Making a 1920's "One Hour Dress"

Have you found yourself invited to a 1920's themed party but don't have a thing to wear? Set aside an afternoon and try making it!
The pinterest board I used, for those curious about some of the images: / 1920s-party
The French magazine: "Les Modes de la femme de France", 1921. gallica.bnf.fr...
Learn way more about 1920's sewing on Evelyn Wood's channel! / @evelyn__wood
★Follow me! ★
Patreon: / morgandonner
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★★★ - Products Used in This Video - ★★★
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Camera: amzn.to/2BDrAKn
Favorite Lens (good for low-light!): amzn.to/2GueNh3
Red Hat: amzn.to/2V60syD
Music:
"Hot Swing" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
"Long Stroll" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

[@MorganDonner]

Sorry about the rustling scratching noises at the beginning and end of the video, I am still figuring out this darn mic situation!

[@olwendavis327]

There's no need to apologise for that I don't know about everyone else who watched but I don't mind a bit of rustling.

[@mariatorres7793]

Olwen Davis m

[@rafaelbejarano3422]

This was great, thanks, I been tryin to find out about "20's flapper dress costume" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Panadarson Flapper Falbala - (search on google ) ? Ive heard some interesting things about it and my buddy got excellent results with it.

[@donnainmt]

Do you know anything about the "sack dress" of the 50's? This is very close to it, but the gathering was lower.

[@cziegle3794]

Did the sewing itself take an hour I wonder? Excluding the cutting and ironing, etc.?

[@anotherblonde]

My grandmother was a tailor making shirts for Selfridges - she wore flapper clothes which she made herself..... and I got to inherit all her patterns

[@MorganDonner]

Very cool! I hope you have made some things from the patterns.

[@coolthinghere6853]

oooh, do share them if you have the time!

[@sharbean]

It might be a big project but digitizing those patterns would be a boon to many folks. Good documentation with as complete a record of dates and other info is ideal, but it can be a lot of work!

[@MalteseKat]

Lucky girl!!!!

[@katerinahikesalot1644]

Suffragettes? LOL. :)

[@raffyd.e45]

I love how you’re just like hmm.. I don’t know what to wear tonight, you know what I’ll just make a new dress from scratch.

[@MorganDonner]

Lol, it is very fortunate that I had some fabric that would work for it! If I hadn't, I would have made a run to the thrift store and hope against hope that it has something workable :D

[@aimeevanlandingham3844]

@@MorganDonner I know I'm a year late, but bed sheets at the thrift store make great fabric!

[@ShakespeareDoomsday]

You could totally hide some pockets in those hip pleats/gathers!

[@caitlincunningham8354]

Pockets are a MUST HAVE for me🙂

[@KelseyDrummer]

Aww heck yeah.

[@ColleenMarble]

I know it's late to make a comment, but a tiny button over the top of that sleeve binding join would be really cute and would cover the seam.

[@notyourmomuberdriver3076]

OMG You are wearing what I think of as the classic Cuban nail style. When I was growing up in Miami late 60s through the 2000s at least.. Wealthy Cuban women had their nails painted like this - like a "French nail" but bright color like a red where it would 'normally' be natural toned. So much so that in the 1990s I saw a woman in The Village in NYC at an outdoor cafe with her nails like this - and I walked up to her and just asked, "Are you from Miami?" Yes, she said. "Are you Cuban by any chance?" Yes, she said, smiling. We both got a chuckle when I told her that her nails gave her away! I've done it "through time" now and again (my nails are generally short) as a kind of homage.. 😆 I would do it all the time now if my nails where only a little longer..

[@madelinegutierrez1720]

Beautiful Cuban Nails!

[@missusingle]

Heh... to me french manicures always look like the nail polish has chipped off, especially when paired with bright colors and/or blank crescents. As a guitar player I just can’t keep polish on for more than a few minutes. And can’t play with nails. Saves me cost and trouble. And in the age of covid, is way less germy...

[@samanthakessel7285]

@@missusingle try gel polish, I have the problem of regular polish chipping as well

[@KelseyDrummer]

I love that!

[@kiarakeeper2154]

So cute. Gonna make a bunch of these. The 20's are right around the corner again and I'm here for it

[@Marialla.]

I agree! I think I want some 1920's outfits in my wardrobe for the 2020's! Maybe I'll update some aspects of them, but I like the idea of historybounding this resonant decade!

[@blisles7626]

Twist to the history bounding, century bounding? Is awkward as if I doubt I'll get to the relevant decade for double century bounding on 1880s/1890s so just stick with history bounding. Far less clunky. Though forties through sixties repeated would be cool and possibly manageable for anyone currently over the age of twenty. I just realised this is incredibly fatalistic and for that I am sorry.

