Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Vintage Thirties Housedress: Hollywood 1333


I bought this pattern to fulfill my dream of sewing myself a floor-length beach frock for wearing to the lake (why are you looking at me funny?). My trial run was this cocoa-colored cotton housedress. I cannot resist brown combined with pink or red. And look, the pattern *calls* for rickrack trim, it wasn't my idea!


Isn't this a dignified dress? Note that it's a "princesse frock." I had forgotten how nice it is to put together a princess-seamed dress. Once you've made the (very long) bodice, you're done with things! No constructing a skirt and attaching it at the waist.


This is evidence that I'm on a rhinestone buckle roll. I just can't resist that little bit of jewelled glamour calling attention to the waist, breaking up that long expanse of calico. So long, it used twenty buttons. Fortunately the beach frock only buttons at the middle.


Hello, raspberry rickrack. I love you.

30 comments:

Darcy said...

Gorgeous! I think this is my favorite dress that you have made. Beautiful color, the rick rack trim and the belt - so pretty!

Sarah said...

This dress is beautiful, but the post itself is just as fun--that last line made me laugh! I'm hoping to learn to sew this winter, always regretting that I never bothered to learn from my mom when I lived at home!!

DonnaB said...

I love the retro styles you sew. This one is one of my all time favorites you've done. You seem to get so many projects accomplished. You inspired me to start taking sewing lessons!

Lauren Christine said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous! I love it! :) And I love the last line. Hilarious! Sounds like what goes on inside my head sometimes.

ChupieandJ'smama (Janeen) said...

Stunning! I wish I could wear this tomorrow. What a gorgeous dress.

Melissa said...

So lovely! Maybe we can see you in it sometime?

Many Blessings!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful dress. I wish I was capable of sewing clothes like this---OR---that I could find such things in the stores

Missy K said...

This truly makes me sigh with happiness!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful!

My favorite colors, too. I am in the middle of planning a wedding for my best friend and the colors are cherry red and delicious, deep brown. The sight of your new dress keeps the inspiration flowing.

Deb Meyers

Becky K. said...

Awesome, comfortable looking dress! Love that chocolate brown! I do believe bown is the new black.
You are, indeed, a very talented seamstress.

Becky K. said...

Yes, I was trying to say "brown".
Silly fingers...have a mind of their own.

Anonymous said...

This is just delightful. Mmm, like a chocolate brownie with raspberry sauce. I think I'm going to agree, this is my favorite one yet!

Anonymous said...

OH what a beautiful dress. I have to say this is something I'd LOVE to wear. Very pretty.

Anonymous said...

I'm not looking at you funny. I think the dress is beautiful. I love the espresso color with raspberry hints. :o)

Anonymous said...

Anna I just love it! It reminds me of a dress Lucille Ball wore in her I Love Lucy show when her and Ricki visited Hollywood. I would wear it too:-) And would you please share your secret of how you manage to homeschool and do all this sewing--inquiring minds want to know:-)

Elisabeth Black said...

THE DE LUXE 15 CENT PATTERN - love it.

Serena said...

Dignified and deliciously chocolate-y and raspberry-ish!

Anonymous said...

I love it!!
:)Kat

Rebecca said...

that is absolutely DARLING!!! i LOVE it!!!

Janel said...

Yummy Yummy Yummy!! That is just incredible! I absolutely adore it.

Great work!

Heather Anne said...

Please tell us where you found this wonderful rich fabric? I am in search of yard goods in rich hues of brown and raspberry for a friend and all I am finding are muddy browns and faded reds. My shoping energy is limited so I'd appreciate knowing if you recall ( or if you have a selvage edge with the info in your scrap pile)

Laura said...

That's really gorgeous fabric. All those buttons look great. Bravo!

Anonymous said...

Very nice! The dresses always look better than the pattern pic.

Anna said...

Thank you all so much for your sweet comments. Heather, I found the fabric at Hobby Lobby. I think it is a "Civil War reprint"--so much for being period-correct!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE this dress. One of my favorites so far.

Gina said...

I can't get the smile off my face! Between your gorgeous dress, adorable post and all the feminine comments, I feel like I just stopped in for a visit with a bunch of girlfriends.
Enjoy your new dress and I too would love to see it on you.

Promise Christian Academy said...

Hi,
I am Amelia and I found you site through my mothers blog, as I was reading your blog I was wondering if you make your dresses to sell or to wear?
Sillie Millie Mae

Proverbs3122 said...

I love it! I've been thinking about adding a quote spot on my blog, you know like the ones they have on myspace pages. I think I'll use your line, "Hello raspberry rickrack. I love you." That's too cute!

Anonymous said...

Hi Anna, I came to your blog from Little Jenny Wren. This dress is absolutely gorgeous as are all of your pictures. Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

This is BEAUTIFUL! And you're a brilliant photographer. I must admit I'm a more than a little intimidated by all of your skills, but inspired as well. :)

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