Any Road Will Get You There.

While looking through old photos this evening I discovered that I have not yet properly shared the photos of my 1943 outfit, constructed for the Midway Village World War II event this past September.

The dress is made from the above Simplicity pattern. I had the luck to pick this up earlier in the spring for only a few dollars. Very little alteration was needed from the patterns original sizing. Although future incarnations will likely have slightly larger, and more "dance-able" skirts. The entire outfit was constructed from stash material. The green & white are a linen-cotton blend that I collect for last minute clothing projects while the black rick-rack & cloth covered buttons were found my great-grandmother's vintage stash which I inherited last winter.

The dress is entirely constructed by machine, save attaching the buttons. I used a combination of sewing techniques from the Singer Illustrated Dressmaking Guide, copy-write 1941. This book is a great way to learn more traditional dress making techniques and maximize what can be done with just a straight & zig-zag stitch on your machine. All interior seams for the dress are overcast with a zig-zag stitch, the front buttonholes are functional as well as the "regulation placket" along the left side. I am especially pleased with the side placket, since I've never done one before this project. Typically if the front buttons, I will eliminate the placket out of laziness. This time I took the time to do it as historically as possible and get the perfect fit, which the placket emphasizes.

The matching bag was inspired by the second, unknown pattern. The design is just a double layered drawstring bag, the same design I use to make all my random pouches & gift bags. It was only natural that I also use it for this period outfit as well. The bag is constructed from dress scraps with a twisted cord, again from my great-grandmothers collection, as both the opener & shoulder strap. It is just big enough for all my important information including those much needed "papers"!

I accessorized with a while cotton snood; custom made by Arthelia's Attic on Etsy, vintage 1940's shoes; which hurt my feet but look too cute not to wear and the requisite white cardigan & bobby socks. The wonderful vintage suitcase was purchased at the event from one of the sutlers for a mere $15. It is now the home to all my 1940's clothing and accessories, with plenty of room for more!

For the photographs my trusty photographer A & I headed to our home town outside of Chicago. The intention was to take photos at the semi-vintage train depot in town. 35 degree weather, fog & sporadic rain derailed that plan, no pun intended. Instead we set up shop in front of my mother's vintage 1920's office building where I pretended to hail every car passing on the street.