The best dress I've ever made (probably) | Making a 1930s Vintage Dress Simplicity 8248

[@Betcaligarcia]

1930a was a perhaps the best decade for fashion so feminine , so lady like 👍🏽, such elegance

[@roxannlegg750]

People dont do enough 1930's patterns! Retro - BRING IT ON!!!!

[@timestreel4384]

I've also deliberated over this pattern because of suspicions that the Peter Pan collar would be too "cutesy". But you're right...the finished dress really comes together to make a more sophisticated look. Great job as always!

[@floatinglotuswomenswellness]

Just a hint on smooth finishing on the darts (for when you make it in your "real" fabric. When you are about 1/4" (2-3cm) from the point, reduce your stitch length to very small. The short stitching can again be tied off, and there's not a danger of it coming loose.

[@SoSewtoMaster]

I’m keen to try this trick. Thanks for sharing❤️

[@alexandraoli7335]

I also thread the needle with the remaining threads after sewing the dart and put it inside the dart starting very close to the end (a very thin needle is needed here) - then you can be absolutely sure the knots will never come loose ☺

[@Melmaz32]

@@alexandraoli7335 ~ yes - that is what I was going to say! My sewing instructor would have in High School would not let you finish with trimmed threads. Always tucked away. Handmade instead of homemade.

[@HGCUPCAKES]

Oh! Thank you guys for the tips! Greatly appreciated!

[@caitlinhogan5258]

Oooh I love the 30s! Even though they often have those “cutesy” elements there’s a lot of subtle things in the actual cuts of the dresses that make them really elegant that modern clothes in a similar style just don’t have imo. I think the juxtaposition of those two things makes the cutesy stuff look less kiddy, and more like something a bit bold or experimental while everything else is subtle and understated, at least to me. Your fabric choice is perfect as well.

[@ChloeLewis]

It's really inspiring to see the boxy Muppet-y first fit and the elegant effect when it fits properly! Eyeing my unfinished objects with new fortitude. Perhaps they too can be saved. If you wear it long enough for the wash cotton to get softer, I'd love a follow-up on how that changes the look of the dress.

[@mellamilla1873]

I will never make a dress like this (or any dress probably! ) but watching you making all your lovely projects has become an absolute delight.

[@lindanizamoff7981]

The pockets are really only to put tissue in any ways ,so they don't have to be very big.So cute!

[@RobinPike]

I bought this pattern a year ago and seeing it in "real life" has made me excited to get sewing soon!

[@kytrvlnurse]

It made me so happy to see you fold up your pattern pieces like they were folded in the envelope because., YES... I am that person too.. lol Lovely dress. 🥰

[@johanna5688]

These paper patterns reminds me of my early days of sewing classes. I haven't used them since the day back when.... I'd long ago learnt to draft my own. And that was a relief! Those paper patterns were a headache to measure out & to adjust to fit me. And as for the sewing instructions, I think only the Aliens who wrote them could make sense of them. Having said that, the 30s were glamorous, unlike these days where all is made from a tee towel sized piece of cloth. For me, fashion and glamour is showing beautiful, flowing fabric off, not the skin. Those were the days.

[@sherwpinkhair]

I up

[@LadyMiner100]

My husband is teaching himself to sew. I've recommended your channel as a good source for sewing techniques. For some reason it's easier coming from someone other than me!

[@eallundquist8408]

I think adding useable pockets in the side seam is perfectly reasonable, just anchor them into the waistline so they don’t alter the drape/ shape of the finished garment

[@markhines192]

That dress looks beautiful on you. Well done.

[@mariareyescalzada4509]

You are one of the few, few, few seamstress youtubers that use a thimble. I love. I can-t do without one.

[@08andylee]

@1:23 - My Grandma was one of those too. She always re-folded her patterns and taught us to do so.

[@adrena.hamilton]

30s fashion is just so classy. I love it

[@k.s.k.7721]

I'm not sure if anyone does this anymore, but when I learned to sew, over 50 years ago, it was common to pin the bodice pattern tissue pieces together, pin darts closed and slip it carefully onto your body. By checking in a mirror, it was possible to see if the waistline hit my actual waist, if the arm opening or neckline was too high or low, and the darts more or less correctly placed for the body. I still do this today for new patterns, and rather than cutting a muslin, it provides a very convenient and cost-free method to modify the pattern before cutting/sewing. I also check skirts the same way, as I'm 5 ft tall, and usually cut 4-6 inches off any skirt patterns - or, if a full skirt is required, adjust the hemline upwards, by folding the tissue and pinning it.

