I made a 1940's dress using a vintage PLUS SIZE pattern || 1940's Friendsgiving

[@tejaswoman]

This is when we quote the late, great Douglas Adams: "I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by."

[@annematusiewicz3712]

At multiple points in this video I wanted to shout "Peicing is period! It's not a mistake, it's historical accuracy!" It's a mantra that has given much comfort over the years.

[@StephanieCanada]

I have to remind myself if that all the time!

[@dragnflei]

To be spoken in the voice of Bernadette Banner 😅

[@gleann_cuilinn]

I almost always make my own bias tape and all I use is some clear plastic rules and a pencil and an iron. I measure and cut the strips, then sew them together, then I measure, mark, and press the folds. Doesn't take that long and I find it really satisfying!

[@donnarouse9432]

I made a sailor dress from way back. The fabric i chose had a border print. So i cut out 3 fold pieces. It made the skirt a little fuller. It included a bustle long sleeve and the sailor (cracker jack flap. It was a costume.) I worked at joanns and the manager let us dress up the week of halloween. Not an accomplished sewer but good enough for me! And i took home ec back it the mid 70's. First project was a smock top. With help from my momma!

[@mariegarside8830]

Putting sewing glitches to the naughty corner. Laughed so hard I scared the neighbors

[@howcanikeepfromsinging]

I like the fabric - it's feminine e without being overtly cutesy. And wow, that is a bow!

[@StephanieCanada]

It sure is a BOW!

[@trishayamada807]

My great gran would have added a yellow belt. She loved yellow with that color palette.

[@lindasheets1767]

Stephanie, I like you and your dress turned out nice ❤

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you very much

[@belledobson2007]

Watching you is like watching me. I’m such a procrastinator, I’m never doing what I’m supposed to be doing. I have a life moto that I’d like to share with you. If it wasn’t for the very last minute, nothing would get done 😂

[@talllala]

😂😂😂

[@heatherphillips3349]

As a home sewer for the last forty years, I have in the past made every mistake! I think it looks great on you! I think the bodice of the dress would make a great blouse! You take your bias and iron it into curve for the neck and front!

[@mandycollins8795]

You remind me so much of me and how I tackle projects. Recently discovered I'm adhd. Makes so much sense! 😅

[@snooksmcdermott]

I honestly thought you looked like my grandma in the late 1940's, but she was awesome, so that's a compliment!

[@StephanieCanada]

Aww thank you!! That is QUITE the compliment.

[@snooksmcdermott]

@@StephanieCanada I miss her very much. She looked like Rosemary Clooney.

[@mrcanada1104]

For the record, everyone in the house likes tacos and donuts and Sprinkles cupcakes. We are on the larger side, because yummy deliciousness!

[@SewRena]

Ok I absolutely loved the dress, but I get it because I low key hated mine 😂. This was a fun video

[@pmclaughlin4111]

I must confess-if you lose the bow and add a funky oversized, dare I say, vintage, broach-It is one of my favorite dresses ...You can't see the problems in the video. You can add a gored A-line skirt for more swirl. Add a shoulder dart on the back Of course the best best thing about the video is your Gilmore Girls T shirt...I need it

[@StephanieCanada]

yeah I think the bow is what made me feel super top heavy. And the pulling at the back is from that silly bias which I will be removing. The Gilmore Girls Tee is very old (like I bought it while the show was running) and I don't recall where I got it.

[@deemetzger5779]

I love it!

[@wadenyoost1796]

Watching you gives me shades of the 1960s I Love Lucy show where Lucy Ricardo cut that dress out on top of her carpet :-) Ever see it. You are also hilarious and a joy to watch. Thank you for your videos.

[@eileenhildreth8355]

You do zippers the way I was taught in the 60s. Cute fabric and dress.

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much! Yeah, this is just the best way for my brain to work with zippers, and while they aren't perfect they do the job.

[@Nurse3811]

I assume you gals mean you like regular zippers better than invisible ? Me too! I feel like invisible are flimsy and going to stop working . I trust regular zippers , done the way you did, best!

[@jahbern]

I just bought an invisible zipper foot and I feel like such a grown up! I’m only 45, so I guess better late than never 😂

[@KatheD]

My grandmother had her fourth and last child (my mother) in 1933 and I swear that when I knew her (mid century) she was wearing dresses just like that - well done!

[@elizabethw.6154]

I would totally split the project into two pretty pieces. A cute top with a minorly flaring hem and then a more straight line skirt. You could turn over the waist which would make the skirt raise up a little bit, but you wouldn't even have to add any extra fabric, you could even make it an elasticized waist. And then in the shirt, just fix the issue of the back neck/upper shoulder area to make it lay better. Then they could both be two cute pieces. And much more readily wearables.

