Monday, September 12, 2011

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!

15 comments:

  1. Beautiful! Such a lovely dress and I absolutely ADORE that jacket. Wow, you look so pretty in red.

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  2. This is a truly beautiful outfit, the colours, the shapes...all of it! And I do think the 40s jacket complements the 50s dress very well!

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  3. 1957 was a very good year, and I love your shoes!

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  4. Vogue Pattern magazine just had an article in their Editor's Choice section about how to make your gloves so they will work with touch devices. You use silver conductive thread. A couple of stitches in the touch area of the glove and it is supposed make it so you can wear your glove and still work your phone.

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  5. @K2 How Nifty!! thanks for the tip, I may just have to try that!

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  6. love it all! the outfit is perfect and I am dying to know where you got those cute red gloves? xo

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  7. This dress is absolutely darling, and so is your styling! I must admit, however, I am totally jealous that you picked up that fabric for $4 a metre! In Brisbane that is unheard of! x

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  8. @Andrea $6 on etsy! I was thrilled! I don't think that seller has anymore, but there's a tonne all over etsy in ever colour imaghinable. If I had my way I would have a matching pair for every outfit - join in the fun :)

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  9. An adorable dreaa, it looks great with that jacket and the gloves!

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  10. This is an absolutely wonderful outfit - so impressed that you made it all!

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  11. Very pretty outfit... I liked that.... You are looking very beautiful in nice dress...

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  12. Fantastic Outfit! What is the Du Barry jacket pattern number?!

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    1. Thanks dear! Its Du Barry #5894 from 1943 x

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    2. Thank you, kindly! Those sleeve darts at the elbow really make sense! Recently, I made a swing dress that had them- what an epiphany!

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