1957: My Fifties Fair Outfit

As promised, I have returned with some more detailed pictures and information about the outfit I made to wear to the Fifties Fair that is held at Rose Seidler House each year.

Its such a wonderful day, and it most certainly warrants a new outfit. Although mine strayed initially from what I had originally planned, I was more than happy with the outcome.

I used a polished stretch cotton that I found at the Remnants Warehouse for $4 dollars a metre. It was delightful soft and so so easy to work with. However, I wanted the bodice to be very fitted and structured, so to achieve that 50's "nipped" waist look I lined it in a thick red cotton drill, which more than does the job. I'm not going to lie, the waist is tight, but all in the name of fashion right?

I have made this dress a few times already (Here, Here, oh and Here too) before I begun blogging, So I know the pattern like the back of my hand. Its Retro Butterick B4792, with a basic boat neck bodice front. It's such a simple shape, so it's really easy to wear and manages to get me through all the seasons.

Instead of gathering the skirt onto the bodice as I have in the past, I used small pleats; the centre front pleat being inverted to "conveniently" hide my mismatched check.

I am very happy with the finish of this dress. I used all french seams and for the first time I used a sink stitch along the seam where the bodice and skirt meet. Its barely noticeable! and leaves the lining looking to clean and neat.

I also finished of my 1940's Du Barry jacket, that's been haunting my sewing corner for a few months now. I know it wasn't technically Fifties, but it suited the outfit well enough and was all I could manage at 11pm the night before the fair.

I had planned on lining the jacket, but instead I just bound the edges in red poly cotton binding. The whole time I was stitching on the binding I was telling myself that I WILL return to this jacket after the fair and line it properly, like a good girl. Sadly, I don't see that happening.

I love this Du Barry pattern. The shape of it is so simple, yet structured. I particularly love the three darts on each elbow - why don't we see this on modern garments? It also features a flaired peplum and three quarter sleeves with two pleats on each shoulder for a little extra oomph.

The one thing I am unhappy about (other than the fact that its unlined) is that I feel the bust darts are a fraction to high and I would make note to lower them should I decide to make this jacket again.

I also bought the little red gloves to go with outfit and am in LOVE with them. I feel so dainty and lady like when I am wearing them! its dreadfully fun. I have learned though, that they do not mesh well with modern life - my iPhone won't recognize my "touch" when wearing them and I'm for ever taking them off and putting them on again!

Stayed tuned my friends, as I have more creations to share with you very soon!