Making a 1940's Evening Gown // Pattern Drafting & Sewing

A sewing diary for one of my recent projects featured as the final gown in the film noir look book. Today I show how I drafted the off-white crepe gown's exaggerated bodice (worn over shoulder pads in the look book for full 40's oomph) and sewed up this dress made from a rather unfamiliar textile in my workroom.
Remember...the wider the shoulder looks, the smaller the waist appears ha!
Music and Sound Effects from Epidemic Sound.
Where I get my pattern drafting paper: atlaslevy.com/Paper_c_13.html (not sponsored)
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But wait there's more! A PO BOX finally wahoo!
First, a disclaimer: So many of you have kindly offered to send me things, including vintage items you may have inherited, and I am so honored you would think of me and of course I do adore vintage treasures, however, unfortunately I only have so much storage space currently! So there is a chance that if something just wont work for me, or doesn't fit me etc, that I may not be able to keep all of your lovely things. Please only send things if you are okay with the possibility that I may donate items I just cannot keep. If you would prefer I put things that I can't keep into the TCH Etsy shop to help raise funds for me and the channel, please specify this in a note or letter in your parcel. Thank you so much!
Bianca Esposito
PO Box 632177
Highlands Ranch, CO 80163
Thank you for watching!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Okay so polyester isn't exactly dinosaurs, but like super ancient zooplankton is also pretty wild okay? www.plasticstoday.com/materials/sorry-folks-oil-does-not-come-dinosaurs

[@TracyLynnAP]

Thats how I think of polyester too.. I am so glad I am not the only one who calls it dinosaur fabric lol

[@kiplarson4469]

Love your video! You might want to think about doing a blind hem for the hem. I’ve sewn hundreds of dresses out of polyester crape(white in fact) and the blind hem gives the hem the best looking results. I serge the bottom of skirt, fold up 2” then blind hem stitch with a blind hemming foot. Or I do it by hand while watching Netflix or my favorite KZbin channel. 😉

[@amysullivan2414]

I love the idea of dinosaur fabric! I think I’ll steal your phrase and use it with my grade 7 sewists😆

[@joiedevivre2005]

I also thought oil came from dinosaurs. I guess "Schoolhouse Rock" lied to us all!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kip! I shall give this a try!

[@evilgeniusy]

Things I learned from this channel: 1. My body is never wrong. If the clothes fit wrong, then it's the fit that's wrong. (And fit can be changed.) 2. When it comes to vintage, hair and make-up are pretty essential. 3. Matching accessories are awesome and fun. 4. Color is good. 5. Positive attitude, defined goals, and hard work will bring your dreams into reach. 6. Beauty is not vanity. It wakes up the soul and makes the heart sing.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

🥰 Ahhh thank you! I would love to impart all of these things indeed ❤ Though I would say that with the retro hair and makeup thing, it's less that the are absolutely essential, more just that they are surprisingly 50% of the general effect, so like...one doesn't have to have retro hair and makeup, but almost /any/ outfit will look vintage with those things ha 😅

[@jonespaperemporium4930]

Poly and Ester are the sisters I try to not invite to my house very often. However, when they come over, I try to frou-frou them up a lot so they at least look good.

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

This off white gown looks fabulous on you, the shaping details are really interesting. I'm currently sewing poly crepe wide leg pants for my mom, I inherited my late grandmother's fabric stash which includes nylon, polyester, and a beautiful wool suiting. I'm too poor to be a fabric snob, I just made your puffy sleeve peasant blouse out of a white cotton bed sheet, lol. It looks great with my red bed sheet flounced petticoat, very pirate wench. 😁

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Natalie! The pirate wench outfit sounds most excellent ❤

[@samwhyatt8685]

If all you can get is poly, then get poly. If you're making it into something you're going to wear, it's not a waste 😊 As for 'opportunity for getting glammed up', dear Lady, getting out of bed is all tbe opportunity you need 😅😅

[@missnikin]

hhhh yes the white dress tutorial!! I don't know where I would wear such a thing, but I need to make this asap. I've learned so much about fabric selection and content from listening to your musings, so these long chatty making videos are wonderful.

[@rachellynncreates2703]

I think you should just wear it. Everywhere... bookstore, hiking, fabric store... do it! And take pics.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Nicolette!

