Copying Butterick 2954 // Simple 1940's Dresses

[@shortsweettoo]

Hello Bianca. Just a quick note to say I am finally finished my Bodice pattern. It fits like a glove. I'm 4' 11" so it was pretty much essential. Thank you.... thank you. Could not have done it without you. Very soon the real fun starts. 😊

[@henrique5231]

Who is Bianca? Her name is The Closet Historian.

[@doblemaltita]

I am looking forward having time to do it!! Bianca is a great teacher and have helped me lost fear of pattern making :D

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Great job Debbie! Now the real fun begins!

[@ScarletFlame666]

Being pale with dark hair, most lighter / pastel colours make us look washed out. It’s a good thing to love black clothing, it looks amazing on us 😊

[@morganbrittingham7218]

Scissors- Most hardware stores will sharpen shears on the cheap, even if they don’t advertise as such. Ace Hardware and Harbor Freight certainly do. Grey dress- To me, that dress is begging for embroidered spider webs (which, coincidentally, would pair nicely with your bug brooches). Thanks as always for these demos, Bianca!

[@kristant4724]

Yay good to know about Ace hardware. Thank you for sharing!!!

[@dindranew.6808]

OMG yes on the spiderwebs! And thanks for the tip about Ace--a new one is going in down the street from me, so score.

[@killamoosdraree730]

I'll have to check with my local Ace Hardware. They are a franchise type business so there is a chance that not all Ace Hardware stores offer this service, but it's worth looking into! I am not sure if the traveling shear sharpener that used to go between Denver and Reno is back in business now that Panini restrictions are done with, but he was a go-to guy for a many years among local hair stylists... Speaking of which, if you indulge in visits to salons for haircuts, ask your stylist where they get their shears sharpened.

[@reavanante2160]

A lace overlay would be nice with that fabric.

[@meghanlancaster8747]

Thank you for the gray dress. I feel so vindicated. I've been sewing for nearly 60 years, but I never really learned how to match the fabric to the garment pattern, or vice versa for me usually. Combine that with the fact I lack the precision gene, and things sometimes went pretty awry. (Like you I made a lot of my own clothes when I was in my 20s and 30s.) Now I have a better idea of one reason some of my garments seemed so unlike the illustrations, and my visions. Will be watching your video on how to choose the correct fabric next. Thank you so much for your delightful patter. It makes my day.

[@marathorne6821]

If you ever come to the South of England, Bianca, get in touch, and be sure to bring the pastel dress - I shall throw a garden party especially so that you can wear it! 😁

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Most excellent, Devonshire cream and scones?

[@marathorne6821]

@@TheClosetHistorian absolutely! 😊

[@cynthiadugan858]

I wish I lived closer to you! Rayon tie dyes beautifully and I think we could do an ice dye on that and make something crazy beautiful … I even know how I would fold it🤣

[@carolynward5567]

Thank you for this video, I've had a skirt for over 20 years that I love, but I was never sure what fabric it was made from. It turns out, it's rayon challis! Now I can see about buying some to make some skirts and dresses.

[@auntnessy7340]

The neckline of the blouse you are wearing is so flattering. I watched you make it. It is something I added into a dress I’m making right now. Thanks for that.

[@coffemuse]

The comparison between the right and wrong fabric is really helpful. It's amazing how the same pattern can look stunning in one fabric and, well yes, frumpy, in another! Thank you for sharing both with us. Maybe with the grey dress you could cut back the sleeves and make a lace overdress? I hope you get a garden party where you can wear the gorgeous challis and big black hat 🖤

[@Voirreydirector]

Oh one of my favorites, and well done! I remember our community head librarian had one very like, she would wear it on Saturday for poetry club. She probably had had my aunt make it for her, actually, and I so looked up to her regal ease with which she carried it off. You remind me much of her, dear. I thank you.

[@ironducks]

'Make it straight' - the only time that this advice is applicable

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Facts ✨

[@caitmcg4382]

Love this gathered s-curve detail, how fun. And love how it's mirrored by the yoke on the grey version! The thing throwing me off with the grey one is how wide the sleeve opening is; maybe gathering that info a cuff would help echo the other gathering in the dress? Maybe try bleach "dyeing" it? Also love the piping idea someone already suggested. Maybe adjust the skirt to be more pencil than A-line, so the swish is lessened? These are always so fun to watch, thanks for sharing Bianca!

[@adamreynolds9816]

I love the bleach dye method!

[@bast713]

I agree the sleeves need a change!