[@lynn858]

Part of the top heavy look might be related to the sleeve length. The Closet Historian solved it on a garment by angling the sleeves to be shorter on either the inside or the outside. (I can’t remember which direction. Either might work. But if it’s shorter on the outside it would visually angle into the waist area.) Shortening or lengthening the sleeves, so they don’t visually add to the bust area, would be another option. I’m also a fan of the brooch or contrast bow options. The fabric is great. When you’re ready to remove it from the naughty corner I hope you’ll film it, even if it’s just a short or photos on insta. I’m curious to see what works, even if it’s ages from now. My bin of “naughty” has stuff that’s been waiting years. :)

[@kieraoona]

the bias tape making is a mood. Great Gir reference cause that's a mood!

[@deejustdee1234]

I know you are frustrated with it and it belongs in the naughty corner, but I think the dress is cute 😍

[@patbiricz9261]

Love your dress and your channel Stephanie

[@bowtiebetty820]

A great job Stephanie, and you look adorable. Be Proud!

[@Ellaodi]

This is super cute and that big bow is EVERYTHING. I always underestimate how good a giant bow will look

[@LaughSewCreate]

Concur on the bias binding-why is it that in this day and age we don't have better, softer stuff? It's like the McDonald's of bias tape :)

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

I’m so glad you persevered. It’s a good reminder for us who aren’t as experienced that mistakes as normal. I hope to see it again when it comes out of the naughty pile and is fixed to your satisfaction! 💓

[@CyberMercy]

Hey, well come to Mindfull Sewing, from a comfortable position in front of your pattern, feel your contact with the floor as you sit, breathe in and out, and say It'll Be Fine. Use a candle for a patern weight, as you trim. Expierence the soothing pastry spice smell as you breath in and out, feel contact of the scissors open in and out. And say I'll be fine. As you unpick stitching be in that moment, don't reflect on past actions, don't anticipate future mistakes just listen to the sound of the stiches popping as you breathe in and out and say it'll be fine.. Great Vidi Great result!

[@kirstencoats4262]

Good job! I totally get how frustrating this project was, but it's actually really cute. The dress needed the big a** bow! You're probably too close to the project to see how well it turned out. If you ever do a 1940s hair, makeup, stockings, shoes, dapper day look, this would be perfect. 🤓

[@mandylavida]

You look lovely in that beautiful dress. Good job!

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much!

[@sharonrussell7933]

Really love it because there's plenty of room for boobage.

[@linda9731]

Dang Girl! That dress looks so fab on you. I love the darker fabrics with your complexion. Awesome.

[@elainebye9090]

I love the dress, but I can see your reservations. And yes, I'm afraud it's a little grandmotherly. May I have it? Im a grandmother! 😂😜

[@SewSewDrew]

I love this dress! Everything about it

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you love! ❤❤❤

[@alewis2812]

I find this dress so cute.

[@robinlarsendiy]

What a fun concept of 40's friendsgiving. I too love taco's and doughnuts and cupcakes and therefore am curvy girl, so I struggle with the fit and style of the aesthetics of the vintage styles. I love them on other girls and in photos, but they always end up also making me feel like my grandmother. I will say, even though you struggled with this one, and don't love it, it is still very pretty on you.

[@victoriahrh6703]

I learned one thing from you. Sew slowly. It isn’t a race. Typically I gun it and ruin everything.

[@candicerimell2601]

I think it looks lovely 😊

[@daedubois9428]

I'm late to this party but I'm loving it.

[@janfranklin2114]

It looks good in the reveal to me 🤓 I think the comment of adding a broach was spot on. I think the pattern has potential. However it is a fact that certain silhouettes flatter more than others, I personally think this one looks good on you.

[@brendano5440]

Too freakinn FUNNY 🤣🤣 A I want to make sure you hear this. . . You hair color is awesome . So much more photogenic than the red. It is a COMPLIMENT STEPHANIE, please don't come for me because I ❤ you!!!

[@amilan409]

Beautiful ! ... just my thought here, I would have made the bow out of contrasting solid aqua ... I love contrasting, especially on 50's looks. Example I just scored a torrid black & white stripe Barbie dress ( women's size, not Barbie sized...lol ) and the zipper is pink, which I was "eh" at, at first ... BUT then I started thinking .. dress is strapless, it needs a pink belt, bolero, shoes and purse ! Contrast ! 🙂

[@goodshepard00]

You're fantastic! Thanks for the video.

