 comments

  1. What a beauty of a frock! The fabric is a particularly nice choice too. You did a wonderful job. Good luck with the 1920s dress, I'm sure it will turn out just as well x

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ooh, what an elegant little sundress. It looks splendid on you! I wonder did you add elastic to the top of the shoulder ruffle or just leave it with the the nonstretch binding? I often see this style with elastic used.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Very cute! I like the color and the delicate floral pattern. It's always so funny to see a vintage dress (or pattern, in this case) that's so modern looking! The off the shoulder silhouette looks very trendy.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Love this dress....you have done a wonderful job on it! I love the style and the fabric, such a cute summer dress for sure! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Like Jessica said, that 'cold shoulder' (as everyone insists on calling it) silhouette is really in vogue right now, so it's both a lovely classic and modern style! It's the kind of thing I'd feel really comfortable wearing out and about, when 50s skirt shapes sometimes feel a bit OTT for the day-to-day. Really good work, this is really pretty and looks lovely on you x

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow! You did an amazing job!

    ReplyDelete
  7. To start with some fundamental data about how payday advances function. Suppose that you have to obtain some cash to pay a late bill. You won't land paid at your position for a moment, up to two weeks.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Shockingly better, not at all like a vast bank's endorsement procedure, this kind of advances are offered to individuals regardless of the possibility that they don't possess security.
    Payday Loans

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is particularly valid in the event that you have taken out a payday credit in light of the fact that these advances don't loan any security to the substantial measure of cash that you quickly have in your financial records. Payday Loans Chula-vista

    ReplyDelete
  10. Since their advances are open-end credit, borrowers are frequently compelled to pay extreme triple-digit financing costs and wind up consenting to outlandish advance terms that prompt out of line treatment. Auto Title Loans

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ankara Elektrik Ustası arıyorsanız doğru yerdesiniz. Ankara Elektrik Ustası hiç çekinmeden tüm elektrik sorunlarını arayabilir bilgi alabilirsiniz. Elektrik Ustası lazım olduğunda Ankara ‘nın birçok mahallesine hizmet veren Elektrikçi ustalarımızdan profesyonel destek alabilirsiniz. Ankara Elektrik Ustası

    ReplyDelete
  12. I have read so many articles or reviews. But this blog is really a pleasant article, keep it up. I will be sure to bookmark your blog and may come back very soon. I just wanted to inform you that if you intend on visiting Turkey, getting an e-visa for Turkey would be the best option due to its easy process, lower cost and shorter waiting time.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I read your article last night and it's so amazing. I have shared it with my friends. I hope you will publish more articles like this. People who are willing to travel to Turkey. They can apply for a Turkey e visa from the website. You need an internet connection and valid documents. Travelers can apply from anywhere in the world.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hello everyone, If you are a citizen of Australia and you are planning a trip to Turkey. Turkey visa for Australian citizens are available online. They can be apply for Turkey visa and enjoy a trip in Turkey.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wonderful article! Thanks for sharing this article with us... I hope you will continue in the future... The application for an electronic visa Turkey is easy to fill out for everyone, if you want to apply for a Turkish Visit Visa check out the page for more information.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hello everyone, Indian visa application form filling is easy and straightforward online. Citizens of over 160 countries can apply for Indian visa electronically and pay the India travel visa cost after submitting the application form, your visa fee depends on your nationality.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Really thank you! Awesome blog.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Lorine ConciniMay 02, 2023

    Very best along with Least expensive Jabodetabek Personal Coaching, each of our staff members along with educators arrive to your property, fixed your own analysis plan which enables it to decide on virtually any industry involving analyze ... go to https://privat-inggris.netlify.app/kursus-bahasa-inggris-matraman.html for more information

    ReplyDelete
  19. Long SzumigalaMay 02, 2023

    Jabodetabek private tutoring services with teachers coming over to the house. Above many hundreds of active tutors will be ready to teach various skills and lessons for the children to adults ... click https://privat-matematika.vercel.app/les-privat-matematika-kebayoran-baru.html for more information

    ReplyDelete
  20. Marcie HearnsbergerMay 02, 2023

    This site offers private lessons for PAUD, TK, SD, SMP, SMA, and Alumni. With a built-in and accelerated method, it's hoped that this is able to foster a generation of individuals with good morals... for more information https://fisika-exed.blogspot.com/2022/04/les-privat-fisika-di-makasar-temurah.html

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hello! I'd like to extend my heartfelt appreciation for the invaluable information shared on your blog.VFS Global appointment dammam facilitates seamless appointments for visa services in Dammam, ensuring a smooth and efficient process. Their online platform offers convenience and helps applicants schedule appointments for visa applications effortlessly.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hello! Your ongoing support is truly invaluable, driving us to craft increasingly captivating content. We appreciate you being our muse and motivating force, inspiring us to persist in our creative endeavors. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I've been perusing some of your articles, and I must say, they contain some brilliant content. I'll definitely bookmark your website! 📚👍

    ReplyDelete
  24. Your fashion is simple and sweet. It really increases your beauty and makes you gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete

GracefullyVintage © . Design by Berenica Designs.