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

Back in the 1950's, the zipper in the side seam, under the left arm, in a dress was called a placket zipper. When the zipper was closed the fly was at the top (not at the bottom). I have caught my slip and my skin in one of those zippers (and got cut many times). My mother may have put the placket zipper in my dresses upside down. If I were you, and did not need that zipper, I would take it out. That dress looks very good on you. I like it so much that I want to make myself at least one. I plan to use reproduction 1930's print quilt fabric (which should be available at most Quilt Shops). Yes, they do look like feed sack fabric. I had to go to school in feed sack dresses. They were washable, repairable, and long lasting. My sister wore my hand-me downs. I would love to have some feed sack dresses and aprons again.

[@nancymoore8949]

The 30’s style looks great on you. I love how it turned out.

[@mycreativecurriculum]

1930s style is my favorite. This dress came out perfect and looks so good on you!!! I love everything about it.

[@lynnschofieldolf]

The way you cut out patterns is also great. I have a broken foot and cannot stand at a table. so I have been crawling on the floor to cut out skirt pieces and cutting bodice pieces single layer on my craft table. But your method is easier if there is enough fabric. I’m sewing a lot more now that I cannot do any gardening or exercise!

[@AnneS508]

I love this dress! I definitely do not think it looks too cutesy. It is very feminine though. Very much my style. Thank you so much for showing the difficulties with it. It is very validating to those of us who always have to rip something out!

[@sarabrunsvold2461]

1930s, love the era!! In clothes, decor and of course, movies!! The dress is perfect!!! Love everything about it!!! Great job!!!

[@chazhoosier2478]

I was just sitting here thinking I didn't have the energy to get up and sew until I saw a new Retroclaude video. Now I have motivation :D

[@RetroClaude]

You can do it! 💪 (but do it gently and sensibly for your body)

[@solveigfrank]

Im no sewer but its such a joy watching u creating such pieces! Not only does the dresses turn out so good but u always nail the look!

[@EMartones]

Very beautiful! The smile expressed tells me how much you enjoyed making this dress, attention to every little detail was very informative. Yes, we can buy clothes but it much more rewarding when we make something for ourselves. You simply feel different, something that cannot be described only felt. You did a great job.

[@jirup]

Famous last words... "kinda wish I'd made a toile". You did a great job of the alterations and the finished dress looks fabulous on you.

[@buzzi2k]

Rough cutting first and trimming whilst sitting... Such a good idea!!

[@lynn858]

Love the hemming technique that allows you to make it work for your body, but also preserves the use-ability of garment for future, without either seeming to be compromised.

[@davidhutchison3343]

My only suggestion, especially with the vintage pattern reprints, trace out your pattern size, preserving the original pattern, just in case you have to go up or down a couple of sizes. It normally on takes 15-20 minutes to do. It also preserves the pattern so that a larger (or smaller) seamstress can use the pattern later to make their sized dress. Love how the dress turned out.

[@Michael-if6my]

I absolutely adore this dress. It came out fantastic and I really love the art deco fabric for it

[@carrollminton5454]

Thank you! I've taught my daughter to sew at home, and this year she will be taking her 1st sewing class at school. I've tried to teacher her good sewing habits and to go the extra mile when make clothes to last. Finding your video and seeing your craft integrity was such a breath of fresh air! In fact, that was the 1st comment my daughter had about your process. We are looking forward to seeing your other videos!

[@thevenuschild]

"Eror 404" is so relatable 😁I loved the project

[@carilynjurgeson6178]

I've never seen the gadget to make a hem line...that's genius!! I like your alterations also. TFS

[@Jenny-zr3ck]

It's very lovely in the quilting fabric. I used to think it was strange to use quilting fabric for clothing but after making a couple of men's shirts, the quality is way better than store bought. I love how it wears.

[@anna-lisagirling7424]

I loved watching you make ambitious alterations to your already near finished dress instead of initially making a trial dress like I would have out of old, threadbare bedsheets or ugly, only-a-mother-could-love "dollar a yard" garbage I have a vast stash of from years gone by just for that purpose that I could mark up to a fairtheewell. You have way more self confidence than me! I also loved and honored your electing to do so much handstitching in areas you knew you'd do better than by machine. Kind of old school but better is better! Bravo. All in all, this video was a joy to watch!

[@catherinewhite2943]

That came out really well on you. And ultimately, that is the whole point of sewing: to have clothes that make us smile when we put them on!