[@missilotze2985]

I think it's very flattering and id totally wear that pretty dress!

[@valeriemann5121]

Another fabulously entertaining video. I just enjoy watching your journey! You always end up with such lovely stuff. Brilliant. fun fun fun.

[@aprilgarcia8224]

I love the dress. I prefer the 1950s but it fits u well and is really nice.

[@margogunstone195]

I really don't like how much you put yourself down. You put so much effort and time into the dress and instead of seeing the beautiful dress you created all you could see were the minor flaws. The dress is beautiful on you, it reminds of a picture of my grandma from the 40's and she was gorgeous, and so are you. Might I suggest that instead of picking apart the flaw's of the garment you have finished that you find the best things about it. Everyone can find the flaw's in ourselves it's very hard to find and vocalize the praiseworthy. Now I shall take my soapbox home, thank you. 😁

[@AllieAtkinson]

I loved this on you before the bow, really flattering in my opinion.

[@ssujh1]

Love that fabric

[@CarolSmith_authoress_]

Just amazing!

[@1953childstar]

I feel that you did a very good job !!! The fabric print had the perfect "vibe" for the era, but I would "venture to think", that a light rayon ( so fun to sew with ) would have been an indicated fabric..

[@simmkath56]

You need to add shoulder pads if you want the 40's silhouette. I have very square shoulders (can often get away without them) and you have nice rounded shoulders. With pads, the shoulder pleats would be vertical and the sleeves would flare, and in generally the top would seem less bosomy.

[@mardigra1916]

Excellent 😊

[@rachellynncreates2703]

Frugalisama has a tutorial on how you can make bias binding out of a 10 by 10 square.

[@sandreawhite7534]

I think the dress looks very pretty!

[@joellenglasgow5373]

My mom would take out any seam or zipper that was not smooth and nice. So frustrating! But I learned how to take my time and STOP when I hit a bump to start again later. You did a great job and it did need the bow!

[@JenInOz]

I have one word for you: perendination. It means "putting something off until the day AFTER tomorrow" ... so, procrastination on steroids.

[@blufaerie]

I also like tacos and cupcakes. We are now family. Thanks to you I can upsize patterns! I love how it came out! I understand why you didn’t like it, though. Too bad you don’t have more fabric or you could add panels to the skirt. Maybe?

[@neenathatsews1085]

I really like this dress! I especially love that bodice with those little pleats- and the bow is adorable! Great job with a tough pattern~

[@pamelahaltmeyer.1288]

That is an elegant dress!

[@madelynl.5351]

I liked it! And You are hilarious!

[@LuluRushCosplay]

I love lace binding for rayon and crepe. It keeps a drape nicely

[@saravis56]

I love the dress on you. It looks great! Put a tiny pleat in the middle of the sleeve hem.

[@leamacleod5903]

Delighted to discover your channel. Love vintage. But never plus size. But yours are 🥰

[@margiecook6379]

You are right ,my grandma rocked that dress in the late 40s. The dress has great lines and you shouldn't fuss to much! My grandma was a beautiful woman with great taste in clothes. She even made this in the 50s. I can see her now in navy blue dress white shoes, hat and gloves on Easter morning.

[@JudithJoice-nk7mf]

It looks beautiful. Great job!

[@alisonbeiko2050]

Loose the bow and add either smaller version or a broach! This dress suits you the fabric is beautiful. Please don’t be mad at it for too long. ❤️

[@MaryPoggemann]

So sorry you were disappointed with your reveal. I loved your 40s style dress. I just found you today. Really enjoyed listening to your banter!

[@Carmen-nq8ex]

Love the dress, hate the bow and I still love that I found someone who sews like I do!🤣 Consider yourself adopted! Keep the laughs coming!!

[@janisi9262]

Aww, cute, chill Stephanie! I love the braid! And I love the finished dress! Understitching the bias/facing will help keep it in place, and steaming the bias might help it curve properly. Personally, I would remove the bow. If you still want something at center front, a smaller bow or a broach would work without being so in-your-face. Maybe a big, fancy button? If you want to go cheap and easy, hot-glue a big ol' fake flower to a pin back and pin it on! (That's a fave fix!) A belt might break things up, too. Really, I think you're too close to the project right now to see the fact that you did a beautiful job, and it fits well. Try coming back to it in a month or two, and I think you'll feel a bit better about it.

[@obsidianrosestudio2663]

I love making self bias for garments. It just works so much better even if it is a pain. 😁

[@EdenYell]

I like it. Maybe making the bow smaller would help it not feel like a Granny dress?

