This was a project I did for my apparel construction class last semester. We had to do a collared shirt, but of course I had to do a shirt dress. I really wanted to try one of my vintage patterns, but my teacher (probably for her own sanity as well as mine) convinced me to just modify a modern pattern to resemble that style.
Here’s the 1940s pattern I really wanted to use:
And here’s the pattern I ended up using instead and modifying:
As often happens when one decides to heavily modify patterns (will I ever learn?) cutting the pieces ended up being somewhat of a nightmare. I had to change the width of the skirt, length of the hem, and I cut the sleeve cuffs on the straight grain instead of the bias as the pattern instructed. I also chopped up the upper bodice to create a yoke and put in the little diamond-shaped pocket-flap details (with vintage buttons!). Anyway, I think it turned out well in the end, and I got an A on it despite all the hassle!
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