Making the Comfiest 1940's Dress // Dolman Sleeves

[@leaf2576]

Your videos are always so safe and cozy. I'm sending my solidarity as a fellow queer ace woman in America right now. ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Sending you good (and safe) vibes 💜

[@Sbarellata]

Couture shoulderpads is making me think of a jacket or a dress with a pair of external shoulder pads, all sequined and bejeweled, like fantasy armor pauldrons ✨

[@Judy-rk1ge]

Thank you for your work! Your videos are calming, the music, your explanations and your wonderful patterns and garments you produce. I enjoy following your channel. It is a real treat to see what you are up to.

[@LaenKay]

I’m knitting a doleman sleeve sweater right now, in a very light yarn on very small needles. To say the least, it is the most irritating experience I’ve ever had while still enjoying myself. I’ve struggled with all things fabric and sewing in the past, but seeing how simple it is to make a doleman sleeve this way is making me think that I should have just tried a bit harder when learning how to sew. This is such a simple and elegant construction for a garment!

[@gleann_cuilinn]

thank you for bringing us happiness and company, also the dress looks fab! i listened to this while taking a bike ride through the rain and it was perfect. best regards ❤️

[@CeliaCase-q6z]

I have a 1906 Singer treadle with a papyrus design that sounds a lot like the machine you were describing. Apparently they were made in red and green, the red being more rare, so of course I have the green. It still works, has lovely details on the drawers and sides, and is a real piece of art... for those of us who appreciate such things, haha. Thanks for another wonderful, informative video BTW Bianca!

[@RedCoyote]

The comment about the Singers with Egyptian decals is a mood. I don't have the space for one but man they're so pretty.

[@sherrillsturm7240]

Really nice. As you were posing, I saw my mom again in one of her classy dresses.

[@thomasfoley8287]

Thank you so much. I really need your video of making something beautiful after watching election related videos for 2 days. Love your work thank you for bringing joy. ❤❤❤

[@JenInOz]

I realised this morning that you have inspired me in more ways than I thought. I made a bustle gown last month using the same pattern you used for the skirt that you did in red quilting cotton a while back and used a Butterick pattern for the day bodice but i couldn't find an evening bodice pattern that worked for me. So... inspired by you, I am hacking the day bodice pattern to make a sleeveless top. Thankyou!

[@KissMyFrog42]

Excellent, the reveal is giving very Joan Crawford vibes. On the subject of shoulder pads: I was a teenager in the 1980s, and I used to take the shoulder pads out of clothes and wear them AND NOBODY NOTICED. Only time in my life I've been able to buy off-the-rack jackets that fit me properly.

[@Doxymeister]

Lovely design, and you model it so well-definitely 40's vibe going on. I appreciate the soft-spoken but clear directions you give as explain the instructions. Turned out beautifully!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@msk4795]

My favorite fashion era. You do it justice.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@TinaEE103]

I have a bit of difficulty to see your ongoing work in the dark fabric. Sorry! 😢 I love these dresses! This summer, I was able to make my first according to your instructions with the all-in-one sleeves. Many thanks and greetings from Germany. 😊

[@orionova]

With your hair and brows in the reveal, I'm getting Joan Crawford vibes. Well done!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@annhamilton2060]

Oh wow, I think that dress is one of my favourites you have made. Gorgeous ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Ann!

[@Sewcial-Anxietea]

Sending love right now - geez it's got to be tough with house hunting AND politics. Hopefully you get settled before the holidays and can nest a bit. Also, thanks to your clear, patient instructions, I don't really use commercial patterns anymore and I'm building my dream wardrobe. ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!! ❤️ And good work!

[@maureencullen1008]

Love how we learn while just listening.Your understanding of pattern design is brilliant.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Maureen!

[@blacky2o1]

Your videos are a huge comfort to me and they gave me enough confidence to start sewing again 💙

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! ❤️ Sew all the things!!

[@lesleyharris525]

Love this dress, thanks for showing how you made the shoulder pads, I have very narrow boney shoulders, so a small pad balances out my larger bust.❤

[@tiffsewcrafty]

I always enjoy your videos, but especially today after the week we've had. Also, thanks to your videos, I recently purchased a used first edition of Pattern Making for Fashion Design and another pattern drafting book from the 80s. I've just paged through them, but excited to start my own pattern making journey. I'll definitely reference your videos along the way

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I hope you end up loving drafting!! The beginning is the worst bit, but then it is smooth sailing amazingness!

[@nomondemlambo9600]

When I grow up, I want to be just like you 😊. You always look so elegant

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@helenv2906]

What a beautiful dress, love the fit, style and fabric! Well done❤❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Helen!