[@shirleydrake1602]

You should have a virtual New Years Eve party. We can get dressed up in our favorite pajamas, pull up whatever movie we want to watch, something historical, maybe 1940s or so. We can get ourself a bottle of wine, a mixed drink or even beer and enjoy each other’s company.

[@StephanieCanada]

Wearing dinosaurs, best colloquial description of polyester I have ever heard. I personally hate polyester and I wish that we could find a better sustainable fabric that decomposes, but cotton uses a huge amount of water, so who knows. I love how this came out and I also love that I am not the only one that refers to herself by only last name.

[@sharpduds]

A summer-weight wool crepe is perfect for swish, silk ideal for summer and winter, and linen for that casually crumpled-yet-still-smart look

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Stephanie! I always prefer a natural fiber first, a rayon second, and polyester last, but some really cool metallic effects are only possible in poly so ehhhh, it's annoying

[@HUDSONVINTAGE]

I want to see a rayon crepe in that lavender grey that they only made in the 1940's

[@janisi9262]

I have a rayon knit in that colour, but it's COMPLETELY transparent. It won't hold still well enough for lining and I'd have to use a slip or something similar, whenever I decide what to do with it.

[@liddybird3608]

Oooh. That would be nice.

[@darklymoonlit]

oml Yes please!

[@annlidslot8212]

Hi, First of all, thank you for the content. So lovely as to spend 40 minutes with you. A couple of thoughts to completely ignore. You might know this by now, there's no judgment included in my comments. Ever. My first, Polyester; as my stash is still very small I can afford to decide not to buy polyester and go all natural and preferably organic or vintage. If I had polyester in there, already bought, I would use it as one of the "I did the best with what I knew at the time. When I know more I do better". The dress looks so good on you, so wear it around the house doing dishes and some vacuuming or clean out the litter boxes, or something. It is 2020 after all, and you and everyone else deserve some glam in their life just about now. And as you said, it's just polyester. So my next thought, time management; by the laws of my country the longest hours you can legally work is 43 hours a week, or 2000 something hours per year (it's getting late and I don't feel up to look it up properly, sorry). We are also required to use four of our five weeks of vacation. The last week you can push forward and use in any of the next five years. that means that you can use your five weeks and ad your collected five weeks, and use them together for a ten weeks vacation week vacation. Many young people do this and go traveling. Anyway, these laws are based on studies done on performance over time, and this was the most optimal time to be useful at work. So we don't only have these rights but also the obligation to stick to these rules. The whole thing started in the 60's I think, but all in all they still work. Of course people starting up a new business don't go by these rules all the time but most realise that the rules actually work quite well to prevent burnouts. So what is this story doing here? Well, how many hours would you put in if you worked for someone else? Maybe that used as a guideline? Plus maybe some hours extra per week, as you are working for yourself building a business. Thirdly, I like this less formal commentary in your content. It feels very real, and shows a side of you we don't get to see a lot. I enjoyed it. But then again I followed you happily not learning things, and spending time just because. Take care of yourself. Yours, Ann

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Ann!

[@historiansrevolt4333]

You could say you are giving yourself a break before continuing with the cicada dress. OR you are giving us something to look forward to in the dark days of January or February. :)

[@believeinfaeries8713]

Exactly! Need something to look forward to in the deep of winter!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you 😅 Winter is dull anyway indeed, needs more gothic vampy costuming for sure!

[@believeinfaeries8713]

All seasons need more gothic vampy costuming.

[@clairebonnstetter5722]

YES!!! Please someone make solid 4o's style rayon crepe and cottons!! I find these days good, vintage quality cotton is almost impossible to find as well.

[@amyjanefrater1447]

This dress is a long, cool drink of water. Big shoulders with a tiny waist is a swoon! The fabric is plenty glamorous with the 'fur' coat in the look book. Bravo

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Amy Jane!

[@averyt9600]

The drape of this fabric is incredible! On the poly debate note, I try to avoid polyester if at all possible, but I will use it if my budget requires it. In general I try to find secondhand fabrics so I’m not contributing to production and feel slightly less bad if I have to use synthetics.

