Two Retro 1950s Day Dresses!
Posted by Edelweiss Patterns on October 19, 2012
The Sense & Sensibility 1958 Party Dress Pattern Review
Hello, Ladies!
It is with much excitement that I’m sharing this pattern review of the new 1958 dress pattern that Sense & Sensibility Patterns has just released! Sense & Sensibility has a long history of producing excellent patterns, and whether you are a historical costume fan or a retro dress enthusiast, you are almost certainly well-acquainted with this company! Up till now their patterns have ranged from the 1780s all the way through the 1940s, but this latest pattern adds another fabulous decade of dresses to their collection.
My 1950s Betty Crocker cookbook seemed the perfect accessory. : )
I was most excited when Jennie Chancey (the owner/ designer at www.sensibility.com) and I discussed my modeling this new pattern, and for several months I stashed away fabric and planned exactly how the pictures would be taken. My planning was not in vain! From the moment I began cutting out the pattern, I could tell this was going to be a really amazing retro dress design. I’ve done my share of sewing with reproduction patterns, so I’m pretty used to having a Butterick 1950s pattern be four inches too wide in the waist! I simply assumed there would be the need for some alterations, since we rarely make our dresses as nicely fitted as they really wore them back in the 50s. But boy, was I wrong!
For the first time ever, I did not have to make one single alteration to get the bodice fitting properly! It fits so smoothly in the upper bodice area, is superbly shaped by vertical darts in front and back, and has such a cute, fitted look in the waist. I was quite astonished that not one single adjustment was necessary. The pattern is simple enough for a beginner to whip up, and is practically fool-proof with the meticulous instructions and flawless fit!
The kimono sleeves drape wonderfully even in a starched cotton, and they add that distinctive 1950s look to this versatile pattern. The bodice ends an inch or two higher than the waistline, where the full skirt camoflauges any “tummy” area for a very flattering fit.
Here's the original 1959 pattern that inspired this new design. I love the ruched waistband on the black version!
And speaking of “versatile”, I was amazed at how adaptable this dress is! While the basic bodice and skirt are simple and classy, you have such a variety of options at your fingertips. The first and most obvious addition is accessorizing with a belt as was so common in the 1950s. But wonderful alternatives are wearing a ribbon sash instead, or using the pattern’s instructions to create a ruched cumberband belt! This is the option I went with for the pink and white polka dotted dress, which I fondly refer to as my “cupcake dress”! You can also choose between a round neckline in back or a lower “v” neck that is suited to evening gowns (pictures coming soon!).
I’m not entirely sure why, but the pouffy skirt and girlish colors remind me of a giant cupcake, or else the perfect retro birthday party dress. : ) I think it’s a shame that only the little girls get to wear all the fun, pouffy dresses, but this pattern makes sure that grown women can wear a fun dress or two, as well!
The skirt gives you the option of gathers at the waist, as shown in the dress above, or pleats at the waist, as you’ll see in the photo below.
It’s a retro soda fountain shop! I thought this old fashioned soda fountain would be the perfect setting to have pictures taken of a 1950s dress. In fact, I have wanted to use this location for over a year, so I was very pleased to finally do so! Here we see the same pattern made up in blue and white gingham (the 1″ Caroline Gingahm by Robert Kaufman Fabrics), with the pleated skirt instead of a gathered skirt.
I trimmed the neckline and sleeves with red rickrack trim and added a matching ribbon at the waistline. The overall effect is either very “retro Americana”, or else a vintage picnic dress! I know that Lucille Ball wore gingham dresses in her on-screen kitchen all the time, so you really can’t go wrong if you choose gingham for a 1950s dress.
Sewing your own dress is certainly a good enough reason to deserve an ice cream sundae.
The skirt doesn’t look quite as pouffy with the pleats as it did with the gathers, but it gives you another excellent option and could even pass for early 1960s with this different silhouette.
Reading a 1953 Butterick Pattern book...