[@Kathy-zx5bu]

Love your dress. Thank you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kathy!

[@creepycutiecrafty]

That does look like a very comfortable and easy-to-move-in dress. The fabric looks quite snug. You model it so well. I can see it getting a lot of wear! (Also, I love the way your hair is styled. It’s a chic style!)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! My hair is finally /almost/ long enough to poodle it like this again 🥵

[@crwilley]

OH, so nice to have a tutorial about tucks - I recently saw a vintage dress pattern with shoulder tucks that I thought I would like to try to replicate, but I wasn't sure how to draft (or sew) that part of it, even given the diagram of the original pattern pieces to work from. Easier and more straightforward than I would have guessed! (or more like "It can't be that easy? yes, it actually can.") (also good job not buying the machine, if you buy it now you will just have to move it.)

[@emmalemon26]

I really needed the kind of calm, thoughtful video you make today. Thank you ❤️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Emma 💜

[@annettebroomhall8617]

A very glamorous and elegant lady. I see this with a double row of pearls, hanging down to the waist. Maybe with a knot in the middle. These days of course, it will be pearl coloured beads, but you get the idea. I have a fine napped velvet with an odd pattern that I now see has to be this pattern. Thank you. I should be sewing summer stuff as I am in New Zealand, but this seems far more important now. Good luck house hunting (or should it be sewing space hunting lol)

[@kassywilson9276]

I'm working on a dolman sleeve cowl neck today, too, and made my very first cowl neck thanks to your directions last weekend!

[@abigailwrigley6462]

Hello TCH Hive Mind! I am being driven distracted by a green plastic raincoat which I am positive I saw on here! Bianca, please could you put me out of my misery! I am convinced that you mentioned it was British made. It was green with a delicious full skirt. You can tell me if Im just losing my mind and have imagined this!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

They are special order but not too expensive from Elements Rainwear elementsrainwear.co.uk/ ✨

[@MaryMPringle]

Midnight blue is one of my favorite colours.

[@BethAge95]

That's a comfortable yet elegant gothic dream come true! Looking lovely in your creation as always :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Beth!

[@lunchhooks2253]

Oh, Miz B, watching you work is so soothing.

[@donnalewis4895]

Nice dress. Loved seeing how to make shoulder pads 😊

[@marcco44]

Ms. B you should set up a house warming gift registry somewhere for us

[@abigailwrigley6462]

I love this idea but a fund might be a more practical way for us to show our appreciation. Don’t know, either way it’s a lovely idea.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

You are too sweet Marcco!! Alas I need silly things like "radon remediation" and a "new garage roof" most of all, which are no fun at all 🤣

[@Sewcial-Anxietea]

@@TheClosetHistorian then perhaps a fund on Ko-Fi we can contribute to?

[@marcco44]

@@TheClosetHistorian 🔥🔥🔥♥️♥️

[@auntheidi9389]

Great idea re: a fund. I'd contribute.😊

[@elizabethwilson5349]

As always, the way you have styled this dress and the backdrop is absolutely genius! Love this channel! Love to watch you create! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Elizabeth!

[@lauramacfehin1841]

Yay! It's my birthday tomorrow so of course I'm sewing a dress today 😆and your videos are always such great company when there is a bit of hand sewing to be done!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Happy Belated Birthday!

[@lauramacfehin1841]

@@TheClosetHistorian thank you!

[@nerdaccount]

These are always so amazing to watch! Thank you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@bhavens9149]

I think that dress in RED Jersey with Half circle skirt, Black Belt and accessories would be a perfect winter holiday dress on you. I know you stick to the Pencil, but I really think one dress a little way off the same old would be fun. . Dolman sleeve is nicely comfy!

[@woochles]

I really want a singer 66 with the lotus decals in a treadle. Of course, I just bought a centennial 128 in the crinkle finish to match my centennial 66 in the crinkle finish. Next to look for is a 99 in that finish though they seem less common.

[@yesterdaybaby]

I always absolutely love your videos, I just love to watch you do your magic and listen to you speak about your process. You do have such a calming voice and your vibes are impeccable

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@RuthJohnstonaworldofgoods]

Love❤, love❤, LOVE❤! Everything about this dress, this video and you! Fantastic tutorial!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Ruth!

[@TeresaBearCFP]

I have a modern Janome which has snap on feet. I bought a 30+ foot set to use with the Janome. Also - based on inspiration from you, I picked up a vintage 201. The Janome and the 201 are both low shank machines as is (I believe) your 99-K. A couple of months ago I picked up a low shank adapter for clip on feet and now I can use all those clip on feet on both machines.

