Vintage Pattern, Vintage Fabric, Vintage Dress! 1950s Dress (COMPILATION)

Making a 1950s dress using a vintage pattern and some vintage fabric. This is a compilation of 2 of my previous videos to make them available in one convenient place.
The in-depth sleeve tutorial I made using this dress: • How to Sew in Sleeves ...
For more information about the supplies I used in this video see below:
Please be aware that these may be affiliate links.
My sewing machine: www.bernina.com/en-GB/Machine...
The fabric: From H&F Haberdashery and Fabric, Brighton haberdasheryandfabric.co.uk/
The sewing pattern: Simplicity 3274 - vintagepatterns.fandom.com/wi...
Pattern available to buy on Etsy: - AD tidd.ly/18ff324b
Traditional Interfacing: - AD tidd.ly/35e82bb6
Angled Scissors:www.williamgee.co.uk/shop/fis...
Curved ruler aka Patternmaster: www.morplan.com/gb_en/41541
Claire B. Schaeffer's 'Couture Sewing Techniques' available at Waterstone's: - AD tidd.ly/2T9ELhp
☕If you enjoyed this video or found it helpful, please consider buying my a cup of coffee. This helps me to buy fabric and notions so that I can make more sewing videos for you! All contributions greatly appreciated: ko-fi.com/retroclaude
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[@sewwithmsjones1196]

Thank you for posting this compilation. I'm doing my best to help you out by rewatching your videos, liking, and commenting. I am hoping for your improved health soon.

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you for your support 😊

[@KatiJaha]

I love this format of turning videos of past creations into a compilation. I subscribed to your channel last year and didn't get to these videos yet. (I'm usually a silent lurker and don't comment on videos but I understand the algorithm likes interaction...)

[@RetroClaude]

Thanks for your support and for joining us all here!

[@londongael414]

A comment for the algorithm, as I can't sew on a button. I did enjoy this video as a demonstration of how much skill, thought and organisation goes into making a dress - I am in awe!

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you for your support! ☺️

[@StephBer1]

This is such a wonderful demonstration of why women in the past had fewer clothes, but they lasted. The finishes were superb, the fabric gorgeous, and the garments made with care and wearability in mind. Bravo Claude. I love you repeating your old videos. I've only been following for 6 months so I haven't seen these. I hope you feel a bit better soon. I understand how difficult your condition is. I have Fibro and EDS. Some days you just want to scream, other days you feel accomplished for making a sandwich. Please take care and know that there is a whole slew of people out here who care for you.

[@cassmacdonald-perfectlyimp2486]

Hear hear! I had chronic conditions and hidden disabilities before I had covid and now I’ve got a whole host of other ones. I’ve got similar hobbies to Claude (though I’ve never managed to learn to crochet), so she’s a massive inspiration to me

[@sonipitts]

I must have missed this series the first time around. Thanks for the compilation!

[@RetroClaude]

It was one of my very early videos so I'm not surprised! I hope you enjoyed it ☺️

[@DAYBROK3]

one of the nice things about hand sewing is you can be sitting comfortably to do it

[@cherylrosbak4092]

And listening to more interesting things than the clatter of a machine

[@chrissy24-7]

I really prefer hand sewing, I find it relaxing. But machine is so much more resilient for hard wearing seams

[@GiselleBel]

Oh yes! Isn't that so true. Comfy on the sofa. Handsewing has even grown on me. The right kind of needle helps a lot too, I think I didn't pay enough attention to that in the past.

[@dianavoermans]

Somehow I missed the making of this lovely dress. It reminds me of the dresses my mother used to wear when I was a little girl. ❤

[@susanpilling8849]

I always feel that the dresses my Mum made for me and her during thr 50's and 60's were a lot more complicated than modern ones. So much better and longer lasting. Lovely techniques and finishing Claude. I hope you'll enjoy wearing it again this coming summer. I also hope the physio is going well. 😊

[@janisi9262]

I know what you mean - all the finishing steps are fiddly and sometimes you just want to be DONE with it already, but they really do make a difference in the finished garment's longevity. So I do them anyway.

[@daxxydog5777]

Well, back then, people expected their clothing to last through at least a couple of people’s use, particularly with kids. Now clothing is just thrown away after a few wearings.

