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
Gorgeous! Stumbled upon you whilst looking for a pattern review of this dress. After seeing how beautiful yours is, I am eager to dive into this pattern.
Thank you, Hollie! It truly is the perfect summer dress!
Thank you! It’s one of my favorites for sure!
Oh man, this dress in the red with white polka dot is perfection. Amazing job.
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!
I love the red polka dots – it looks great!
Thank you! I have a new found love for polka dots!
Thank you!
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!!