Vintage Style 1944 & A Sundress in September
September 4, 2016
Back in March, I went and got all deep(ish) and reflective about my pattern collection and the amount of sundress patterns within it. And then winter came and I just went and bought a few more because OF COURSE it makes perfect sense to buy sundress patterns in the middle of winter. Style 1944 was one of those. She drew me in like a mysterious magnet but it was really that cute front tie that got me.
Published in 1977, the envelope describes it as a ‘high-waisted dress, fastened at the back with zipper, has softly gathered skirt and deep “V” shaped neckline with bodice tied in front.’ I went with View 2, cut with an extended shoulder line, and included the hem ruffle that features on Views 1 and 3 because…well rrrrruffffffle.
The fabric is our 100% rayon Navy Alkire and, like this dress, is pure dreamy in the ‘feels’ department. Floaty, feathery and light, it feels pretty damn close to being naked whilst still being fully clothed. No, seriously. This stuff is PERFECT summer frock fabric.
I’ve banged on (and on and on) about my love for Style patterns before and this one’s absolutely no different. Size wise, the fit was spot on though there is a little pulling across the front of my shoulders. The bodice is fully lined and I went with an invisible zip through the back.
I’d originally thought I’d wear this without a bra but *insert perky and wishful thinking*. For me, Style 1944 is most definitely a ‘wear with the right bra’ kinda dress and, like Goldilocks trying out all them bear things, I eventually found one that was juuuuuust right. There’s also a little open peek-a-boo panel that sits just beneath the front tie. That gives a bit more allowance for tightening which definitely helps for extra support and the design hits just the right spot in my personal comfort zone pour la décolletage. Ooh la la.
I’m really, really happy with this dress. It feels like a different style for me and it’s always a nice change to move a little (or a lot) outside your wardrobe comfort zone. It’s crazy comfortable and I know it’ll be a hot day winner.
And so, after the dress success that was this little number I got to thinking about spring sewing and ALL my sundress patterns and decided to put forward a little challenge for the month of September. If you want to join in, all you need to do is sew a sundress and document your project along the way. There are no conditions, no prizes and certainly no pressure.
OMG! I still have that pattern from back in the day. I made several versions of the style and loved it! Checking my pattern collection now…
Hope you found it Erica!
Oh I wish you would draft and sell something similar!! I love that skirt ?
Thanks Deb. Never say never, but no immediate plans at this stage…
Beautiful! I'd love to sew a sundress in Sept – even tho It'll be fall I can remember the warm times — and perhaps prepare for a warm winter getaway 🙂
Thanks LLBB. I made my last sundress in autumn and still got a bit of wear out if it.
If you were to think of making it as research, and draft a new pattern similar I know for sure I would be super excited to make one myself. It's super cute!!
Filing it away as a 'maybe' Joyce 🙂
This is such a lovely summer sundress! Yet another rad make 😀 I am so in for Sundress in September – the hardest part is picking which one I'll make…
Thanks Amanda. Look forward to seeing yours!
This is really gorgeous. My favourite fabric with my favourite pattern company. I love sundresses so hopefully I'll get time to make one too.
Thanks and yep, Style are/were awesome..
Very cute and flattering! Love the sneakers with it 😉
Thanks Michelle.
What a beautiful dress! The fabric is beautiful and fits the style perfectly 🙂
I love the idea of sewing a sundress in September. In Darwin the hottest, muggiest yukkiest time of the year is October and November. I'm sewing heaps of cool breezy clothes in preparation for the next few months.
I am sure I can shop my stash, find the perfect pattern and the perfect fabric, and then also find room the resulting sundress in my wardrobe.
*goes off to pet her fabric stash*
Seek and ye shall always find in the stash, I'm sure…
I love this! Yes, Style was my favorite pattern company too. It is so hard to search for those patterns online. Style is a horrible company name for searching on Etsy or eBay, it rarely pulls what you're looking for.
I know what you're saying! Fortunately, I have pattern searching patience which leads me to discovering all sorts of gems 🙂
Super dress, I love the tie bust and now on a mission to find a pattern with one. It looks amazing on and the floaty fabric works perfectly
Hi Lisa. PERFECT summer frock! I have this pattern and it's great to see it made up as a preview. Just wondering – did you extend the shoulders of view 2 and with adding the ruffle, did you make the dress any longer? Fiona
Thanks so much Fiona. No alterations were made and I left the length as per pattern as I wanted it to sit at a more maxi style. The only major change I made was to cut the ruffle in two pieces rather than the recommended three. Enjoy your frock – it's a pattern winner!