[@christenagervais7303]

What a great tip, using the tracing wheel without tracing paper! I never would have thought of that! ❤

[@adamnbee]

Love the compilation idea! Long time lurker of your chanal but only a wannabe-sewist, i was wondering if a type of sewers-vocab lesson video would be possible? I find that there's a very steep learning curve with all the terms and specific techniques in sewing lol, so a brief overview would be very helpful!

[@RetroClaude]

That's a brilliant idea! Thanks so much for the suggestions 😁

[@dees3179]

Seconded. Along similar lines, an equivalent video on equipment would be helpful. Sleeve pressing boards, bias binding, etc. sometimes it’s easier to see it.

[@nixhixx]

Oh, thanks for that tip with the tracing wheel and thick cardboard, had never heard that one!

[@dees3179]

Me neither. I wonder if I have one lurking about somewhere. It’s the sort of thing I’ve probably inherited and forgotten about because I didn’t know what to do with it.

[@lynn858]

My experience was they were useless. Then I learned about transfer paper, and happened to come across some super cheap at a thrift shop so I got it - as it can also be used for embroidery or whatever. But putting cardboard under... you can actually see the little wheel indents?! Ohhhhh....

[@Fiakajsa]

That’s something I will keep in mind! So clever and I have the wheel thingy in my drawer, of course inherited from a Grandmother❤

[@beth12svist]

Well, good thing you made this compilation because apparently I watched the original videos in the midst of lockdown madness and completely missed the fact your fabric was Czech(oslovak)! Greetings from Czechia. 😁

[@nicoleandtime]

Same. I also missed a bunch in the existential daze of pandemic

[@RetroClaude]

Oh yay!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it the second time around 😁

[@beth12svist]

@@RetroClaude I really did get a much better idea of what you were doing the second time round! Like I had also completely missed how cleverly you had added the pockets even without a seam to insert them into, which may be relevant to future projects for me. Daze sounds about right.

[@christenagervais7303]

There's just something so cute about a '50's polka dot dress! Beautifully done, Claude😊

[@michellebyrom6551]

I appreciate the way you incorporate afvanced techniques. These go beyond the quick and easy focus of some useful channels. These explain the whys and hows that make the techniques worth incorporating to avoid the obvious home made look.

[@sarahcaban5176]

I don’t sew, but your voice is sew soothing I had this playing while knitting. Aesthetic vibes for eyes and ears.

[@Caguilar1988]

I’m excited to see your older videos pop up on my homepage! I know they are older but I still get just as excited (plus I haven’t seen most of these in ages)

[@vickie_crafts]

Thank you for the fantastic tip about sewing on poppers alternately and rotating them.

[@bekytg9393]

Oh my goodness, the dress is beautiful, so much work and detail. Where the pockets are, reminds me of late Victorian skirt pocket placements. love it.

[@RetroClaude]

That's very true! It wasn't a mistake it was a historical detail! 😅

[@thelexiphanic]

I think this (first part) was the video that taught me how to make tailor's tacks. it's a treat to see it again!

[@jirup]

I have photos of my mum wearing dresses very similar to this one. She was born in 1936, so very much a 50s teen. Lovely dress, Claude.

[@lucindasutherland1073]

I really like having the whole dress video in one place. Thanks.

[@RetroClaude]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@cadileigh9948]

I presume you recorded most of the work back in covid's first waves , hence Duck cam, Nice to see a real expert shareing her skill with those of us who took GCE Needlework a million years ago and are rusty. Lots of fast videos availible but your presentation knocks spots off them.

[@RetroClaude]

Yes this is a compilation of an old project that I split into parts. I'm so glad you enjoyed the slower pace! I find it allows more time for the details 😁

[@cherylrosbak4092]

It looks fantastic. That tip about marking with the tracing wheel and cardboard will come in handy. You put so much care into demonstrating techniques clearly. I deeply appreciate it.

[@VelmaAmstutz-ud3pc]

I love these home sewn clothes they last longer than the clothes you buy now

[@laurienorton7422]

First time I've heard of threading the bobbin thread through the casing like that to create additional tension.