[@meghanlancaster8747]

I think you mean discharging dye with bleach. Not all dyes on cotton/linen/rayon will discharge using chlorine bleach, but those that don't may discharge with a chemical called thiourea dioxide. Also, of course when using bleach, esp spraying, use safety precautions. And simple laundering will not remove all the bleach. Small amounts will hang around for a long time and eat your fabric slowly. At the least, fill both the bleach and fabric softener containers in the washer with vinegar (cleaning strength if you have it). Pool de-chlorinator is better, if you're going to do a lot of bleach discharge, but don't put that in your washer I think. I'm sure you can find a recipe online. And have fun with your textile experimentation adventures!

[@dawnvickerstaff9148]

I love the flowered dress even though you can't really see the S curve in all its glory. The grey dress shows it all but I'd wear the flowered version. Thank you!

[@chaeburger]

I love this detail on this pattern! Lace would be an excellent edition! It would be a good opportunity for more spiderwebs.

[@petapendlebury9024]

Ironing board.....I highly recommend a vacuum one - floopy fabrics don't slide off but more important it sucks the steam out of the fabric so it's much cooler immediately. No more burning your hand! Grey dress - even with beading will you be happy with it? It is very floopy! Don't wear it out in your current wind! The floral dress is beautiful. Maybe a line of trim on the curve to highlight it?

[@feliciadesmith5942]

Bianca, I’m so happy to hear you’re making a video of that wrap back top with a peplum! I want to make a little capsule wardrobe with something like that as an anchor and I had it 90% figured out in my head but the video will be a confidence boost.

[@sherrysenf-mcginn7693]

Hello Bianca. Love the first dress. It is gorgeous. I have to agree the 2nd dress needs something. I think that tie dying with some sequins accents could be fun while adding spiderweb lace overlays with sequined spiders could be chic yet playful. I do love the way the skirt of the gray dress swishes. Thank you for another fun and interesting video.

[@marcco44]

a zoom birthday party would be good, you'd have a lot more people there this time!! and 2 dresses sewn on one video, you knocking things out lady!!

[@melodysimonson1510]

Maybe a beaded or sequined lace on the yokes. A belt would make a beautiful accessory too. I love the design though. I really love the printed rayon challis. It really makes a beautiful dress.

[@belindagritter1572]

I always love it when you do these tutorials. For an extremely novice sewist as myself it’s like watching Penn and Teller do magic tricks. I have no idea what to do with the floopiest of the floopy dresses but it seems like something to stiffen the fabric without adding anything heavy to weigh it down like heavy beads and sequins might just make it fall out of shape and bulge in weird places. Sequins are very light though but you almost need to put them on with a bead or just sew the sequins on individually but how much of a pain would that be? I also just love your bug beading tutorials. You are an inspiration.

[@kindafoggy]

It's gorgeous! We found some of my aunt's high school dresses from the fifties. They used piping a lot to emphasize the interesting seams. Is it too late to add a bright contrasting piping at the neck and S-curve? Do you have recommendations for fabric sources for vintage yardage and textiles?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Only place I know to get vintage fabrics is Etsy really!

[@kindafoggy]

@@TheClosetHistorian I'll poke around in Etsy for some cute ones. Thank you for the tip!

[@anjaprachtstueckwerk7546]

Thank-you for this video! I terribly enjoy watching you sewing on time lapse! It´s so satisfying when you just have spent two whole weeks on only altering a dress....

[@reginatriplett9456]

I think some embroidered silver spiderwebs in the semicircles would be fun on the grey dress.

[@DanielleStJohn]

I have learned so much about darts from watching your channel. Thank you! Re: suggestions for the grey dress Some contrasting elements would definitely help it. A belt. Maybe some piping as a border for the yokes. Embroidery on the yokes could also be fun. I also think the loose long sleeves are adding to the frumpiness. Maybe shorten them to 3/4 sleeves with either flat structured cuffs or some gathered ruffley bits, either with contrasting fabric or with the same fabric.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Danielle!

[@trudicole3520]

That printed black fabric is very pretty and very flattering on you it's sad that you can't see the details but it is very pretty

[@davitakirkland348]

The grey one gives me bishop's wife vibes, like you just came back from choir.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

🤣

[@Neppy22]

I watch you make these things and you explain them really well and clearly... Flat drafting is still wizardry... Great fun to watch though! I love it!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@brookrose3023]

There are so many things you can do with this! The pieces don’t even have to be out of the same colored fabric❤️ I think the grey dress needs a pretty overlay thing maybe? I’m happy you showed it to us, even though it didn’t turn out like you liked. It is super helpful to see how to possibly save a project or make something more of what you like❤️❤️❤️

[@a.a.c2171]

I love both versions of your dress! Honestly the grey slinky one gives me huge Bride of Frankenstein vibes so maybe some white lace appliques? I love it!!