[@jennhill8708]

@@blisles7626, I was watching some dancing soldiers music vids, earlier, & one the women was doing the swim! Having grown up thru Jr hi in the 60S (born 1955), I remember it the first time. It's hard to think of periods of my life as being so far in the past that people are reincarnating them!

[@novakiiwashere-7409]

i dont think this is what you planned

[@vhehl698]

@@novakiiwashere-7409 the 2020s aren't fun :(

[@RMacca]

That mock up fabric was super cute omg like adorable 3rd grade science teacher vibes lol

[@KoriEmerson]

If Ms. Frizzle did the 1920's

[@grimeldasnodpocket]

Just coming to the comments section to say that.

[@Featherless-Biped-Bawk]

You even got the length right! A lot of people mistakenly hem their skirts above the knee instead of just at or bellow the knee!

[@MorganDonner]

Glad to hear I nailed it! I just tried to copy the length I saw in the street-photography images, and was worried that mine ended up just a smidge too short. :O

[@KoriEmerson]

I'm going to do one that is more of a mid calf version. So excited.

[@krmccarrell]

I feel that you must do the hem longer, especially if you are short like me (5'3"); otherwise, you end up with a boxy silhouette that adds pounds to one's shape. Don't you think?

[@KoriEmerson]

That was the first thing I thought of when I saw your nails. I totally squealed. That being said. Your mock up dress would have been so SO much fun. IT would be the cutest flapper mid century mash up. I would wear it to death and then make it into a bag and wear IT to death.

[@adrianburrell6217]

As a former manicurist, love the nails, one of the first things I noticed. Been wanting to make a couple of these for house dresses. Now I think I will.

[@werelemur1138]

So cute! (And you could totally wear the mock-up as a shirt.) I didn't realize the nails were historical, but I definitely appreciated them as just plain cool.

[@olwendavis327]

Me too

[@lspthrattan]

Yes, I actually was geeking out on your historically accurate half-moon manicure. Nice detail!

[@heyamberray]

This is great. My family is buying a house that was built in 1920, so it will be 100 years old, a new decade, and our 1 year anniversary of ownership, so we're going to be celebrating big time. This would be a GREAT gift/outfit to dress up in for our party!

[@ixchelkali]

Funny, you commented on your historical nail polish just as I was admiring that touch. My mom was a teenager in the 1920s, and she told me that in those days you were supposed to leave the "moons" at the base of the nail bare. Maybe that's how she developed such a steady hand with a polish brush!

[@daniellemhall1358]

That hip gathering method is really innovative. Hard to believe it's older than my grandma.

[@christinegallo4983]

I recently (ish) got into 20’s stuff and I stumbled across a similar book, though it was in English and the dresses were a bit more involved. The title is Easy Ways To Pretty Frocks, and it tells you how to modify the basic short sleeved dress like you made into something fresh. I attempted to make one of the dresses printed in it, but I ended up using the skirt off of another one of their dresses, but it all turned out looking great in the end. It has lovely bishop sleeves and a petal skirt to die for. I’d be interested to see you try one of those ideas now that you have the basic dress to work off of

[@MorganDonner]

That sounds great, I'll have to check it out!

[@christinegallo4983]

Update: my parents actually bought me an original copy for Christmas it’s so cool it’s on display in my sewing room now

[@janes8714]

i totally geeked out at your historical nail polish! i always wanted to try that style when i still painted my nails.

[@whitalleys5893]

Came back after seeing this a year ago and am happy to report I have made my first 1 hour dress out of a white linen! Specifically, it felt like a good time, as we are having a heat wave. Very comfy and cool dress!

[@kellimbt]

Look at you making a dress 56 minutes before you need to be out the door! ha ha It came out great and is very flattering on you!

[@MorganDonner]

With hair and makeup fussing, I barely made it!

[@nowherels64]

You got a bit Miss Fisher at the end! This was amazing, loved it!

[@RNJL1]

As soon as the nails came into view... I was that geeking out historical nerd.

[@Side-Quest-Workshop]

I *love* the way you completed the sleeves and neckline on this dress. I really want to emulate that in a blouse!

[@Arizona4everGirl]

So adorable. I have tried a few times to make a 20's inspired dress and they look so frumpy on me. This inspires me to try again. Thanks!

[@MorganDonner]

I enjoyed the dress I made, but even I still think it's frumpy 🤣 Best of luck giving it another go though! I found that looking at pictures of normal ladies from 1920 helped prime my brain towards appreciating the look a little more.

[@vegangelist]

I think dresses of this shape are best for broader shoulders and narrow hips. If you are the opposite, like me, it may just look a hot mess

[@sophisteacated]

I was definitely geeking out about your historical nail polish the whole video haha I love it!! 💜

[@emilyonizuka4698]

I kept seeing this pattern on pinterest but was confused about the gathering part so I'm so glad you made this video! I think I understand it now!

[@JulieSnowstudiojuliesnow3698]

Same!