[@sublimnalphish7232]

I love the blue buckle and buttons . The brown/tan would have looked nice but the blue gives that pop of vibrants to the look. I love it. Nice fit too

[@marymcrae3773]

Really enjoyed this! Not a sewing, I just listen as I enjoy watching people demonstrate expertise - best wishes for success with your new efforts

[@Sew_Learning]

You look gorgeous! A lot of work with fantastic results! Like many of your KZbin fam, I’m rewatching, liking and commenting on your new posts. Take care. Wishing you a speedy recovery to pain-free days. Sending best wishes and healing vibes from Down Under 💖🌼🌺🌻💐🇦🇺😎

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you so much 😊

[@linr8260]

Oh, this technique of putting a pin through two marks to match them precisely before securing everything with another pin is so good 👀 Thank you!

[@RetroClaude]

So glad you found it useful!

[@jackiejames4551]

This was such a lovely dress to watch being made. You looked beautiful in it. The music, however, was very irritating, I could have done without it. ❤

[@jeansando6849]

Oh, I missed this one when it first came out! Glad you’re re-releasing these!

[@haakdraakje]

I never realised what a tremendous amount of work goes into a sewing a vintage dress.

[@haakdraakje]

Love your suggestions on sewing on snappers.

[@martyquinn_6784]

I'm almost finish with my first 1950s dress and I watched your old two video during my research. Thank to make them available in just one place😊

[@RetroClaude]

Thanks for watching again!

[@chrissy24-7]

Seeing you in the final dress reminds me, in the best way, of my Grandmother who was a seamstress in Brooklyn. It's a beautiful piece ❤

[@lucindasutherland1073]

It's a great dress. Thanks for taking us along as you sewed it. I love the buckle, and it looked great with the fabric, but then I thought - "oh, yeah, we're NOT talking about MY figure wearing that belt, we're talking about Claud and she doesn't have acres of space between her ribs and hips, a thinner belt and smaller buckle would suit Claud better." Then I hoped that your poll had chosen a smaller buckle. I'm sorry that didn't work out. But, I also have a skirt (possibly two) where my ideas about pockets defied reality and I never wear, or show, them to anyone. Awful when something we really want makes clothing so much more difficult to make. I guess I need to watch more of these sewing videos to prepare me to install pockets correctly.

[@RetroClaude]

Yes this project was made before my realisation that narrower belts/waistbands work best for me. This dress hasn't been my most successful project but I was very proud of the videos!

[@amberbartelmey9623]

I’ve owned one of those rolly things with teeth for decades and never knew what that would be used for…and you explained it and showed it so well! Thank you!

[@KenZchameleon]

Hi Claude! I hope you're feeling better! I'm really glad you made this compilation. I missed this project the first time around.

[@courtneyx9845]

This is so beautiful. I can't believe you found fabric from Czechoslovakia too.

[@colleenwnek3404]

I crochet and knit and my mom does, too. But she also sews and I've always wanted to sew. She said the next time I visit, she's going to get me started in sewing. I'm so excited! I watch your sewing videos to appreciate the right way to do things. We'll see how far I get.

[@pippaseaspirit4415]

That really is quintessential 50s!

[@BYBabbra]

What a fantastic dress, seeing the whole process was great. The collar turned out really lovely, I actually think it is the best part.

[@shilittletsure]

Those pockets ended up hilariously far back. Sewing does surprises like that :D The dress looks amazing!

[@RetroClaude]

I know 😂 it makes it a bit awkward if I'm out in public and have to start rooting around in there 😅

[@TheSchkings]

The finished dress looks beautiful on you, and it doesn't hurt that I love polka dots! I really appreciate the compilation and being able to hear you talk through the sewing of the whole dress! Thank you, Claude! Take good care XOXO

[@blufaerie]

I love that you used the tracing wheel on that dart. So clever.

[@Westibule]

I think the hand-sewing elements make this more authentically 1950s 😊 great work!

[@fernshepherd3416]

Re-watching this as a compilation :) I still love that fabric so much!

[@margaretcollins463]

Beautiful looks lovely on you I'm very fond of polka dots. 😊

[@fooledtook]

Your voice is so soothing! I'm watching this as I knit some colourwork socks and it's an excellent video to have in the background. I'm not likely to sew a dress anytime soon, but commenting for the algorithm. :)

[@RetroClaude]

Awww thank you. Being a compilation of two of my earlier videos I can still hear my nerves and inexperience so it's really nice to hear you enjoyed it ☺️💜

[@annecain3301]

Your dress reminds me so much of my eldest sister and cousins dresses. They wore layered waist petticoats, so the dress skirt 'floated' for want of a better word, as they walked. I absolutely adored their 'sticky out' dresses which we youngsters used to call them. We did have our Sunday Best dresses and wore tulle waist petticoats but being rigid they did not have the same appeal.