[@mhfmful]

Excellent job on both dresses! I really liked the second dress! It definitely showed the S-curve. Loved it!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@TheFreckledLassSeamstress]

Bianca, as always, gorgeous work and fabulous instructions. I adore the floral fabric!

[@lynnniblock8355]

You look lovely in both of these dresses, both equally stunning. Love your creations Bianca. Keep them coming for us all. Yes we learn so much from you too. ✂️🧵😊💕

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lynn!

[@vonibrown923]

In regards to the belt for the bobbin winder... I had been told to get a belt from the auto department..the older thicker belt look more like automotive belts... Take the old one or the new belt also to the auto shop to get the closest size.. I have a few Singers that have the older belts & they look like automotive car belt .. Hope this helps.. I will be doing the same do I have a spare belt at home fir the 99K, 201 & black 319K that are powered..some of my machines are hand crank or have spoke balance flywheels So I then have the option to fit the hand crank to them just in case there is power outage timeframe.. (& use a camp lamp for light & still sew..lol)

[@pennyplaysbach]

Yes to the floral one, but actually, the serious grey one is beginning to grow on me! I like the quietness of it. If you like Cadbury mini eggs, then you'd probably like Smarties, which we have here in Canada (maybe UK, too?) Happy Spring! 🌷

[@damogranheart5521]

In Minnesota Smarties are made by the Pierson Candy Company. I am afraid that I can Not be left alone in the same room with a bag of Smarties. I used to hunt through my children's Halloween Trick or Treat bags for them. I'm a bad 👩 mommy.

[@pennyplaysbach]

@@damogranheart5521 oh that's interesting to learn and a great story, too. Yes, we all need treats, that's for sure! I remember when Smarties started putting the occasional blue one in the box. It was such a thrill, "I got one!!" 😅 Doesn't take much, eh? Be well!

[@damogranheart5521]

@@pennyplaysbach They also make an excellent salted nut roll and a maple nut patty covered in chocolate. May you have a beautiful weekend!

[@pennyplaysbach]

@@damogranheart5521 thank you, same to you!😎

[@funkypunkypine]

This dress is simply stunning. I don't particularly like to comment on a person's body, but you have the most amazing figure. ANYTHING you wear looks just spectacular on you.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! This is very funny to my past self who hated her curves with a fiery passion and didn't let anyone take photos of her for several years 😅❤️

[@bbrosser694]

Bianca, I've learned a lot today from you. So, thank you very much! "I'll be back!"

[@krisbaker4095]

I like the gray dress. It just needs a black statement necklace.

[@katherinemalatt1665]

Gorgeous dresses love them both. I think a nice corsage or a fur collar would suit the grey dress. The design lines are so good on the solid grey. Love your idea of wear pastels but on a black background. I love your videos showing opening and closing the darts and cutting the patterns. They are very meditative.

[@mparis130]

My god, where have you been all my KZbin life?? 😂 I loved this dress and your pattern-making is seriously impressive!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@cathyandersen2984]

I love your wit and humor! Thank you for making sewing make sense!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Cathy!

[@Sew_Learning]

Love the floral dress…gorgeous! The grey dress really enforces the reality that the fabric can kill the garment. Its something that I struggle with which leads to a lot of procrastination to get started with a project. Had too many bad experiences with having chosen the wrong fabric. Thinking that maybe shibori dying in strategic places of the grey dress may enhance its appearance without taking away from the curve details. Thank you for sharing this with us! Sending best wishes from Down Under 💚💚💚💐🌺🌸🇦🇺😎

[@judyblum7597]

I buy bobbin winder rubber tires & presser feet for all my vintage singer machines from the Featherweight Shop. Great small business with excellent customer service. A bit of sparkle on the grey dress would help dump the frump. Do you think hot fix crystals would work? I’m not sure if they are as heavy as glass beads or not. Or a bit of embroidery with metallic thread. I know you’ll think of something to transform it into a beautiful dress! As a side note - I also sew over pins - I like living on the edge! Lol

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I indeed think hot fix would work, but they are another of those materials I used at a past job and therefore dislike for no good reason now 😂 Hot fix studs would be even more 40's really!