[@michellecornum5856]

Yeeeah, I only railroad my zippers, and I'm all right with that. I like the dress. And yes, I hate facings. I have yet to meet a facing that lays flat for me. I like the bow! Good job. You persevered in spite of all the questions the project asked. YAY!

[@KenZchameleon]

it's now December 2022 and KZbin suggested a mix of your videos. I saw your "1K Q& A" and you said you'd pick 1940s as your era to live in. Me thinks this is pattern would not be found again. 😂 also, your subscribers are now in the 16.4k range CONGRATS! 🎉

[@annewhitney8809]

Fits nicely through your waist. Skirt is flattering.The shoulder isn’t defined enough. I never buy or make things with a raglan or batwing sleeve. Great presentation. Hope you have figured out a way to alter it so you wear it.

[@maryrottman1530]

Just found this video, you are so cool! I think the dress looked nice on you. The bow you worked so hard on could have been just a mite smaller, but the whole effect was very nice. Take care and don't lose your sense of humor.

[@winwinmyfriend4727]

Awe I thought it looked adorable I wish I had one lol. I love it.

[@njejlester1603]

That’s really cute!

[@MysteryMommy1]

So cute!!!!

[@lisamartone9200]

From here it looks great. I think the color is what makes it look like a granny dress try a lighter color with larger flowers and it will look great on you

[@blktauna]

I really like the fullness control at the shoulder. Its great for you. The bow is a bit much. Maybe darts on the shoulder in the back. I think it looks better on you than you think it does.

[@MargrietOrtner-Tijmons]

Now that I see the end result of this dress, I realize that I have an original 1940s dress with such a huge bow. It is made of a relatively thick polyester-like fabric. No idea what exactly because someone made it themselves. It could also be that someone made it later with an older pattern. I bought it about 12 years ago when I was in charge of a thrift store. Nice to see.

[@damoneugenerich]

Adorbs!

[@cor3944]

You need the right undergarment and a broche or silk flower. I like the dress❤

[@elizabethw1142]

Pardon me, but I think this looks just ducky! I'd love it!

[@erihanaryan9832]

Loved it, beautifully made. Liked the bow but liked it better with just the v neck. Loved the creative response to problems. You look great in it. Thanks, your sewing is inspiring. Hope you are wearing it by now,!

[@sandreawhite7534]

I’m so excited. I just found the perfect pattern to make a shorts/skirt for my daughter. I just ordered it from your website! Simplicity 4241. Shes almost a perfect size 12.

[@sandreawhite7534]

Theres no seam allowances on this pattern. It’s as if someone cut inside the pattern lines. Idk if it will fit her. I tried reaching out to Stephanie and her company but never heard back. As much as I love the vintage patterns this is one expensive lesson I’ve learned so I will no longer buy these patterns.

[@mollysmith6055]

I love this video and your project (wow, you remind me of my little sister SO MUCH!) but I have to say now I am completely afraid to use any of my vintage patterns. lol

[@starr404]

Beautiful dress! I liked it better without the bow! Thanks for the video ❤

[@brendabelcher3197]

It's much better than you think it is!

[@ruthkirkparick3535]

I love it.

[@gnviev]

You look stunning 😍

[@emilycummings3125]

That's an amazing dress! Great job!

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much!

[@marciac.9634]

You are great. I do love the shoulder darts.

[@thomastheman7331]

I love the dress. You only need bias for curved edges. Straight of grain fabric strips work best to face straight edges, and like you said, a shaped facing for the curve of neckline. Understitching the facings to the seam allowances helps it to lay nice. Then you can stitch in ditch the neckline facing into shoulder seams, or top stitch, but that’s not dressy enough for this one.

[@lisahodges8299]

As soon as I saw this pattern I wanted a contrast bow and I desperately wanted to sew for you. You look lovely not like granny.... Now please make a georgette floppy bow. Then I have to search for this pattern for myself! Birdy

[@StephanieCanada]

A contrast bow might do it! Thank you for the idea.

[@wowzieee]

Such a lovely pattern. The dress is so cute. I believe in you. Keep inspiring.

[@grandymommy4531]

I like it (but I am a granny). I think 1940's styles are very figure flattering and even though so many of us are plus sized these days, todays styles are not always flattering. Yes, it's similar to something my grandmother would have worn. But! She was a very tall and big lady and she looked good in dresses with a similar cut. She had a chiffon, or maybe crepe, cream with green polka dots dress that was my favorite when I was small. It will also look better with a slip, which young girls never wear anymore.

[@lindagraff2484]

Very nice

[@marywest2896]

new viewer....am enjoying your style...

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you Mary! That is very kind of you.