I am SEW happy that I finished this dress yesterday! This pattern has been on my “to-do” list for a while and I could not wait to cut into this red and white polka dot broadcloth either!
Red and white polka dot 1940 sundress
I made this dress using Vogue 8812, a Vintage Vogue pattern from 1940. This sundress is made of stretch cotton broadcloth that I purchased at Fabric Mart a couple of months ago. This is part of my resolution to wear more red!
I pretty much followed the pattern directions, although I added wider straps and fully lined it with cotton batiste and used ribbon instead of a self tie on the bodice neckline. The gathered bra on the bodice is also not like it is supposed to be as I did not want it is as low-cut as the pattern is drafted. The pattern photo and website model do not alert you to how low-cut the bodice is. I tightened the straps and made the gathered bra more of a neckline and bust adornment than a full, encompassing covering. The next time I make this I will be cutting the bra and stay larger as I don’t like showing too much cleavage. And yes…. had I made muslin I would have known this! But I am happy with it and how it looks on me. 
Vintage Vogue 8812 1940 Sundress
I also put a zipper in the back rather than the button closure as it suggests. I was considering putting the buttons in but then thought about how difficult that might be to do myself. I also thought about putting a faux button closure over the zipper, but decided against it. I think I’ll do that with the next dress I make out of this pattern. I think that would look really good with a solid color.
Vintage Vogue 8812 1940 Sundress
I just love this dress and it will definitely be a warm weather staple for me! In a few weeks, I’m going to wear this dress and one that I’m making right now for a pin-up photo shoot. I definitely can’t wait to get all retro-ed up and have some fun photos taken! I also plan to make myself a yellow cardigan to go with this, so I guess I better get sewing!
Vintage Vogue 8812 1940 Sundress
So…. I did what I said I was going to do in a previous post and got a tripod and started taking photos of myself in my creations. It certainly is time consuming but is a much better result, don’t you think? I also think I’m getting pretty good at this photography thing! What could I do with a fancy camera?!
Happy Sewing, my friends!
Dress: Vogue 8812 made by me
Fabric: Red and white polka dot stretch cotton broadcloth
Cardigan: Old Navy
Shoes: American Eagle Outfitters
Love your dress, and the scenery and photography are just gorgeous too! I’m not a fan of showing cleavage either, and you have done an impressive job on your no-muslin-for-me alterations!!
Thank you!
I love the red polka dots – it looks great!
Thank you! I have a new found love for polka dots!
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OMG. That is a wonderful dress. You are awesome in it.
I hope to finish a sundress (now that it is autumn in the Midwest…duh) this week; I am using vintage weird pinkish material with odd palm trees on it. So, OK, I will wear it next summer…..8-)
Thanks. KD! I love wearing this dress! I have a couple of Sun dresses left that I plan to make, in fact starting one tomorrow. Paired with a cardi, they can go further into fall here, but if it’s starting to freeze and snow there, I guess that won’t work for you. At least you’ll be ready for spring!