[@idrisa7909]

I'm similar but honestly it's practical- I live in Georgia, polyester is the fucking devil and both me and my mother have had a strong aversion to it for years. I'll go for it if it's an interesting brocade (I've got one that looks like red leaves), and/or it's 50% or so of the fiber content because the first is just hard to find, and in the case of the latter the polyester is much less noticeable

[@nicoleandtime]

You've inspired me to start sewing my own wardrobe (my Nonna who was a lifelong seamstress passed in 2019 and teaching myself to sew also makes me feel closer to her). I am going slow and carefully and only buying natural fabrics. My main reasoning is that I am prone to overheating and want a wardrobe that will breathe.

[@mrs.knecro7044]

Sooo synthetic fabrics, are a yes for me cause I’m a beginner and it’s what I can afford. As much as I would LOVE 🤤 to buy all the beautiful wools that I see people use in videos my bank account and my brain say no cause bill and food come first. That being said, I do try to use thrifted fabrics like sheets, table cloths things like that. So while it’s a pain to sew with sometimes it’s all just learning and I say they are wearable mock-ups for when I can afford natural fibers and maybe not from large chain stores like joanns.

[@Gandellion]

I once wore a polyester shirt out one evening and we decided to go clubbing. Sweatiest I've ever been in my entire life.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Indeed polyester and nightclubs do not mix, despite what the 1970's may have implied 🤣

[@missimagoodlady]

I actually came across your handle in my search to learn about natural fabrics and sewing with them :) I guess it’s a harder journey than I thought. No judgement. We all live in a world full of plastics, and must all balance human needs and wants with what the world can allow us.

[@colettebramwell-colyer]

Ooh I want to recreate something like this with some of the crepe back satin I have had in my stash for years. I am tired of wearing comfy clothes everyday and want something glam for the holidays... even if I am only staying home and likely not going anywhere this Christmas.

[@shirleydrake1602]

It’s ok to use anything you like, while sewing your projects. There’s an old song that says “whatever gets you through the night,, is all right”. Just transfer that attitude to your sewing. Also, you do know , the problem with working for yourself is your never off, right? I love this dress!

[@robbiecrafter]

I like your chatty videos and I totally understood what you were doing at the side hip of the skirt.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Rob! I got to the footage and was like "how the eff are you going to explain this?!?..."

[@michellecornum5856]

Ah, yes, the sins and guilt of polyester. You have it, use it, better to hang in your closet than lay in a landfill. The good news is, we live in Colorado, where we can wear these beautiful vintage dresses with their short sleeves, et al, to Christmas and New Years parties (or at least, we used to could) in - 40 degree temperatures with only a light shawl. Of course, these are the only temperatures you can wear these dresses in without getting a sweat mustache. This was sooo lovely, regardless. And it looks sooo Vintage Hollywood!!! Love this. Stay warm! (I hope it's snowing up there, it finally is down here!)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Michelle! Indeed in our wintry chill here polyester is no problem, perhaps a glam visit to see the Denver Ballet's Nutcracker in the far distant future...❄

[@michellecornum5856]

@@TheClosetHistorian Ah, a girl can dream . . .

[@shirleydrake1602]

After Covid, you should take a. cruise with a friend. You would then Have somewhere to wear your beautiful gown. If you don’t have a close friend, put together a Fans of The Closet Historian cruise. If you get together a group, you can end up with one or two free cruises for yourself. You could bring your mom along, and do a couple classes to teach pattern drafting for your basic pattern and how to make a few of the changes you do so easily. You could even really hype it by having a monthly sew along for a few months before departure. On the cruise everyone. Could model their creations. What fun! I watched a episode of Evelyn Wood where they had a fashion show for a mature, vintage designers. Each designers had three outfits. I think daywear, resort wear and possibly evening wear. It was neat to watch.

[@gerileemakes]

I love listening to voice over you yell at past sewing you. 🤣 Also your Christmas decor on your background is cute and the dress is lovely. And I hope one day we can all afford wool crepe.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Geri! May we all have wool crepe one day indeed 😂

[@nataloves]

Unpopular opinion, I love synthetic fibers! They allow me to make the garments in all kinds of textures colors and patterns, and I can just chuck them in the wash. I've had many pieces for ages and my favorite piece is a poly dress from the seventies with permanent pleats! I'm also under no illusion that natural textiles in my shop are ethically or sustainably made. I hope my poly garments are thrifted fifty years from now and can continue to be worn proudly.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

It is nice to think of garments lasting, becoming the vintage of the future. Things just have to be made nicer than a lot of fast fashion poly things are so things aren't considered so disposable anymore. Polyester definitely has it's strengths, like metallics and fun wild effects achievable no other way!

