I’m sure every modern seamstress has occasionally cut corners on a pattern or perhaps accidentally cut a piece out facing the wrong direction or lined up wrong with the grain. Usually we get away with it.
It turns out that if you cut that front skirt piece not quite on the straight grain because you didn’t have enough fabric and you were pretty sure nobody would be able to tell… and then someone finds your dress 70 years later… you can tell! At least, that’s my explanation for this lovely novelty print 1940s dress and its oddly stretched front skirt panel.
The dress is otherwise lovely and pristine, and I wanted to give it at least one wearing in its original form before I did anything rash.
At this point, I’m planning on taking the skirt off at the waist and transforming the fabric (properly following the grain lines!) into a peplum instead of a full-length skirt. Then I’ll be able to layer it over a solid-colored skirt (I’m thinking red or black) for length. I think it’ll look quite striking, and it would certainly be the “make do and mend” way of dealing with the problem!
Does anyone have any expert tips for my dress rescue project? Have you ever encountered another seamstress’ mistake or interesting save in a vintage garment?
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- 1950s black straw sunhat: Antiques shop somewhere in Massachusetts
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- Assorted plastic and Bakelite bangles: Thrifted
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- Red plastic and metal necklace: Antiques shop in Wisconsin
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- Homemade 1940s wheat novelty print dress: Hot Tramp! Vintage on Etsy
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- Strappy suede Nine West sandals: Savers