The blog was absolutely fantastic!
Thank you a lot for sharing them. Lot of great information which can be helpful in some or the other way. Nevertheless, while looking forward for more contents, update the blog.
Wow, thanks for the history on the pattern. When I was at University, now this Brings back memories of a beautiful ball gown that one of my Aunties made for me in the late 50s. Also, with a boned strapless bodice, it was bright turquoise, and a full skirt with most of layers of stiff net in the underskirt. That’s interesting. Thanks to you, Auntie Peggy!
The difference in illustration is truly striking!
In the 40’s view, the women are standing tall with square shoulders that carry the dress.
Can I suggest a trip to London to see the VA’s latest exhibition on Ballgowns since 1950? For some reason I can’t paste the link in but you can find it at I wish! However, you have no clue how much I look for to see the VA. Oftentimes with the sloping shoulders that seem to put the dress in charge, in the 50’s view, the initial stage of the hunched over posture is evident.
Oh, how I wish my grandmother were still alive so I could ask her about postwar sewing! You are a great writer. Thank you for taking the time to write and explain all of this to us. That said, gertie, thanks for a great post.
Do you know an answer to a following question. Maybe I’ll stop being shocked after I’ve successfully used these pricier fabrics?
Born in 1937, To be honest I was in the middle of the New Look when I took Home Ec in the early 50’s I made bridesmaids gowns and my wedding gown It was gorgeous. Married in 1952 to my dad -they met at the local dance hall and yes Ma wore fablous frocks -all tea length Gertie with as bigger skirt as fabric you could afford. Ma said if you still had large curtains by 1948 so you were well off and didn’t need to make dresses from curtains! Whenever rationing and the sheer excitment of seeing Dior’s new look for the first time, just asked my Ma born in 1928 in the Uk she was 20 in 1948 and remembers the war. Did she wear a waspie -yes -she tells me she has a natural 18″ waist but that was gifted to her by all those years of rationing -with her waspie she had a 16″ waist.
Patricia -you’ve triggered another memory of those days.
Mum and when I started grammar school in late 40s the summer uniform was a blueish and whitish checked gingham dress. Mum and when I started grammar school in late 40s the summer uniform was a blue and whitish checked gingham dress. My Mum had 2 dresses made for me out of a dark blue and almost white checked coarse cotton mattress cover. My Mum had 2 dresses made for me out of a dark blue and almost white checked coarse cotton mattress cover. Patricia -you’ve triggered another memory of those days.