HSF challenge War & Peace

For this challenge I made a blouse from a dress pattern from 1945.



I only had 1/2 yard of each of my fabrics; a mid weight purple shot cotton and a black airplane print canvas, so making a full dress was out.



Since the challenge dealt with war and the scarcities caused by it I decided that I could make do and only sew a half dress. I pieced the top using the plane print on the shoulders and for making an inset belt, the main sections are in the purple. I love the vintage airplanes on the canvas, they are very stream lined and sleek. They reminded me of the 1940s as soon as I saw them.





I shortened the skirt pieces significantly to make it blouse length, and overlapped them at the center front. This was a quick alteration as the pattern is slightly too large for me. It's length means that can be worn tucked in or untucked.



I used a scrap of black cotton for the neck tie and facing, and scraps of muslin to encase the interior seams. It was a quick project, and it turned out quite well. I plan on making the full dress version soon, though I might reduce the gathering at the bust and some of the blousing at the back.

The Challenge: War & Peace

Fabric: 1/2 yard shot cotton in purple ans 1/2 yard of airplane print canvas.

Pattern: Advance 4199

Year: 1945

Notions: Three hooks

How historically accurate is it? 75%, the pattern is from 1945, it is largely handsewn and the make do-ness of it are accurate.

Hours to complete: Four

First worn: For pictures today

Total cost: Free, all items are from stash!