[@fatimaamin8668]

I clicked so fast! The lookbook was so gorgeous, and I couldn't wait to see you design/sew one of the pieces!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Fatima!

[@tempesttormented]

Your videos are a treasure in the dark days of 2020. You're quickly becoming one of my favorite KZbinrs since you actually show us how you draft your patterns and make alterations.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I would love it if more people took up pattern drafting really, so I try and show it can be done!

[@HimeBlackOnyx]

You are quickly becoming one of my favorite content creators. Your personality and of course your sewing skills are amazing. And such a beautiful final product.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Onyx! ❤

[@katherinemorelle7115]

I feel you in how much fabric has changed (let’s be honest, gone downhill significantly) and how that makes vintage and historical sewing much more difficult. I just want a good quality, densely woven medium weight linen. None of this loose weave business. A decent white linen. Linen today is nothing like what it was in times past, and that makes my life very difficult.

[@katherinemorelle7115]

Polyester is the devil. That’s my thoughts on polyester. Awful stuff, and I avoid it whenever possible. Especially as I live in a really hot and humid climate, and wrapping yourself in plastic is the worst possible idea. It’s awful. Cotton, linen and wool for the win. I’ll go without so I can save up for good fabric. Not super expensive or anything, but it does have to be natural.

[@LynneWright]

Have you tried looking for a hemp linen?

[@katherinemorelle7115]

@@LynneWright I’ve had a look, but it tends to be far more expensive than flax linen, and I can barely afford that.

[@catzkeet4860]

I used to sew things a lot when I was very young..... around 10 or 11. I'd make things patterned off stuff I had. I remember running up a caftan cos I liked the look of a rayon material we had. I used to make my own jeans and pants too, but once my mother's machine broke down, I kinda stopped cos I never had enough money and let's be honest, enough desire to buy my own. These days the only sewing I do is my mini jointed Teddy bears and that's done by hand..... and frankly, I'm unemployed atm so I have even less money than normal lol. I really DO prefer natural fibres, but I get that they're out of reach for many folks. There's little that matches the "hand" or feel of natural fibres... real silks cool smoothness, real linens crispness and body, real cottons bright colours and malleability, real wools softness and warmth..... but I like opals too, and there ain't no way I'm affording them either lol. Anyway I love watching you work, trying things, changing things, trying something else..... I love watching people who are good at what they do. Its soothing, and this was fun to watch.... for us at least lol.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I always prefer a natural fiber too, I just couldn't afford to splash out on this particular dress since I knew I'd rarely if ever get to wear it eek! 😅

[@PolyvoreThea]

I love this dress. It is a lot more like the two black silk velvet extant gowns I own from this era. One has sleeves very similar to this! The skirt is hip hugging and super slinky. Back slit and very tough to walk in. I wish I still fit in them. You are one gorgeous dame in your angelic dress Bianca!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Thea! I'd love one of these in black velvet, I truly wouldn't ever want to wear much else then though! Black velvet gowns for future loungewear?

[@ReinaElizondo]

I love the sleeves and pin tucks combo. The lines and silhouette are so striking and lovely! My thoughts on polyester are still settling. On one hand I'm trying not to use or buy any more of it. On the other hand I do have quite a bit of it from before I realized how annoying it was; doesn't breath, sounds loud, occasionally pills like crazy or rubs against other fabric to make them pill like crazy, etc. Also it's much more affordable. I've settled for using up the poly I still have for practice, without feeling guilty. I also set a new rule that any new I buy has to be a reclaimed situation like from thrift store curtains for a skirt that has ridiculous amounts of fabric. We'll see how long that lasts, since I was super tempted by blends when I started pricing out wool. Happily, I found someone who was selling their stash for 10/yard. That should hold me over for at least 3 projects. I've only ever worked with fleece or faux fur before for thicker fabrics. Speaking of those, I'm not as worried about them because they're generally not skin touching layers, and I have a local quilters group that will always take my fleece scraps for the quilts they donate to hospitals and emergency services. All that being said, I'd never shame anyone for using the material available and to them. I do think it's good to strive for sustainability and/or comfort, but being flexible and weighing pros and cons are important too.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Reina! Pros and cons indeed! Since this was only ever going to be a rarely worn garment for me, I couldn't justify spending a bunch on it when I may never get a chance to wear it outside of a lookbook 😅