[@katnoe336]

Amazing project! Also as a cosmetologist the look was spot on!

[@MorganDonner]

Awesome, that's excellent to hear!

[@ItsJustLisa]

My dad has a picture of my grandmother and her sisters in dresses like this. Very cool!

[@VeganDoris]

9:50 I love how you shifted the fabric over to create that slight dip in the front neckline, and the sleeves still look good. I'd love to try it with a deeper dip, and cut the front bodice a few inches wider than the back, so that the sleeves still line up.

[@mousemalone9462]

I'm going to a 1920's evening in July and I'm planning on making myself an evening gown and this was a really good guide to adapt for it!

[@susangoldman6079]

The mockup is so cute! This dress would be perfect for my grandmother's birthday party.

[@bertuccigirl]

Super cute! I have seen so many of those ads and have wondered if they were as easy a purported. Looks like they are! Part of me really wants to make one, but the rest of me knows that style would look AWFUL on me! Lol. Great job, love the polka dots.

[@MorganDonner]

I am still not convinced that it looks particularly flattering on me either, but that loose waist is hella comfy!

[@melissaroscher1080]

My Granny was a 20's gal and loved navy polka dot 👍

[@nartyteek]

I just made one of these. Pretty easy. I did take a few hours on the textile because I wanted to create a patchwork pattern to increase visual interest, but now that I know the method I could definitely whip this up in an hour. I've often resorted to sewing something new instead of doing laundry, if I'm being honest. Love a quickie!

[@paulcarlachapman628]

My column shaped body would be perfect wearing a dress like this! Very cute, Morgan! Love the polka dots!

[@florenciagonzalez980]

I'm so excited right now! I just finished sewing one for my little girl. I used ribbon to tie in the shoulders 👌 it's so cute and it took me about 2 hours to make. I'm in love

[@MorganDonner]

That sounds so dang cute! Thank you for sharing!

[@bowerbirdstyle7661]

Lovely dress. The silk sash and sleeve edging really make it great.

[@soozsheehan]

YES! I was so excited to see your nail polish. It looks brilliant as does your dress.

[@carlsenlifeafter60carlsen11]

Good job, my mom used to sew me dresses all the time for school. I love them.

[@mplight2941]

I am 1000% geeking out on all of this!!!!

[@jenniefernandez9465]

It's such a cute dress and that hat is adorable on you.

[@pityparty9955]

I have made and worn many drop waist dresses. It is my favorite style. Also many straight up sacque dresses. Not even a shoulder seam!

[@philomenaward1833]

Ves the dress really authentic and yes I did take note of the manicure spot on .❤

[@ariannewrench1904]

I geeked out... Thanks for the nails. 🥰

[@lianelinner9594]

Really appreciated the neckline idea! Thank you :)

[@ladylibrum7145]

This has become My Favorite Garment !! I’ve made bunches of these dresses!! 😄

[@checkerspotfarm3927]

Watch twins! I have that same Casio just in silver. The timer is sooo handy!

[@sophiejune4515]

The sleeves are my favorite part. I love them.

[@ameliapalmer4327]

I did make a dress I love the weight of it and the comfort. Its great I love your dress and hat.

[@hashtagspatz]

Absolutely geeking out about the nail polish!!

[@Coops1985]

such a cute dress and seems like an easy project for a beginner like me!

[@Princess_karen]

Love this dress, looks great on you

[@barbaraconnolly9000]

I was geeking out at the nail job. Looked so gorgeous.

[@k4tlyn661]

That mockup dress is amazing. 10/10 would wear it.

[@bethkelly6200]

Thanks for sharing. Your total look was the bees knees 💞

[@leeproctor7622]

Fantastic video very clever and yes I'm loving the vintage nails 💅😍thanks 😊

[@chantelmcskimming6633]

Love the mock-up fabric!!! 😁

[@helenweatherby1694]

Brilliant! I loved the mock up.

[@HelfyreTwilight]

I totally geeked out at your nail polish! Fantastic!

[@debmacie1612]

That dress is fabulous! I love the twenties fashions too.

[@frenchpizza9725]

Love the time period dresses

[@patriciagleve4784]

I bought a pattern for this very dress (Etsy) - it's been very helpful to watch you make it. Thank you for sharing.

[@missusingle]

Oh and also, nice work! And on such a tight schedule, even. Very purty!

[@jessicaknight363]

Omg thank you!!!! I've been trying to figure out how to do that gathered hip and none of the written patterns for the one hour dress made a lick of sense!

[@daisyjones5062]

You did great! Thanks for explaining the hip gathering part. I can’t wait to make my own “1 hour dress”.

[@taniamagicfingers1636]

Loved your mock up fabric. Another great Morgan video.

[@juliam1090]

Super cute! Reminds me of old pictures of my grandmother!