[@SarianneMarttio]

The dress ended up coming together so beautifully! I love that we get to see your earlier works in longer format.

[@katherinemckay1036]

You’ve been my gateway into vintage fashion and I love your content. I look forward to anything you put out!

[@sheri-rk1po]

So many useful tips! Thank you! I love sitting outside and doing needlework, too. It's so peaceful and you have a beautiful garden.

[@crooked-leg-rabbit]

Oh, alternating the direction of the snaps is genius. Thanks!

[@rowan2222]

My mom taught me to sew but never really taught me an east way to mark the points when sewing it together and i LOVE the way you did and showed it, definitely will be using the pinning method you show in the future. I listen to videos a lot while working so i love longer videos and compilations 💖

[@emmaRBC]

My 80s sewing machine does manual buttonholes and they make me nervous every time! Clear presser foot comes in handy but I still panic the entire time 😆

[@LatelyFashionable]

Great tip about fray-checking the buttonholes before cutting them open! I'm definitely going to use that one. I'm glad the blue belt buckle won. I think it goes really nicely with the buttons, and echoes the polka dot print of the fabric. It makes for a very cohesive look overall.

[@l.baughman1445]

PS. You look lovely!! Glad you compiled and Re uploaded.

[@sarahrudd4995]

Love this compilation. I still adore the finished dress and find tips from looking at what you did. I hope one day my sewing gets as good as yours x

[@mercywilliams4204]

I'm not a sewer, I subscribed for your knitting content, but I really enjoyed sitting down to knit and just enjoying the relaxing but focused ambiance of your voice and your videos. Also, the finished dress was stunning!

[@tetchedistress]

Excellent and beautiful work.

[@patricianaezer1077]

I learn so much from watching your sewing videos! Private tutor :)

[@moonbasket]

This is such a lovely dress! I really like the polka dots.

[@nannasallynelson3990]

wonderful compilation. I do like revisiting previous videos, and here you have done the work of searching out all the relevant clips and putting them together. Thanks

[@lisaku6886]

I only started sewing in 2022 and watching your videos really improved my work. Implementing your accurate practices (wich are the opposite of my personality I‘m not good at taking my time) always results in a prettyer neater garment at the end. Thanks for this Compilation and refresher :)

[@Setonixx133]

Great video Claude! I learned to sew about 15 years ago but haven’t sewed clothes in at least 10 years and had forgotten some of these techniques. I’ve just started again and am sewing a collared, button up shirt…and was having conniptions about darts and edge finishing 😂

[@sharonrimsza7960]

Very nice. And you can never beat French seams and a great herringbone stitch. A job well done.

[@mangographics225]

Love the way you are careful with the pattern pieces! Also the tack threads - reminds me of my Aunt!! ❣️❣️

[@pakedermsfavs9080]

Great compilation Claude❤

[@AngelCCD]

Thank you for reminding me of techniques I've forgotten and taught me a couple of new ones! Great job!

[@anyotherusername6448]

Thank you for the compilation! I hadn't seen this one, weirdly enough. I love how the dress turned out, the attention to detail in the finishing is something I aspire to!

[@cllovatt]

I quite like the "making a garment" all in one video! It would also be neat to see a breakdown of how long each step takes as like. A pie chart or something. If thats data you have or are interested in compiling.

[@armedvsokord]

A lovely dress a always

[@sewwithmsjones1196]

I have only ever used a tracing wheel with the paper and I hated the mess. I need to try it without paper to see how that works. OMG! When I was teaching middle schoolers, they would go back and forth with the tracing wheel until their patterns were utterly destroyed. I came up with a different way for them to mark. What a mess!

[@RetroClaude]

Oh yes the perforations can make the patterns fall apart and the transfer paper can be so waxy and sticky!

[@michellebyrom6551]

This is why I have never tried it. Tailors chalk or tailors tacks are easy to use and easy to remove. Even tailors tacks don't need to go through the pattern if a pin is used to mark the spot. The same technique Claude uses for pleats and darts.