[@lindagoesel3815]

This is the second time I've watched this. I think you were genius with the skirt. Gathers would have been bulky but this dress looks beautiful on you. You are way too critical on YOU. And you don't have to apologize for your work. We do what we do , been sewing for over 50 years. Lots of criticism and compliments. I've learned to take both with a grain of salt. However, you are fantastic. XOXO

[@HUDSONVINTAGE]

Oh KZbin, we love to hate you, or hate to love you? We can't live without you, either way. xo~Dawn

[@kellyburke5990]

Your explanation of the curved dart was fine! Made sense to me.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! 😅 I was stuck on how to explain my nonsense approach

[@Goforfink]

Dress dress is absolutely gorgeous on you!

[@user-is7xs1mr9y]

I'm too poor to afford anything other than polyester, besides I'm always cold, so it is good for keeping me warm. I would love to be able to afford fancy fabrics and I bet they are easier to work with. Oh well. This dress is fantastic, you look like a million bucks in it.

[@christineingram55]

It looks beautiful ..It’s very elegant too.Was not sure about the cream at first but it looks so nice on you..I was not aware they still made crepe material..Mum and my Grandmother used to wear dresses in a heavier crepe!and of course the nylon cardigans too.I remember my Gran getting ready for bingo on a Friday night ..Dress,White cardigan,a bit of lipstick on her cheeks rubbed in to give colour lol and a touch on her ...Then her headscarf and handbag and off she would go,so funny ,but a lovely memory too ..Keep having fun sewing ,I love watching you work 🥰

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Christine! Sounds like a perfectly glam bingo night to me!

[@bohemiansusan2897]

My thoughts about polyester is that its wearing plastic. I do what I can to avoid using it in my projects but I have to do budget considerations as well as keep a project to something needed for my very small capsule wardrobe. Its hard for me to put nice finishes on polyester too, but then I remind myself that what I wear is an advertisement for my sewing business. So I do all of the extra finishes and it shows.

[@dottiemathews6853]

YEAH, I FEEL YA ON THE HEM. PRETTY GOWN THOUGH.

[@trulytart3534]

I found the loveliest silk crepe in one of the very few independent fabric stores in my area. The way it moved was magical but it was also $98 a yard so I bought a $5 swatch to remember it by instead.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

That's the only problem with magic fabric...magical prices!

[@mishellekochel4510]

Your work is inspiring and I love to hear your tutorials. Although understandable it was a bit off putting with all of the poly bashing, kind of took away from the normal experience of your video. There are some that poly or not so nice fabric was either gifted or all they could afford. That does not mean they should not be their creative best. All that being said you are a gifted lady and we are so grateful you share your talent.

[@believeinfaeries8713]

People who think outside the box often have a hard time explaining why they did what they did. And I too think I’ve sewn a few things in a fever dream...but they have never come out as gorgeously as this dress.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Flynn!

[@bridgetthewench]

My opinion on sewing with polyester is that I would rather not, but I'm not going to tell anyone else that they shouldn't. I have a weak air conditioner and spent all summer in linen, cotton, and rayon, and now I find polyester itchy.

[@Grace_x68]

Wow you look stunning.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@melodysimonson1510]

At least it isn't as heavy as the polyester double knits I grew up with. Wide hems work well with pants or cuffs in a polyester. But dresses did indeed have a small, narrow hem usually. I think the c dress turned out beautifully, and you look very glamorous in it.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Melody!

[@marcellacruser951]

This reminds me of a gown you'd see in a ritzy 40's supper club. Swoon!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Marcella!

