Sewing 1940’s style

I have had this pattern in my stash for a few years now. At one point I thought I’d make it with some polyester I had in stash. I hated the fabric and threw it out. I recently bought some rayon and decided to give it a go.Rayon is slippery. There is a very interesting gathered detail on the front of the dress. This was a time to pull out the needle and thread and hand baste it. Which I did. I should have hand basted my sleeves as well. I didn’t, but I won’t show close-ups of them either.1940 style dresses can be very tight and form-fitting, even the sleeves.  There are a few darts on the sleeve to give it shape, and the sleeves are tight on my arms. The dress fits me well, but I think I’m used to dresses that have a little more ease.I was photographing all over the yard in different light. High contrast gives an idea of the pleats on the dress.Here is a close up of that fiddley part. This close it doesn’t look perfect, but no perfection when sewing a rayon dress! I’ll leave that for my tiny patchwork.  I didn’t notice how off kilter this is until I enlarged the picture. So no one else will notice either. This is simply proof that I am human and not a machine.Flattering light!Too bright, but you can see the whole dress from the front.And from the back.I’m happy with the dress.  This was a project that demanded slowing down.  I have had occasion to wear this and I like it very much.  I won’t be making it again, although I’m sure I will be making other clothes with just as much detail.

Now I need some more skirts and a shirt or two for spring.