The Sewing Room

View Original

Creating a Mini (Early) 1930's Capsule Wardrobe - Part 2

Jennifer Serr

This is the second installment of Creating a Mini (Early) 1930’s Capsule Wardrobe. What is a “Capsule” wardrobe? It’s a group of pieces that easily coordinate with each other. This dress along with the dress from my previous post use coordinating fabrics as well as accessories. Next in the series should be some interchangeable separates. I have a few other items in the queue so those pieces will have to wait a while.

In the meantime, this dress was a joy to put together and really quite easy. Nothing too fancy here, but I did use self binding to finish the neckline and sleeve openings, which were then finished by hand.

Like I said in my last post, this dress was made from a donated silk crepe de chine. The dot pattern is irregular and it looks to have been bought in the 1990’s. I think it has a 1930’s vibe though and that’s why I chose it for this dress.

The dress pattern was altered slightly. After measuring the pattern, I added to both the chest and waist at the side seams and made the same adjustment to the skirt pieces. Because of the angle that adjustment created, I had to do a little tweaking with the fit, after the skirt was sewn. For future reference, I would add to the skirt from the waist through the hem to maintain the shape. In any regard, it worked out well and I’m very happy with the results.

Also, because the fabric is a bit sheer, I needed a slip. A few NOS (New Old Stock) cold rayon peach colored slips came up in the Lacis Etsy shop and I bought one! It’s perfect. Apparently it’s from the 1950’s, but works perfectly with this dress as well as the lavender dress. It’s completely hand stitched and embroidered. They have a few left, so if you want one, head on over to this Link.

I had a little tilt hat in my box of millinery supplies. It was the perfect little hat for this outfit. I added a ribbon procured from Lacis during our Vintage Sewing Retreat and flower from my stash. Add a hat pin and voila! I had a hat.

The belt buckle was really an amazing find. I bought it a few years ago from The Re-Crafting Co. along with two other belt buckles of the same design but different colors - one peach, one green and one brown. I was digging through my bag of buckles and found this one matched perfectly. YES! It’s so great when you stash comes in handy.

This purse came together quite unexpectedly. I wanted a bag to go with my dress and could have used the vintage crochet bag that I already own. But where is the fun in that? While we were visiting Lacis, I was given a grab bag of fabrics and this velvet was tucked away in that bag. There was just enough and also just enough coordinating fabric for the lining. It’s not an exact match in color, but that’s ok. It’s kind of nice that it’s not too matchy matchy.

I love the curved seam on the skirt. It’s a pretty detail that gives flare without adding fullness to the waist. If curved seams intimidate you, I made a little video about sewing opposing curves. You can watch that here.

The collar and cuff were made using left over bits of silk satin organza from a vintage wedding gown. I only had JUST enough and had to remove some lace appliques to make it fit. It’s so funny how things can just work out perfectly when you need them to.

This last minute little bag was made using velveteen and satin from a grab bag. It was sewn almost entirely by hand. I had to baste the velvet, because, well VELVET - ugh. The only parts sewn by machine were the bag handle to the body, the side gusset seams and the buttonholes.

I didn’t make the pocket. It was so small. I think it was probably meant for a little mirror. The purse IS big enough for my phone keys and lipstick. That’s enough right? I think it’s very cute and will definitely use it when I’m wearing this dress or even the lavender one.

Here are the details:

Until Next Time, Happy Sewing!

xo Jennifer