[@hanifahibrahim7451]

Love the dress! The hem could be serged or pinked then a catch stitch over the edge or on the inside of the hem. Flat is the name of the game!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Hanifah! A nice flat hem would be nice indeed 😅

[@LadyJaneBooks]

Sooooo beautiful!!! I love vintage clothes and sewing! Absolutely stunning dress! 😍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@janisi9262]

I think that, with those tiny adjustments you mentioned, this will be a dress you'll be happy with! It's already very pretty! For what it's worth, I understood your curved hip darts and use patterns in a very similar way. I'm sure it has a name, but heck if I know what it is. I use those same, thin, Crayola markers for marking my fabrics. I've never had anything stain, but it doesn't hurt to scribble in a corner before you pre-wash the fabric to make sure it'll come out in the wash. Pencil works well, and my mom uses bar soap slivers, which use a kind of dye that is not food dye and should wash out, but if you're using $60/yard silk, always check first! Assuming it's washable silk anyway. Sorry for the rambling; I'm having a weird day.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thanks Janis! I need to try that bar soap trick for some of my more stubborn projects where something softer would be nice.

[@5Seed]

Wow. That looks incredibly flattering

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Amy!

[@LynneWright]

You remind me of my grandmother, and that is a huge compliment. She was always dressed beautifully and sewed her own clothing in her later years. She very much had a 1940-50s fashion vibe most of her life. She never left the house without lipstick and her hair done.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lynne ❤ Though I am not always so glam unfortunately, especially now I'm wearing a mask when out, no lipstick!

[@sarahjocker5059]

Just amazing I love the style of your gown just beautiful. I love the hand sewing and you are right make the hem slightly smaller beautiful finish. I will be watching you a lot more and thank you so much for sharing XX

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sarah!

[@rebeccabrothers8056]

dress turned out beautiful! your another great seamstress!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Rebecca!

[@danielleheredia2008]

So excited. So excited. So excited. I loved that look book.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Danielle!

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

I am so glad to hear that you are giving yourself a break, don't burn yourself out please! Also I love the commentary in this video, past you really does need to be kinder to editing you! But then making it up as you go along is part of the fun. Despite this being polyester it looked stunning on you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Trying to rest but it still feels weird! I need to get off the cultural "productivity only" train eeee

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

@@TheClosetHistorian its hard! but do take some down time, we will still be here!

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

@@TheClosetHistorian I just watched the new video, not being productive hey? You made so much this year and what you showed was just the clothes! That didn't include the jewelry, the decorating or the other bits and pieces you made over the year!

[@zencat55]

Lovely.

[@TheSchoolforme]

Perhaps you can do a vlog of your lounge about in your glamorous mood? I think it would be interesting and you would make it humorous too.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Ha! Alas I don't fully have my own lounging space currently, as I live with my family and I don't really want to share their living space on the interwebs much. One day when I have my own space and uh...a life again eh, I may vlog more than I do now 😅

[@alaineblaylock557]

Thank you. Looking v glam 👍❤️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Alaine!

[@brookehedemark4520]

Wow that came out beautifully!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Brooke!

[@Ddouglas0302]

Soooo elegant! Beautiful ❤️!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Denise!

[@hljozcymraeg]

Thankyou so much for your fab videos Bianca - I look forward to them and you inspire me to be braver in my sewing creativity

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! ❤

[@cymbeline8327]

Always a delight to have a new video from you. I can't wait for more. I hope to join your patreon soon too! 💜

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you so much! ❤

[@caoimhenimhuireadhaigh1303]

I adore this dress so much!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! ❤

[@saricadouglas5469]

I love love love this floral top on you! The colors and pattern compliment 😻

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Al-cd2bk]

Fabulous gown .

[@theblerdshow]

I love this dress, very elegant.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Olivia-Little-Dove]

stunning!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Cori!

[@ModernChinglish]

Your laugh while talking about skirt construction was so cute!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

😅 thanks, I got into editing this video and was like "hooow you gonna explain this one kid?!?"

[@tracieeaton1082]

The dress is beautiful as always.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Tracie!

[@waterbitten]

This is my first time watching your videos and Im so glad our introduction is all this chaotic good energy..

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Welcome! I am a chaotic seamstress most of the time really it's true 😅

[@abandonedpast6410]

Great video!! Loved the background music and the blue patterning table of doom!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@judimoss3250]

Your so confident and skilled at this. It’s great watching thanks 👍🏼

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Judi! Years of practice 😅

[@tokyotart3523]

Chef's kiss. Dress is to die for.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@lorettajames3175]

Beautiful.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Loretta!