[@Jazzgirlaust]

No wonder this is your favourite dress it is just perfect for you & you look amazing in it... wish this lovely style would suit me!

[@131dyana]

I cut out with pinking shears it saves time and effort. Love watching this dress come together. Merry Christmas.

[@jillpannill2578]

Wow best video on garment construct I’ve ever seen! You really nailed the 30s look beautifully. Love the pockets and collar too. It looks so good on you, like a custom job should!!!

[@starsun6363]

"Yes, I am one of those people." Me: But... who doesn't do that? And thus, I find I am also one of "those people". Carefully trained by my grandmother before me.

[@davederrick9431]

Ah! Zips, with the exception of invisible zips, I always tack first, for all the reason which you identified in setting in sleeves 😀.

[@MonaSkovJensen]

This is absolutly your style! The dress is stunning!!

[@KenZchameleon]

I really wasn't sure about the print, but the dress is fantastic! It looks classy and elegant. All you need is a little cloche and handbag and you're ready for the country club (LOL). Well done!!

[@juliaforsyth8332]

Don't forget your cream gloves!

[@sarahtaylor4264]

I don't sew clothing, but have scoliosis too. I relate to the fit struggles and have learned to settle on close enough. If it isn't horribly noticeable it is what it is. I can't make my body normal and tailoring gets expensive.

[@speedfinder1]

Very "Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon" in that period! We love it!

[@kendalbrenneman]

Oh yes, I loved this pattern too! I made two different dresses, one following the pattern in blue, and another in pink (see my profile picture). For the pink one I went off-pattern and added some smocking and took away the Peter Pan collar. It's one of my favourites!

[@emmalemon26]

For some reason I tend to forget I have scoliosis (good job brain!) and it's just occurred to me that it might be a factor in the issues I have fitting patterns to my body 😆 Thanks for talking about it and reminding my brain !

[@RetroClaude]

No worries! I too was so frustrated as to why nothing ever fit me. Why? I thought. What's wrong with my sewing? Then I realised. Oh. Yes. Not my sewing, I'm just wonky 😆

[@tenaoconnor7510]

Looks very nice on you ❤ the pattern looks easy to sew once you get the fit adjusted and I like the fabric. I had a scrap of upholstery fabric with that fish/fan pattern in blue, I made a little zip pouch 😊

[@lyndaholloway5469]

Love the dress. Looks so modern. Makes me want to start sewing again. The best to you.

[@JesusisKing222]

While I am more of a quilter/crafter, your skill and attention to detail are incredible! The dress looks stylish and flattering on you. Beautiful job!

[@kaytiej8311]

I really appreciate your video of this pattern. I love 30s fashion and have put off making this up because of the possible "cutsey" outcome. I think your choice of print is the key factor. The geometric print gives it the needed sophistication. Its a great lesson to keep in mind when I get to mine. The 30s certainly suit you! That final pose, seated and looking to your left is just perfect; worthy of any 30s fashion shoot! Love your work. Your voiceover is instructive and I appreciate the mistakes-and-all approach, as I get to learn so much!

[@glenmckenzie3243]

The dress is beautiful and suits you very well.

[@janisi9262]

Brilliant! I love everything about this dress - the print, the presence the sleeves give your shoulders, the washability, etc.! I have a weird method of hemming skirts: I put on the garment, press one hand firmly against my thigh while making sure the skirt doesn't move, and once I'm sure it's in place, I bend down only at the waist and fiddle with the length until I like it, making sure that hand holding the skirt does not budge. I've seen skirt hemmers like yours and have even had people suggest I get one, but I always thought "Why? I can do hems just fine." Well, that's true: I can do hems on my own, but that isn't the case for everyone, and tools like this help to make sewing more accessible. Thanks for opening my eyes to that.

[@carolynrogers1510]

Lovely work, your careful sewing is delightful to watch. My only suggestion is to use a Three thread narrow overlock to neaten a single layer, it’s much lighter on the fabric and less chance of show on front face when seams are pressed. When I first got to use an overlocker in 1987 it was a 3 thread machine without diff feed and I’d serge around every main garment piece. Then assemble the dress on sewing machine. I still do it this way for lightweight fabrics. And saves any of those oh crap moments if you accidentally overlock somewhere you shouldn’t.

[@mamamode1312]

This Dress is amazingly beautiful. I dearly love it. I struggle ever looking just right. As I too have a "wonky" body. With scoliosis left right and front back.

[@judithgarnett5307]

I love the 30's! I especially appreciate your amount of picking out, and all the fiddling for bits of asymmetry. Definitely a new subscriber here.