[@ruthkirkparick3535]

Strange but beautiful fabric. Navy is my personal favourite basic dark colour. You have reminded me to make my next winter coat with dolman sleeves and shoulder darts. I had forgotten how well they work for outerwear. It had been in my mind for the last coat--years ago now--but I was given some fabric that wanted to be a coat, just not enough for generous sleeves.

[@kathleenburns7065]

I’m getting caught up on all the sewing content I haven’t felt like watching in the past couple of weeks and working on some quilting blocks. Making a Harry Potter quilt by hand with some beautiful Seven Sister blocks. Love having you on while sewing anything; between the soft soothing music, your lovely voice and sewing projects makes it feel like I have a sewing friend to hang out with. Excited to go to a second chance Goodwill bin store tomorrow because everything is sold by the pound, hoping for some good fabric finds tomorrow! Wondering now if men’s ties would make a nice quilt topper?

[@marciam7301]

Beautiful dress! I picked up a quiet, cozy vibe in this video, which I think we all need now. Thank you so much from an ally.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

Wow! This looks wonderful and beautiful on you; because, it fits you. This looks like a great basic dress that every working woman should have in her wardrobe (black or in Navy blue). Have you ever installed a kick pleat in back (instead of an open vent)? "The less that you show, the more interesting you become."

[@bethknapp4935]

So beautiful ❤. I just love watching you create!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Beth!!

[@mandylavida]

So stylish, so elegant, so you. ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Mandy!

[@baricala]

I made something quite similar when I dressed up as Joan Crawford for Halloween last year. Of course I had to make my shoulder pads 3 inches thick to do Crawford justice 😂 You’re definitely giving me Crawford vibes at the end ❤

[@sewsewsewist785]

Stunning! I always learn something watching your videos... Thank you! ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@StopThatDana]

Motorizing a treadle machine is a cinch! It's just a matter of screwing a small motor to the end of the machine and getting the proper belt, both of which are readily available. I had to do this with my Singer 201-k that came to me from Britain and didn't have a US current compatable motor. I would love to get one of the lotus machines for that price here in the US! 😱 That's a real find!

[@leslietaylor1570]

Love the dolman sleeves!

[@gothictany73]

You are simply stunning and your skills are perfection! Thank you for sharing your craft with us. 🦇💕

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@sewcute_sewvintage]

Convertible treadle is the answer! I've seen it done because the machine body will still have the holes to mount the motor. You lower the machine. Flick the belt off for the treadle. Then you can slip on the belt for the motor. I've seen it mostly for places with power outage problems. And the vintage sewing machine motor seller is in Florida now. I can't remember their website name but they are helpful.

[@fancyfree8228]

Very flattering!

[@JulieandPress]

I don't want to be nosey, but I do hope to run into you some day during an antiquing foray. 🖤

[@paintingwithnicole]

elegant as ever, miss bianca! definitely been looking forward to this after the week ive been having

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Nicole!!

[@lefish5277]

Thanks so much I hate my shoulders because they’re super wide and not petite at all, but I’ve read dolman sleeves will soften out my silhouette and I do love how they feel

[@kimharrison8380]

Gorgeous!!!

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Such a lovely dress. Really enjoy your videos. Every time you do a sleeve like that I remember how much I like them. I really must make myself some fun things!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Robin! Bonus is these sleeves are extra comfy too ✨

[@richardharper992]

Incredibly smart and chic. Per always.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@angeladicapua3506]

Absolutely stunning 🥰

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Angela!

[@TheVioletWolf]

My fave sleeves

[@melodysimonson1510]

I always love the dresses you make. I need v to make me a pattern like this one. I love it!!😊❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Melody!

[@jac_and_the_making_of]

This is giving me the inspiration to finally make this type of dress and tick it off my list!

[@katecapek3116]

You can find a motorized Lotus (Egyptian motif) 66 for considerably less than $300.00. I prefer the 15's and 201's myself, but the 66's are still good machines.

[@julianachandler2975]

Great dress. Hope you have fun antiquing in it. 😊

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Juliana!

[@aprildriesslein5034]

I never wear pencil skirts, mostly because off-the-raxk ones never fit me, so I became convinced they just looked bad on me. Now I know I could make one to fit, and I think you've just about convinced me! 😅

[@drhelenloney1426]

I really liked that dress, as you say, looks very comfy but is very chic

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@angelagrimes8237]

Wow! Fab!