[@marybeth406]

This dress is just gorgeous! And that hat with it 👌🏾

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@pixiew93]

I normally don't like floral patterns, but I love that fabric. It's so pretty

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I love a floral on a black background best 😂✨

[@AmPlant]

If you do end up embellishing the second dress, please show us! I love seeing you make things sparkly

[@SewingScientist]

Love this dress! Such an interesting design feature.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@moonbasket]

I love the patterned dress and it would be so cool to use a large print like that and put a plain contrast color (like black) in the waist yoke section. I feel like that color blocking would look very cool.

[@m.maclellan7147]

I would love to see either the shibori dye or perhaps black lace on the Grey dress . Do love the floral dress.

[@grammykcutter6374]

I have several old Singer machines. I know what you are talking about the bobbin winder isn't able to grab the belt. I have wound a large wide gum band around the wheel of the bobbin winder so it has more grip and can touch the belt. It does work and is an easy fix that doesn't cost much. The black dress is so pretty.

[@martinkemp3906]

many thanks for your videos. A game changer for me, no fear in altering my own block you make it all so easy! The world in dresses is now my oyster thanks to you. Jo

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@apollonianeumer3094]

Thank you for the video Bianca, you always make me want to play with pattern drafting. The feathery toppper would pick up some of the colours in that dress quite well, I believe. Sadly I have no suggestions for the grey one.

[@tf7602]

Your voice is like soft butter, very smooth. I love the sewing content, but also very relaxing to listen to. Also the smooth jazz in the background, great vibe.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@fantasydesigns4104]

I love your video, I am currently watching this while preparing to sew three late 1940's early 1950's blouse-three of them to be exact, a total of 38 pieces. so yay me. I love watching and listening to your video's while I am sewing. 🪡

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Hope the sewing went well!

[@wombatschaefer5408]

Two beautiful dresses, lovely job, thanks!

[@thirza9508]

I've found bobbin winder rubber thingies on Aliexpress that work just fine, and they cost nothing! Might wanna try that out since they work on my Singer from both 1957 and 1917

[@luli237]

ohh yeeesss new video!!! my ears are ready for your positively marvelous voice, darling! and also for KNOWLEDGE!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@LS-vq2or]

I love love love this video it must have been SO many long hours of work omg the fact you decided to whip up another after this 😳 I just love the first one even if we can’t see the S design the fabric and design compliment your silhouette so nicely I find !! all the process was super inspiring too your videos are the best thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! ❤️

[@dizzyliz1x1x2]

I feel like a Juno by Dior Sequin vibe would be amazing on that silver dress. I hope you'll share whatever you end up doing with it!

[@caoimhenimhuireadhaigh1303]

I think sequin spider webs would look fabulous on the grey dress!

[@GrooveyBobby]

That floral fabric on black is just beautiful, the dress is gorgeous…I find myself watching your videos with a steamy cup of coffee and my feet up, so enjoyable - thankyou 😊👗

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@dellymel9840]

Great video, I really enjoyed watching your pattern manipulation, it was really well done. The first dress was lovely with great colours. Well done.xx

[@amaronith]

I looooove floral patterns on black - I have a black floral cane and purse, too!

[@ggc62]

Hi Bianca I love love this dress floral dress just beautiful, but the grey one not so much. You may have to gift it to someone if you dont plan to wear it. Loving your sewing tuturials, I would love to get more into creating my own patterns you make it looks so easy.

[@Sayyadina42]

That's SO cool! If I ever get brave enough to start drafting my own patterns this is something I would definitely want to try. Vogue did one of their vintage repro patterns with a similar curvy gathered design that I was really excited about, but after a couple attempts it still didn't fit right and I couldn't figure out how to fix it. For the gray dress, maybe some beads and sequins that really emphasize the line of that gather would be cool-- but only worth the effort if the fabric itself is really wearable. In any case it was still helpful to see it in the video! Thank you!

[@irmaledezma]

Your work is fabulous I can’t get enough of your videos thank you so much for all the time and effort that you put into them I am absolutely obsessed thank you again

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Irma!

[@weepingwillow1993]

This is a perfect pattern to play with color blocking, it would look cool to have one fabric/color on top and another on the bottom matching the yoke pieces to the opposite fabric (ex: skirt yoke in the bodice fabric, bodice yoke in the skirt fabric)

[@anitaturner2999]

Hi, Bianca. I do love challis prints! The first dress is fabulous. I can imagine how wonderful it feels wearing it. I don't have any suggestions on the grey dress other than a 3/4 sleeve. As others suggested, maybe a contrasting piping along the curves.