~ All in all, I cannot say enough good things about this pattern! The dresses came together without a glitch, and you can probably sew one up in a single evening. With this one pattern you can take the basic design and add a plethora of trims, ruffles, and flowers for a party dress, or keep it more simple for a “housedress” sort of look. Evening gowns are another viable option by simply lengthening the skirt and using the “v” neck in back, and you could even make a vintage wedding dress by using a lace overlay on the bodice and adding a layer or two of tulle over the skirt! No vintage pattern collector should be without this design, and even a novice seamstress will find this pattern to be absolutely indispensable. ~
So that’s what I’ve been sewing in my spare time, and I look forward to sharing more pictures from this pattern soon! Don’t forget to pop over to the new pattern page and take a look for yourself. : )
Happy sewing,
Katrina
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Sew Me Love said,
WOW I love this dress!!!!!! And I love gingham. I just made a Dorothy Wizard of Oz dress for Halloween with gingham and just blogged and said I wish I could wear gingham right now
one simple farmgirl said,
The dress is lovely. And of course you look adorable as always. Wish I could wear red lipstick like you do! I love S&S patterns too. Love knowing there is no alterations needed, that they fit a 2012 body. You fabric patterns is bang on too. Love the ‘cupcake’ theme. Not sure about how you did the ribbon on the back though. It seems to be separating at the zipper. I was thinking it needed some hook & eyes to close it up there. But I am just viewing a picture not seeing it in real life. It is probably fine.
WendyBee said,
You are so lovely. And your dresses suit you beautifully. Where ever did you find the kitchen for the photos? Don’t tell me it’s yours?
I love the gingham dress too. With the red accents, it reminds of Judy Garland’s sweet costume in the Wizard of Oz. (Not that her dress had red on it, but you know, the Ruby Slippers and all..) Have you tried that dress with Ruby Slippers, I mean, Red Shoes? Pictures? Maybe with a little picnic basket, bicycle and Toto? Hee Hee.
Edelweiss Patterns said,
Thank you, ladies! I had so much fun sewing these! Now to answer the questions:
~ In regards to the pink “belt” – Actually this sash/cumberband is supposed to be sewn directly onto the dress, though you could just tack it by hand for easy removal afterwards. If you look closely you will see that there is machine stitching going down the center front, side seams, and right next to the zipper. The “extra” fabric which doesn’t lay flat at the back of the dress is just the seam allowance so to speak, but this could be eliminated by tacking it down by hand rather than stitching by machine. I was kind of in a hurry (four dresses in a couple days doesn’t leave you with much time!)
~ WendyBee, no it’s not my kitchen. : ) If it was I would have painted all the walls pink! This is actually a kitchen in a WWI era museum, but I thought that the classy look could pass for “retro” just as easily as 19-teens! I did try the gingham dress with red high heels, but the ones I have were just too fancy to wear with a casual cotton print dress. But ruby slippers would be such a good idea! If I come across shoes like that I will have to get more pictures taken. : )
Thank you all for the comments!
Katrina
Bella said,
Lovely! The dress is so pretty & I love the settings. What a hostess.
Edelweiss Patterns said,
Thank you, Bella! I guess it really does look like a 1950s hostess dress, doesn’t it? : )
Sarah said,
These are the kind of dresses I want my closet filled with! ;-D
They are both so beautiful!
I think my favorite one is the second one!
I love the petticoat you used!
Where did you get it?
Or did you make it?
Edelweiss Patterns said,
Thank you, Sarah! I wish I had a whole closet of these, too! I made the petticoat myself out of stiff crinoline and lightweight lining. Back in the 1950s they didn’t actually use crinoline fabric for the “crinolines” or petticoats, but it takes so much less fabric than constructing an entire petticoat out of airy tulle! I made the petticoat according to the instructions I wrote for the “walkaway dress” crinoline, (http://www.edelweisspatterns.com/blog/?p=850) but I used about twice as much crinoline fabric for a much fuller silhouette. Do keep in mind that this fabric is very scratchy, so I highly recommend wearing a slip underneath it! Hope this helps. : ) ~ Katrina
LadyD said,
The blue one reminds me of the dress Danni Hama wore in strictly come dancing this week (link below)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/galleries/p0100bs4
the blue and red look great together.