[@Drgn8DDragonsDungeon]

I feel like, from my understanding, a tuck is half a dart, and a pleat is only really secured at the top / seam but otherwise is just pressed into shape. so it comes down to amount of loose fabric and whether there's a "pocket" made at all from the stitching :) You may not be a purist but you do seem to have a lot of really good methods for doing things, and they tend to make sense to me at least! your methods have been very helpful in my own sewist journey. Appreciate you explaining all your processes! 💚 If Gutermann sent you a lifetime supply, they'd lose their #1 customer sales...! 😂😂😂 Even though the direction of the grain was mostly for practical reasons, I kindof really enjoy the contrast of texture direction between the bodice and skirt. It adds some extra interest to the design :)

[@debracrews5216]

20 thumbs up! I use lutterloh system and found tons of vintage patterns!❤

[@fikanera838]

So elegant! It reminds me of designer Jean Muir, whom I believe only wore navy blue, in pared-down, but elegant, designs.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@katperez7884]

Wow! Gorgeous ❤❤❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kat!

[@kirstenpaff8946]

I was just looking at Facebook marketplace and I think I saw the exact same Egyptian motif sewing machine for $150. Absolutely gorgeous, but I have no need or space for a treadle machine.

[@marieeaton-smith5168]

Gorgeous, looks so good.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Marie!

[@ellieinBG]

So excited for a new vid! Hope house hunting is going well for you.

[@LenaTate]

I love it!!!

[@adrianamancuso4917]

Wonderful!!! ❤ Impressive as stunning as always.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Adriana!

[@annhamilton2060]

It’s so easy to put a motor on the 66k. It’s one screw and a motor belt. ❤

[@SandraL489]

Thank you for the video, I love this dress!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sandra!

[@nuriagiralt617]

It's beautiful! Thank you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Nuria!!

[@teresas.3979]

I love the style.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@cristinastefan3283]

Thank you very much!

[@kjtherrick4031]

Enjoyed watching you make this lovely dress but was rather distracted throughout by my enviousness that while our weather outside is just below 90-degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity, you're enjoying cold weather with snow. What a difference 1,000 miles or so and higher altitude make.

[@madamethome5869]

Very beautiful!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@gwensteddy2038]

Gorgeous... Made my day 😁

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Gwen!

[@MWPNW]

I'll take three!

[@valeriea.gladstone6440]

Wow that fabric..I love the slight texture, but 4 way stretch…you are brave. Yes all tucks are pleats but not all pleats are tucks. Tucks are (typically) sewn down pleats are released…so it can be a combo of a tuck released into a pleat? anyway looks great!

[@davidh.4220]

Another hit, B!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you David!

[@neocat81]

it is so beautiful and classy! your construction always looks so easy and smooth. somewhat unrelated question. i LOVE your brooches. the royal family ware a lot of brooches but they always have a scrap of fabric behind them, it usually looks like taffeta. i always wondered why? the only thing i can think of is to protect the dress from the brooch. they are usually priceless artifacts so that tracks but the also look pristinely clean. like the late queen would ware a yellow dress suit with a pastel pink scrap with a diamond pin. it makes the piece look five times bigger. probably thinking too hard on this 😅💜💜💜

[@joannarutter]

Hello! I really love and appreciate your videos, they are always so insightfall. I've been wanting to sew a big wool coat that's not too tight and It would really help me if you could please make a video making a coat. I saw you didn't have something similar. Thank you for the consideration ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Unfortunately I really hate sewing thick wool fabrics and giant things, so I never make coats myself 😅

[@joannarutter]

@TheClosetHistorian Understandable, I'm finding it hard to know how to modify my pattern block to be worn over many layers. Like how much ease i should add, should i drop my armseye and how should line it. If you have any recommendations that would be great. Thank you for the reply ❤️

[@tishie42]

Ahh yes the secret pajamas style of dress. Thats what I call mine. They are beautiful but comfy and can be easily dressed up but can travel comfortably and wrinkle free mostly. 😂

[@kaytiej8311]

Definitely chic. I'll have 4, thanks.

[@annlidslot8212]

Hi, Me too. One in every color, please😉😊. Yours, Ann

[@JequirityBlue]

On pleats vs tucks: I've always thought of a tuck as something that is sewn DOWN like a dart, and a pleat is something that is sewn ACROSS along a (reasonably) perpendicular seam or stitch line. I have absolutely no basis for this. 🫠

[@sewcute_sewvintage]

I second this train of thought

[@edfishburn]

💚

[@CharredFibers]

Thats really cute. Im curious, do you have to put a zipper in the back since its 4 way stretch? Or could you just slip it over your head?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! The fabric wasn't /quite/ stretchy enough to just treat it as I would a knit. For a true knit I wouldn't use darts either 😅

[@lydzphens]

❤❤❤

[@michellecornum5856]

Love it!! ANd, if you're not going to do black, why not do the blackest blue you can find. I think I'm going to carry the dark tones into the December season, this year. Some deep purples and inky greens and midnight blues, I think.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Michelle! Dark jewel tones are always a good idea in my world ✨