[@angelagrimes8237]

I was wondering about that pattern. Thank you for taking us through it! I am not a Peter Pan collar kind of gal but somehow 1930’s dresses have a way of making it sophisticated! Happy new year!

[@verchip8]

Well done with the construction of your dress! I think you carry your new favorite style very well. Now you just need some seemed stockings and a lot of red lipstick 💋

[@wendyfay16]

Stunning fabric ... & music ... perfect for the 1930s! Love the dress pattern & the binding is perfect! It would be fun to see the dress made with the grey binding & another with the maroon binding - not that I'm suggesting that you should ... but it could be fun to even see just a pocket with the different colour bindings. I hadn't thought of this before, but it's probably something I'll test out next time I make something with a contrasting binding. It's amazing what a difference something as small as that can make. Would you be kind enough to tell me that the 'top-stitching' foot is please? You look so 'grown-up' cute in that dress! :) Something that I learnt recently, is that, when pressing stitching into fabric, actually lift the iron up & down and 'press' as opposed to 'ironing' it. This was on a specialist French KZbin channel and discussed why we need to press our stitches into the fabric, what types of hams we need ... & even 'wood', when to use a damp (usually 'woolen') cloth for steaming certain stitching into various fabrics, etc. It was absolutely fascinating; I had no idea there was sooo much difference between ironing & pressing, and the requirements for various items & fabrics! I'll post the link for you if I can find it ... Thanks for a wonderful tutorial! I usually run these videos at 1.25 speed, but I tried that with yours, then ended up replaying the whole video again at normal speed & full screen! :)

[@TheJoyfulEye]

I love 1930s styles!

[@kelsea8767]

Refolding the pattern pieces for later use? A woman after my own heart~

[@anna-lisagirling7424]

Kelsea>> (and others) OMG, I'm 70 yrs old and I though everybody did that. The thought of not using a pattern again never occured to me. Especially since it's so common to make modifications to them like different collars or patch pockets. Especially for those Depression Era patterns! This was an excellent opportunity to get in the mindset! The original patterns were made with much thicker tissue and lasted much longer and endured much more abuse from pins, etc so added care needs to be taken with the re-productions, I'd imagine. Hmph. "Progress" ; !

[@Bahbahlatje]

This dress looks lovely on you, Claude. It looks very comfortable and chic at the same time. I loved watching you sew and problem solve.

[@patriciabockenstette6550]

I really like the dress. The fabric pattern just seems right. To dress it up I would add a narrow belt. I thought about a narrow light colored belt. Maybe cream colored as the trim on the collar and pockets if you have shoes and clutch the same color. Seems matchy-matchy was the deal back then. Loved watching your precise sewing and fix it methods. Thanks for sharing.

[@northstarsmith6798]

I absolutely adore that small sewing iron that you have! With a small sewing bolster or ham, you have everything you need right there in front of your machine. Sure beats a full size iron and ironing board! I love that pattern on the cloth.

[@MissMVintage]

You know I love this! Great print, great pattern. And watching you make adjustments on the fly makes me feel like I can do it too! I always second guess myself like, “the pattern says this and that means it’s enforceable by law.” But that’s just not the case! Seriously awesome dress Claude! 😍

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you! And I believe in you, trust your instincts and adjust away 💚

[@walkhumbly4902]

So lovely and feminine. It looks wonderful on you.

[@lindahall3546]

You look LOVELY in this dress!!

[@SewSewDrew]

I love this pattern I messed up a bit my first go around with it this makes me think I should try again

[@RetroClaude]

I'd love to see what you make if you do 💚

[@kckazcoll1]

I've had this pattern in my stash for years and now you have inspired me to have a go at it! Love how yours turned out, thanks for sharing!

[@carlsenlifeafter60carlsen11]

You did a great job. It looks beautiful on you…

[@veilbreak5867]

Its fab! Very 'Miss Lemon' from the 'Poirot' series with David Suchet

[@MsGeorgie68]

I found your channel last night and already love it and subscribed. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@mjap-l4447]

It does look absolutely fabulous and elegant. Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@pamfrank3962]

You look Gorgeous 😍 in this special dress

[@rebeccacuthbertson1271]

Love it Claude!! Suits you beautifully and I can totally see why it's your new favorite 💖

[@TheMetatronGirl]

The dress is lovely! I particularly like the fabric you chose. Your alterations look terrific, by the way, and the zip looks just fine. If you’re anything like me, it’s exceedingly rare for someone to get close enough to notice less than perfect seams, or wonky zips. I always enjoy your sense of humor, but this video elicited more gigglesnorts than usual. I needed that!