[@havegoals]

This video answered many of my questions about garment drafting, and raised many more. Thank you for sharing your process. I could watch a video like this that was 4x as long just for the details.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I love pattern drafting 😅 Still feels a bit like magic to me after over a decade!

[@Iarasilv]

This dress was one of my favorites from the noir film, especially because suits you wonderfully!😃

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Iara!

[@digitaldgirl4459]

I love how quickly you draft your patterns. I really should invest in creating my own pattern blocks for my measurements too.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Denise! It's quite nice having the overhead camera now so I can draft uninterrupted :)

[@amiwalton9645]

Giving yourself grace. Good job! Compassionate deadlines as Noelle from Costuming Drama says.

[@darklymoonlit]

Your lookbooks are always so gorgeous (I can't remember if I commented on the last one but it was wonderful - the time and care you put into them shows every time) and I love getting to see the process behind some of the pieces you make for them. Glad to hear you're taking some time for yourself to stay healthy physically and mentally. 💕

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Elizabeth! Yes trying to recharge and rebalance currently, 'tis a good time for reflection after all 😅

[@Charla2smart]

Absolutely gorgeous

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Charla!

[@sarahlongshore2605]

Girl you amaze me!! You have so much talent. I literary love everything you do. The 30s and 40s have always been my favorite time period. I've been designing dresses for 30 years. But only on paper. You do the things I always wished I could!! Thank you for sharing all of these wonderful things you do!!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sarah! ❤

[@camillethompson6686]

Love that your using that wonderful machine!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I love this dang machine, I never thought I would become a vintage machine person but BAM converted 😅

[@bigc8127]

that dress was awesome

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@concettapiekos7067]

Stunning dress!!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Missegyptlatesha]

Wow this dress is incredible. I'm inspired to make my own version of this. You look elegant it's so flattering on your figure. Just wow

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Voirreydirector]

I shall put the word out for you for rayon crepe. There is a rather saucy, bawdy sewist near me who scrounges up some extraordinary things from folks’ garage sales and such.

[@Picalilli28]

I enjoyed this so much! You do yourself down, you’re extremely talented, that voiceover was fun, the dress is dreamy. Beautifully put together as always x

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Nicola!

[@lynnmoehrle]

Wowza!!! Just beautiful. I love the nod to vintage mixed with a modern/futuristic vibe. Always a pleasure to watch you work. Thank you for sharing with us all 🤍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lynn! I suppose I could add a metal belt and make this a Star Wars look quite easily 😉

[@stacycrowden6210]

Lovely gown

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Stacy!

[@christyogle_thedinnerbell]

The way you went about placing the skirt darts made complete sense to me! I can't wait to give it a try😃. I'm lazy and want as few seams as possible when I'm constructing a garment😬😆

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Christy! I just didn't have faith in this particular fabric that they would lay nice and press open smooth, so I wanted to eliminate the side seams altogether!

[@AVintageishLife]

Such a fab tutorial! Love your channel x

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@AVintageishLife]

@@TheClosetHistorian ❤️

[@deanalovessewn6117]

Hi Bianca!! Wonderful vlog.. Absolutely amazing & fabulously done.. Fabric may not have been what you wanted but still done perfectly w/your touch.... 💜💜💜🧵🧵🧵

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Deana!

[@annholmes9650]

Love the dress, stunning! X X X

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Ann!

[@susanpearce4416]

Great video and fabulous dress. I am sure we all have our own quirky ways of making things, I know I do. Still, who sees the insides of our makes, as long as you feel good wearing it.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Susan!

[@bluestar.8938]

Thank you : )

[@lindagoesel3815]

Oops forgot to add " condescending " compliments. Haha, I like real compliments 😄

[@lstumpff1764]

Fabric Market might be an on line shop you might try. I found them recently and placed one order and was happy with everything including the speed it arrived.

[@TessVonWolf_]

So beauty 😍😍😍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Marvina!

[@22mendonca]

Hands up to getting dolled up indoors!! :-0) You look ultra glam in this beautiful creation Bianca! Well done again on a super duper sewing project! Xxx

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jo! ❤