[@doloresgreen1563]

Love your bodice!!! 💖 Yummy gold nail polish. 💖Sharpies? Not me, I raid the washable markers and map colors from my granddaughters. 🤣 The first fabric is so beautiful. A small white, red, blue, green, yellow, pink, or gray piping will make that gorgeous S curve very noticeable. 💖 Yes, your hat will be Amazing. 💖 Bianca, have you ever used a roll hem foot? I tried and gave up. 😸 For garments, I have created and do not like, they land in the quilt scraps box. 😒 The second dress is a beautiful frumpy. 💖 The S curve design looks wonderful!!! 💖

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Dolores! I find a hem roll foot usually infuriating and have only got one to work once or twice

[@fraeuleinrosenmaier]

You look gorgeous in that rayon challis version! 😍 Soo pretty! Though the second fabric may really not have been suitable for a dress, it was still good for demonstration purposes of the design. 👍

[@snookiedoo]

Maroon piping and accessories would jazz that grey one up. Beautiful work ad always!

[@halfmiledrift3514]

Love the pattern, I would add a slip under the grey dress, to help it.

[@bethliebman8169]

Such fun! Enjoyed the dart manipulation wizardry. This choice was a good one from the Butterick Counter Book. I look forward to more inspiration from this catalog.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Beth!

[@pameldridge984]

Loved the flower print

[@woodenkat8971]

I like the piping idea. Embellished and beaded lace would look amazing. Fringe? Make it an apocalyptic zombie dress and cut bloody slashes into it? Use a bleach pen and paint ink to create cool patterns? Spider webs! Do top stitching spiderwebs in a machine emprodery thread!

[@bast713]

Top stitched spider webs would look AMAZING!

[@margiecook6379]

Love watching you work. Beautiful dresses!

[@jjdaes]

Just wanted to agree with many of the previous comments. I hadn’t thought of piping but yes I think it would look good. I personally think it’s the sleeves on the grey dress that’s giving it the frumpy look, gathering them in and putting a cuff on would help or just chop them off 😆 maybe a little fluttery sleeve would be nice with that drapey fabric? You make it all look so easy, one of these days I’m going to be brave enough to buy some fabric.

[@jeaninelovett]

Change to a peplum asymmetrical top. Take skirt material and cut out new blouse sleeves and add lace and, or sequins. Perhaps take out 1/4 inch on each side seam for a looser floupy blouse. It would look good over pencil skirt or black 1940s trousers.

[@alexandrawellington8028]

Brilliant patterns. A lace overlay on the grey would add some oopmh to it. xxx

[@DeniseMJoerg]

This dress is gorgeous! Very flattering and fits you perfectly! 👌 Black with the pastels suits you! I don't know about the gray. I'm not criticizing, trust me. You are very talented!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Denise!

[@minettegrocott4018]

Love the style of dress & that floral fabric is gorgeous

[@ericathefae]

Hmm, I think I would remake the longsleeved dress (though with a different sleeve ending - perhaps with a cuff?) in a better suited fabric, and then just use the grey dress as its lining. Or alternatively take it apart and reuse the fabric for something else, like a floofy blouse maybe (would laying the fabric double help give it a bit more body?)

[@patti8070]

I don’t think the grey is bad, love love ❤️ the black print too

[@Charliefarley170287]

Glad to hear another Mini Egg fan!

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

"That seems administrative to me. I'm not doing it." Oh, do I ever know that mood... and I adore that floral on black fabric... and being another who looks best in bold colours no matter how much I may like pastels, thanks for that advice on cheating... I did find a black neck lining when I made a lilac blouse did an amazing job of keeping me from looking ill while wearing pastel though, so I guess I already knew that, kinda. would adding the correct sized wide rubber band on top of the bobbin winder band work? Like, the really wide kind they put on produce? Just as a temporary till you find the correct part... or maybe hiding a few wraps of regular rubber band underneath the replacement part since I assume it's like my hand-crank's bobbin winder and sits in a groove? ...and every year I wreck my tongue on mini egg candy coating... And thanks for showing how you do your facings, every time I do one, I do it differently cause I can't remember how I did it before (because of course I made a pattern myself off a extant garment that was home sewn with perhaps less skill than I now have but more than I had when I made the pattern from it). I think what could make that grey dress look really nifty is if you tie-died just the yokes. Or the whole thing, but you want a little contrast between the yokes and the gathered parts that go into them... my $.02, anyways :)

[@jweg4051]

Bianca beautiful job as always!!