[@micktheflowerchick4880]

Very cute! And great tips on the poppers, thanks! 😊

[@ceegee1070]

This was so educational, I learned so much. the dress is beautiful!

[@aprilbentley6843]

Sending happy algorithm vibes your way! Currently embarking on my own Stash Busting year, and your videos are my favourite thing to listen to while I'm knitting/crocheting ☺️ I hope you're well! ❤️

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you! Not doing too bad today ☺️ happy Stashbusting!

[@Emmibean77]

Beautiful dress and beautiful video! Your attention to detail and commitment to maintaining the integrity of both the pattern and the garment is wonderful. You give such clear and calm explanation of even the tricky/odd steps, which I very much appreciate as a beginner. Thank you for making the compilation. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting this project with you!

[@barbaraleaweaver-mercado1820]

Good to see sewing onthis channel again. Better to see you doing it.

[@roxannlegg750]

I adore retro shirt dresses! I was surprised to see a video of yours this morning - I do hope youre doing as well as you can. BUT - OMGosh, you have no idea how lucky you are to have a standard body that commercial patterns are alll but designed to fit. I can only use a pattern as a guide, then slash and spread. Im 19' nape to waist, nearly 6' tall, big busted for my body size and even plus size patterns are woefully lacking. SO ironicallly its cathartic to see a pattern work so well. So cute and pretty dress

[@RetroClaude]

I'm very grateful that my sewing process can be as easy and straightforward as this! It certainly makes things less energy intensive to just cut the pattern as is!

[@heatherh9859]

love the fabric!

[@cryptic_spren]

Thank you for the compilation! I hope you are doing okay, remember not to over-do it

[@rickimathias853]

Lovely sew a long. Thinking of you on your health journey and wishing you the best. Ricki from Canada.

[@zanili]

I love seeing all the details for the finishing, i think i'll try a few of those techniques on my next project!

[@mandelade]

the playlist you made really work for me. kind of having them on in the background 🤭

[@fraeuleinpusteplume2730]

I loved it, when you used the leftover polkadot fabric for tap pants a while back (I am super into make do and mend and zero waste)

[@elizabethamis9376]

Such a beautiful dress. Thank you for sharing. ❤👍from Somerset

[@roadrunnercrazy]

This dress turned out so nicely! The compilation was a great idea. I'm glad you posted it.

[@cecile3414]

Beautiful dress, and I love the fabric!

[@lauraberkholtz7959]

Love the polka dots!

[@l.baughman1445]

I love this dress and how it looks!

[@sheilawaterman9196]

I loved your videos. More compilations please!

[@RetroClaude]

More to come I promise!

[@crystilmurch5659]

Very much enjoyed not having to search for the next video. :)

[@farangarris2598]

Love the dress. Great job.😊

[@Bag_o_Rats]

Love this compilation. Old or new, if I see a Claude video in my subs, it's an instant watch!! Your videos are such a comfort! 🥰

[@cassmacdonald-perfectlyimp2486]

Loving watching your videos and am mega impressed with not only your mad sewing skills but also the fact you do all this, make videos with the challenges you’ve currently got with your chronic conditions. It’s truly inspirational, especially as I’ve also got similar conditions (and hobbies lol)

[@lakotaharrison7883]

Beautiful work! I actually really like these compilations, it's great to be reminded of these older videos I might not have gotten around to watching yet or may have forgotten, and it's nice to be able to leave on a long video of yours while I'm working on my own crafting and don't want to do a lot of clicking around to find the next part in a series. Hope you're well 💖

[@aprilwyckoff7977]

such a stunning dress!

[@Zethek]

A compilation!! Thanks for making this, it's great to see the whole project in one video :)

[@loispatrick2594]

I love your dress! The commentary was great too 😀 another way of finishing those bodice seam edges after the fact is to sew ribbon organza over them. I haven't had a chance to try this yet, but saw it on another KZbin video. Something else I saw recently on another video, was to treat the tab opening at the front on the bottom where you had to put some gathers in, as if you are turning a square at the bottom. Ie think of finishing a quilt with bias binding at the corners and how the tape is sewed for a right angle...I hope this makes sense.

[@louonadventures4312]

I'm very impressed by your detailed work, my sewing process never looks like this! 😂 you're inspiring me to pay more attention to details 😊 Love your videos! ❤