[@firewordsparkler]

Love this! I love how you can completely customize the look by adding gathers, changing up the sleeves, and adding sashes.

[@celloafterdark4173]

This dress looks really fun to try!

[@EM-cg4iy]

So cute! Love the hat and shoes too.

[@deannastevens1217]

Very well done. That's a great dress and a great project.

[@jennydavies7445]

you are so inspirational. I made myself a similar dress back in the 80's in white with red sash. thank you Morgan.

[@PSMITHjl]

Thanks! This is a really nice demo of the One Hour Dress! I love your modifications.

[@ruthieannwhiteapple349]

You look so perfectly 1920's!! I've never seen someone (Rather than a handful of other various youtubers) pull of such an accurate style!

[@suzannewallace9484]

What luck! I'm a big fan of the style an was just starting on this pattern. There you are showing me just how to do it. Thanks!

[@hajeansonne]

Great video! That nail polish style is sooooo hard to do, you did a great job

[@MorganDonner]

Thank you! It was tricky but worth the effort!

[@brittianyhightower1696]

Totally geeked out over your nail polish and wish I could try it. I first saw it on Mulholland Drive and thought it looked really cool but knew David Lynch wouldn't waste and important shot on a detail like her nails so I googled the style. I fell down the rabbit hole of nail art during this time period and love that you're incorporating into this look!

[@joanneguerrier1632]

I did notice your nails, and loving it. Interesting to see you sew.

[@ReisigSeeds]

I always learn so much from watching you doing very simple clothing pieces but seeing the thought behind why you piece things together and what little tweaks you make to make it fit together. That’s worded very strangely, but just know I always learn so much. Also, I always notice how amazing your nails look.

[@Donteatacowman]

Your make up is amazing! It's like you stepped right out of an old photo!

[@amoryperez1188]

I was so confused about the hip gathers and I just figured it out! I absolutely love this and I think I’m going to have to give it a try. I also love that hat and the nail polish. Such a cute outlook!

[@canucknancy4257]

Very sweet. Lots of little quick tips.

[@annguglielmino8989]

I totally saw and appreciated your nails! I love watching sewing videos but it has been decades since I've sewn a dress and never done anything historic so most of the sewing stuff goes over my head. But my nails I do once or twice a week. THEM I understand! 😊

[@lauriesolis1074]

I've seen those same patterns and they basically taught me how to sew but I was too scared to try to the one hour dress. I'm terrified of trying to gather the material so thank you for doing this tutorial. I've made a few things myself with those pintrest patterns but not this! Thank you so much. i'm definitely going to try it!

[@miriamhavard7621]

l'm ABSOLUTELY geeking out at the historical nail polish!!! 💅😍

[@klaudyday749]

Thank you for making this video! I am a beginner sewer and this seems like a great project for someone starting out. :)

[@JannaVervecken]

I love this! I saw this ‘pattern’ on Pinterest already, but wasn’t sure if it would work out. It definitely does, so will be giving it a try!

[@cynthiabohli-nelson1824]

I have those same French sewing images pinned. One of the things I like about this pattern is that gathering at the hips. I like that you left the sleeve tops spilt. One of these days I'll attempt this dress.

[@ZipZipInkspot]

So well described, documented, and video'd. The dress turned out really nicely. Hoping the party was good fun...

[@MorganDonner]

Thank you! It was a lot of fun, everyone dressed up!

[@starlightaura0063]

You did a wonderful job. I am just learning how to sew I am a beginner. But you and other KZbinrs that see and I follow makes me want to learn even more so. Would love to see some more historical clothes from you.

[@LindaB651]

That's really sweet! I've been working on a black/white polka-dot wardrobe for the past decade or so, more 50's/60's oriented, love the aesthetic!

[@eiszapfenkobold]

Cool. I saw a bunch made on blogs and want to make a modern version for myself soon. Nice explanation.

[@ShannonLambert]

Totally caught your half moons! Thanks for this video - I'm hoping to attempt a one hour dress myself this winter.

[@MorganDonner]

Excellent! It was a great project, I recommend it for anyone wanting to make a comfortable dress!

[@joanneklassen4637]

Darling! I think I will try this idea for a quickie "cold shoulder" top for this summer -Thanks!

[@functionoflightone]

Congrats. You did a great job.

[@npknscrb]

Love the mock up fabric! Noticed the nail polish too.

[@ellylin8116]

Now I know what to make from the same fabric with yours....thanks

[@dikz9040]

Really cute. I hope you enjoyed the party

[@minerva_matues]

Definitely will be attempting this as I have a party Saturday that's 20's theme and as a 40's fan... this will be very interesting to attempt!!! Thank you Morgan for sharing this!!!!

[@lilolmecj]

Conceptually I love hemming feet, but there is quite a learning curve there! Great job on this! I have one half finished, your video gave me some encouragement to finish it.