PROJECT SPACE: 1940s Tea Dress

It’s a new year and I felt like treating myself to a new dress! I had a gorgeous navy synthetic fabric, gifted to me by my mum from her fabric stash, and knew it would make a lovely Tea Dress.

Instead of choosing an original vintage pattern, on this occasion I decided to go for the 1940s Tea Dress pattern by Sew Over It, having read a great review of the company in William Gee’s Best Independent Sewing Pattern Companies.

What materials do you need?

Gutermann Threads
14″ Invisible Zip
Fabric Scissors
Basting Thread for tailor tacks
Seam Ripper
Tape Measure
Pins
The pattern also required self covered buttons but I recycled buttons from an old dress (in the spirit of Make Do & Mend!)

Instructions

I have to say, with such clear instructions this dress was a dream to make. The notches are essential in this pattern, particularly with four back bodice panels which would otherwise be difficult to tell apart. Also, as I have a short body and small back, as with most patterns I had to shorten the bodice a little, and take excess fabric from the centre back for a snug fit. But apart from these minor adjustments, making the dress was a straightforward process.

I also loved the feature on the arms, with a deep facing to allow for the sleeve to be worn rolled up, without the wrong side of the fabric showing. It gives a lovely, casual feel to the dress that I like!

As always with the invisible zip, I had to take care to insert it so the neck edges were level.

On finishing the dress, I decided it would be nice to add ties at the waist, to cinch it further. This was easy to do and meant the finished dress really shows off the curves!

I was so pleased with the finished dress, my first 40s Tea Dress! I wore it with my hair in victory rolls, a bright red lipstick and a lovely flower brooch that finished the dress off nicely!

I’d love to see how you made yours? What fabrics would you use for a vintage tea dress?