Edelweiss Patterns said,
Oh! I can see what you mean, LadyD! Both dresses have a very similar feel. Thanks for the comment!
Ella said,
What beautiful dresses (as usual). I especially like how you trimmed the gingham with contrast trim.
One question, Do you wear these , and all the others, or do you dress regular and let these beauties gather dust?
Homemaker Hannah said,
I’m in love with the gingham! The sky blue and deep ruby red make such an amazing pairing! And the pleated skirt is my favorite! If I wasn’t expecting I’d be buying and making this dress right now! I love it! Well I guess this gives me awhile to wait for the perfect fabric to go on sale right!
Edelweiss Patterns said,
Thank you, Hannah! The gingham dress was Jennie Chancey’s idea, though I added the red trim myself because it just looked too plain otherwise. : ) I’m sure you will love working with this pattern as much as I did! I think it would work nicely for the first trimester of pregnancy since the waist seam hits so much higher than the actual waist, but obviously it wouldn’t work once you get to 8 months. : )
Ella, thank you! My wardrobe is basically a blend of “normal” clothes and vintage dresses. In the summer I almost always wear sundresses or 1950s dresses, but once the weather gets chilly my legs get too cold if I wear vintage dresses. I’m determined to change that this year though, by hopefully finding some thicker cotton tights which would allow me to wear circle skirts with blouses. Thanks for commenting!
Jen said,
Ooh it’s such a pretty pattern and right up my alley
I love it!
Edelweiss Patterns said,
I’m glad to hear that, Jen! This pattern is definitely one of my favorites. Happy sewing! ~ Katrina
Darlana said,
Hello!
I love pretty much all the dress you’ve made thus far and your so helpful about details and the tip tricks you shown! As I’m a beginner your blog is such an encouragement! I was wondering after you make the dresses do you sell them or keep them? If any are for sale let me know! Thank you!
Edelweiss Patterns said,
Thank you, Darlana! That’s good to hear! I’m glad the blog is helpful for you. : ) Up till now I haven’t sold any of my dresses since I can’t bear to part with them, but they don’t always get a lot of use. I wear the casual dresses quite often. Understandably, though, the evening gowns and Victorian costumes stay neatly tucked away in my closet. : ) Happy sewing! Katrina
A Tiffany Blue Silk Ballgown | Edelweiss Patterns Blog said,
[...] Last week I showed you a couple of “casual” dresses made from the new 1950s Party Dress Pattern by Sense & Sensibility Patterns. This week I want to show you how you can easily make a formal gown from this same pattern by simply lengthening the skirt to the floor! [...]
Kirstin said,
I want to thank you for inspiring me tonight out and use my sewing machines (and degree in theater costuming )to its fullest. The dresses are lovely your sets are great, and really, hats off to you!
Edelweiss Patterns said,
Well, thank you, Kirstin! I’m so glad you enjoyed the pictures, and I really appreciate the encouragement!
Thanks for the comment!
Katrina
Michaela said,
These dresses are simply charming! Thank you for telling us about them! If I may, where did you get the cute fabric for the “cupcake” dress? I adore both of them, but the pink one is my favorite!
P.S. Your blog is absolutely lovely and your patterns are gorgeous! I can’t wait to order my Liesl Dancing Dress pattern! I’m so excited to sew something from one of my favorite movies!
Edelweiss Patterns said,
Hi, Michaela! Thank you for the kind comment.
I actually bought the pink and white fabric as a “close-out” deal at my local fabric store! It seems that this print had been out of “circulation” for over a year, but it looked so perfect for the 1950s that I snatched up some yardage right away. The neat thing about it is that the polka dots have more character than the typical round circle. I really want to wear this dress soon, but right now it’s getting photographed on the other side of the country for an upcoming issue of a large sewing magazine. 
I’m so glad you like the patterns, and I hope seamstresses have as much fun sewing them as I do creating them. There’s nothing that can top The Sound of Music!
Happy sewing,
Katrina
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