Edelweiss Patterns The 1940s Sweetheart Neck Dress – Hollywood Pattern 1059 Pattern Review
There’s just nothing like 1940s dress styles! Despite the fact that all fabrics were rationed during WWII, the fashion designers of the decade created styles which were so detailed with shirring, gathers, pleats, and wide waistbands, that you almost wouldn’t know they were had to scrimp on materials!
And of all the 1940s pattern companies, by far my favorite is Hollywood Patterns (you can read a history of the company here). Featuring film stars on their pattern covers, (including Lucille Ball, Olivia De Havilland, & Ginger Rogers), these dress patterns were far and above their “peers” such as Simplicity, Advance, and Vogue. The incredible detail that went into each dress was simply inspiring, and the pattern covers alone are collectible nowadays. The truth is, I never met a Hollywood Pattern I didn’t like! You can find them on Ebay and Etsy quite regularly, and you can also see some of my favorites on this Pinterest board which is devoted just to designs from this vintage pattern brand.
This dress I recently sewed was made from Hollywood Pattern #1059, which features a sweetheart neckline, ruching at the bust, and a wide cummerbund waistband that ends in a deep “v” at the top and bottom.
The moderately full skirt is pleated, the sleeves are short and puffed (though the pattern has the option for straight sleeves, as well), and there are ties in back at the waistline. I think the overall silhouette is quite classic!
The cutest detail in the whole pattern is the bow trim on the bodice, I think! I chose chocolate brown ribbon to contrast with the burgundy crepe/faille fabric.
I love the pattern so much that I think I’ll have to whip up a few more dresses from the same design! Right now all my sewing time is going into finishing my upcoming pattern for “Liesl’s Edelweiss Dress”, but once that project is done I would love to create several more from this pattern. This is one of those dress styles where you think, “I’ll take one in every color, please!” 🙂
Oh, and the hat! This is a vintage hat which I purchased while in London last fall on my historical costume trip. How neat to have something that was once worn in London during the 1940s – I wonder who wore it and what occasions she used it for?
So that’s my latest vintage creation! This pattern was wonderful to work with, and really very straightforward. It is quite fitted in the bodice, so it might be a good idea to cut it out a size larger if you want a bit more room. I think that Hollywood Pattern #1059 is not at all rare (there are several listed for sale on Ebay and Etsy at the moment), so it should be fairly easy to find.
I hope you all have a wonderful week!
Happy sewing!
Katrina
Such a darling ensemble and a look you pull off so well! While I love your dress and hat, I couldn’t help but notice your shoes. (I’m rather obsessed with vintage shoes…) Are your vintage?
Thank you, Cheri! Actually I found these shoes at the Naturalizer store, but I thought they looked totally 1940s so I snatched a pair right up. I love how some stores are doing vintage inspired products nowadays!
Hello, Laura! You are so sweet, and you’ve certainly been an inspiration to me with your own 1940s photo shoots.
Very pretty! I especially like the chocolate brown ribbon bows. Looks like a Valentine’s Day dress. 🙂
Love it!! And I just adore your make-up! 😀 Could you tell me what brand you use?
Thank you, Petra! Oh, I LOVE vintage makeup styes. 🙂 I use Mary Kay (always have), as they have the best cream to powder foundation and some wonderful red lipsticks. I know some people say that all makeups we use should be 100% natural ingredients, but honestly the natural makeups I’ve tried are nowhere near the quality of MK. Hope this helps!
P.S. – So I went ahead and created a Pinterest board that shows some of my favorite products and which shades I use. Hope this helps! http://www.pinterest.com/edelweissdress/the-makeup-i-use/
[…] are many more pictures and a full pattern review on my blog, for those who wish to read […]
Thank you! I love MK!! I wasn’t surprised when you told me it was. 😀 😉 I recently ran out of it and have been using cheap make up. It’s not that awesome…but.. I suppose it is better than nothing. 😀 😉 Thank you for telling me. I just love your blog, and all your pinterest pins. 😉
Thanks!
I’m so glad you liked it, Petra! Yes, MK really is the best quality stuff. I had thought of doing a Pinterest board about the products I use for awhile, so I’m glad you metioned it!
Ella ~ thank you! That’s a good idea – I really *should* make a full length gown version! Right now all my extra sewing time is going towards finishing up my next pattern, but as soon as that is done I will hopefully have some free time to sew more fun things like this.
I just love those sleeves. This looks like the kind of classic dress every little girl dreams of wearing. Now you need to make it in a gown.
Great work! I love the bows too. 🙂
Lovely fit – especially around your rib & waist area. It looks almost like a corset. I have a similar pattern I’m dying to make up now!
So pretty! As always, you have made a beautiful dress, and look so gorgeous in it. I know it’s a small detail, but I love the way the little brown satin bows look exactly like your pretty shiny curls. Was that intentional? Nice touch. Looking forward to your next creation.
@ WendyBee ~ Thank you! No, I hadn’t even thought of the bows matching my hair. You’re very observant! 🙂 I just happened to have some brown satin ribbon in my sewing desk drawer, and when I was looking for the right color that one just jumped out at me.
Thank you for the comment!
Katrina
I know this dress was from a while ago, but I was wondering if you remember if you made any modifications to the pattern for fit etc. I am going to be making this dress with a friend and I want to have some idea what we are going to want to adjust. I have not yet had a chance to work with this pattern.
Thanks!
Sarah
Hi Sarah! I remember that I needed to take in the shoulder seams so the neckline wasn’t too low. Happy sewing! Katrina