New Vintage Wardrobe Project#23: Aspects of Alice Tea Dress

What ever happened to the New Vintage Wardrobe Project?

Did it fall down a Rabbit Hole?

Actually it has been more of a issue of lack of documentation,

as opposed to lack of determination.

And when it came to taking self portraits... I, sadly, lacked inspiration.

But we recently came across a potion and were transported to a mysterious place.

 And what do we see?

One of my very first vintage pattern purchases.

Butterick -9721.

This looks like late 50's to me.

 

So we tried it out in a length of blue polka dotted lawn, that has the slightest glaze.

8 yards of  thrifted fabric.

Thrifted zipper. Thrifted cutom covered belt kit.

Total cost: 3.00

A wearable muslin.

 

A hand made crinoline underneath, 

stitched every bit, crankily, by hand, 

as it is slick and heavy with layer after layer of nylon ruffles.

 And  upon wearing it reveals that that it is, ironically (or is it literally?), a slip after all...

(Only an inch was supposed to peek out below. 

But as my mother used to say:

"It is Snowing down South, dear."

Isn't that coy?) 

 

After the photo shoot, it went back in the sewing basket 

for some more determined elastic for it's waistband.

And we had another cup of Earl Grey.

New skills?

A side zipper and hand cut and ironed bias tape to trim the arms and insides.

(What? No arm facings in the pattern? How can this be?)

Challenges?

Getting the fit right with the oversized collar was a seam ripper fandango.

Truly it is why the most effective seamstresses make muslins.

If I had done that to silk, the dress would be shredded. As it is, it still looks strained.

But I think I would get it right if when I make it again.

Still I'd wear this to a wedding, if I had one to go to.

 Other Modifications?

I didn't add the sweet blousey-ness at the waist. I mixed it up with some waist defining darts.

Maybe if I make it in the straight skirted version I could make a Mad Men version with the proper waistline. But I know the fitted waist works for me.. so I cling to the familiar...

 

But That isn't where the adventure is!