[@Odontecete]

Honestly, I'd use the gray as a lining to a silver/gray lace that isn't overly busy. Something simple that can highlight the S curve.

[@slothburglar]

I liked the patterned dress! I get it would be frustrating that the details wouldn't be obvious after all that work, but I like the subtle detail.

[@sharonhogan935]

What you could do with your bobbin rubber ring is take it of and add some thick cotton thread round the winder and put the rubber back, it will do until you find another one. I am 60 years old and find your patten drafting fascinating. Thanks

[@Siansonea]

Would starching the grey dress make it less floopy? I definitely think it needs some kind of embellishment, but I think it needs to be pretty subtle or it will overpower the structure of the dress. I think a very narrow self-belt would set off the dress nicely, and maybe a cluster of some kind of bead/sequin situation radiating out from the shoulder with the yoke, coming down onto the sleeve head and the main section of the bodice, almost completely covering the yoke and the corresponding area on the back. That would concentrate the embellishments on an area that is supported, and would help the S-curve at the waist feel more differentiated from the shoulder yoke. You could add sporadic clusters of embellishments throughout the dress as well, but I think keeping most of it above the waist would be best. Maybe combining this with an ombre dip-dye effect in a subtle grey-on-grey would be interesting, but it could also feel a little overworked, come to think of it.

[@wowzieee]

The floral dress is beautiful. Keep inspiring.

[@lindak8664]

Regarding your bobbin belt. I suggest you contact The Featherweight Shop, which is in America there somewhere. I don’t know if they have parts for the 99K’s, they came after the featherweights, but i’d bet they could steer you in the right direction. The rayon challis version was stunning! That fabric was beautiful, and it looked gorgeous on you. The colours really suited you 🥰 The grey one. Yeah…. I see what you mean. Very plain. But it was good to demonstrate the s bend. Just throwing out some random ideas. What about some beading on the non-gathered shoulder, in black, dk green, dark purple. Piping or a line of beading, would really accentuate the s bend. Either a v of beading coming down the sleeve from the shoulder or a black cuff on the sleeves. IDK. There are lots of things you could do on such a beautiful dress with that blank canvas. You’re a genius at that sort of thing.

[@geministargazer9830]

Yesssss! I requested this one ❤️ You’re right, I think the red, blues, and sage green are very 40s. Pretty much every colour of 2 piece dress/suit that I want lol

[@mimiandthemuse]

I loved that print and I'm not big on floral at all. Always ingenious as you cut and paste the patterns yo your liking

[@MorganeRainbird]

Thank you for this video ! I have always been afraid of making « solar gathers » , with you it just seems logical and easy ! You know how to make it look simple and it is a great talent. The final dress is just amazing

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Morgane!

[@guineapig1985]

Great dress! The grey dress could use some black lace applique IMO. And I agree that the sleeve is a bit odd...it needs more structure, like a cuff. Maybe a small bishops sleeve would look better. I wonder if you need more fabric in the gathers because of the full bust? Anyway, I always learn so much watching your pattern drafting. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

Maybe add a simple (darted rather than gathered) lining to the bodice...maybe in taffeta or another sturdy fabric. I spent way too much time wondering how one would translate, "noir garden party" for invitations. Fête noire au jardin or fête noire en jardin?

[@davederrick9431]

Hi, firstly I think you are brilliant 🙂 you have inspired me to draft my blocks for my own clothes. Re the bobbin winding tyre - I would check the local hardware & or plumber supply, I have often found interchangeable prices for equipment, clearly not what it was designed for, if it work it works.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@chippewagirl7299]

I love this dress also, seems I am just fan of your work. So happy I stumbled upon your channel. I can't wait til I can actually get to working on something for me. Need to make the bodice out of the foam board like you did. You could be a model for sure.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I'm far too short to start with ha 🤣

[@chippewagirl7299]

@@TheClosetHistorian Perhaps you don't give yourself enough credit. I'm going to share your channel site with my American Sewing Guild members in Maryland. I think you could do a teaching session for us at some point if you would be interested in doing such a thing. We offer seasonal workshops with various designers. Kenneth King is the current workshop going on for our fall 2023.

[@evelynmyree5153]

shiny lace overlays? with sequins of course