[@sleepymom7785]

Stumbled upon you and this video, so happy I did! Love your sweet personality/sense of humor! You have so much confidence when you wear this dress! You look lovely, darling! Keep doing you! 💕🤟 from Idaho, USA

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you 💚

[@stoker1931jane]

This dress & print look just stunning on you. You & The 30s are a real cool match. I giggled out loud at your "error 404 Claude not found" insert. Wouldn't it be lovely if we could re-set ourselves by just unplugging?! My MS & Fibromyalgia can cause such brainfog. But it's good to keep a sense of humour around those (sometimes embarrassing) moments😅. I think it's so thoughtful that you retained all the "extra" material in the hem of your skirt for possible future owners/wearers of this dress👌🏻. My elderly (✝️) Mom's extreme scoliosis forced me to create such uneven trouser/slack/pant legs, for her. Only a very short person could wear them, after I evened them out (before gifting them to Goodwill). ☺️

[@RetroClaude]

Unplugging would be great! I wonder if I switched my brain off and on again it'd work like with a computer 😅

[@stoker1931jane]

Please don't try, if you aren't sure😅, dear@@RetroClaude. Because if things went wrong 😉....it would be a shame to lose you & your love channel. ❤👋🏻🇳🇱

[@651LYS]

I’ve purchased that and many other commercial vintage patterns, and I’m happy to see you’ve made it and like it.

[@johnettehaines6291]

I am that person too with my pattern pieces. Anything that gets on my nerves is when someone just wads their pattern up and stuffs back in the envelope . I like the dress and the design pattern on the fabric

[@heatherpenman3906]

Hi from New Zealand - thank you for showing us your sewing process and the finished garment. I identify with the fit issues you mentioned (i.e. cut a size bigger but then have to take it in, and up to fit - far better than having something altogether too small!) I now make notes on my instruction sheet to guide me for the next time I make the pattern (why has it taken me 45 plus years to do this, ha ha) Heather 😇🧵🪡

[@RetroClaude]

Hello 👋 I always forget to write my alterations down. I should do that! Although I guess I have a video now 😅

[@seedhound]

Your sewing techniques are similar to how I learned to sew in the sixties. Neat and attention to detail. Lovely work.

[@blktauna]

Very flattering. You'd slay in a silk one.

[@nonyabidness1623]

Had to return and say I love your patience , & diligence! You are wearing it well!!

[@nonyabidness1623]

OH MY!! That is stunning! What a great job you have done! It is beautiful I'm an old soul! Modern does not appeal to me! You have wonderful taste and talent! Enjoy!

[@carolbarbee5653]

The fabric is great for this dress😍

[@alisonsweeney7638]

I enjoyed watching your interesting video, I love ladies clothing from 30s, 40s etc, lovely feminine styles, that are hard to find in shops, even if such styles were found, the fabrics are cheap, limp and tatty. My mum and nan knitted and made our clothes in the 50s and 60s. I should have had more interest. It's never too late to learn. I'll check out any further amazing videos that you do. Love it! Best wishes and hugs from Somerset.

[@beth12svist]

Awesome dress, and now I want it. :D Also, yes, you definitely did find your style - I was quite surprised to realise this was a new project, I actually keep expecting you to wear things like this! :D

[@RetroClaude]

That's a good sign! I can't wait to make some more ☺️

[@beth12svist]

@@RetroClaude Returning to this video for inspiration for a future project (not this pattern, but a self-drafted 1930s dress with some similarities), I realised it's definitely related to your love of 1940s jumpers. This dress has similar lines. :-)

[@staceykersting705]

I sure like that fabric! Love the pattern, too, but could never wear that neckline. Big shoulders have me forever in V necks.

[@Knappa22]

What a brilliant project and your skills are something to behold! Mine are currently up to basic quilting lol!

[@michelleduncan9965]

That dress is so gorgeous & classy.

[@Heyreneesews]

You know so much. It has been a pleasure watching your video. I decided to subscribe. I’m looking forward to watching your videos.

[@cosia5072]

You looks so lovely in that dess. 👍💖

[@sus3ns]

Clever girl, adorable dress!

[@michellecornum5856]

Very 30s! It is really becoming on you. Excellent Job!

[@jackiejames4551]

The dress looks so prefect on you!

[@lisabee9243]

I. Love. This!!! It looks great on you!

[@esthermarcen7587]

I liked so much this dress that I subscribed💜💜💜💜💜💙🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