Mrs. Hughes

Retro Inspired Sewing

  • About
    • About Tanya
    • Featured
    • Contact Me
  • My Closet
  • Tutorials
You are here: Home / Retro Garments / A 1930’s Silk Velvet Dress [Simplicity 8504]

A 1930’s Silk Velvet Dress [Simplicity 8504]

01/8/2018

Hi Friends!

I hope you had a lovely holiday season!  I certainly am happy that 2017 is over and am hoping for a great 2018.  Today, I’m sharing my Christmas dress.  It’s definitely one of my favorites that I made last year and one that I hope to wear for years to come.

This dress is Simplicity 8504, a 1930’s re-issue.  As soon as I saw this pattern I knew that I wanted to make it, and of course it had to be in velvet.

Source: Simplicity Patterns

Initially I wanted to make view B — the photo on the pattern cover, but without the fugly white collar.  It’s glorious and green is my favorite color.  But then I saw this vintage 1930’s silk velvet dress for sale at Butchwax Vintage (shameful screenshot) and I knew I wanted THAT.

Source: Butchwax Vintage Instagram

So View C it was!  I was blown away by the covered buttons and that fantastic fabric.

This photo on my dressform was taken after I’d already worn this dress, so there are some marks on the skirt from wear

I would have gone for green velvet as:  a) it’s my favorite color, b) it’s in my inspiration photos, and c) it’s very Christmas-y.  But….. I was looking for a deal as I always do and whilst perusing eBay, I ran across an excellent deal on this blue silk velvet.  Well, blue was Christmas-y and it’s jewel tone which I like, so I went for it, therefore paying half the price of the green silk fabric that I was previously ogling.  I’m glad I did as this color is just so BEAUTIFUL.

The dress pattern looks a bit intimidating, but it’s really not.  I added my little extras like a bodice lining, covered buttons, bound buttonholes and a Hong Kong finish with vintage silk seam binding.

I’m sorry there aren’t better photos of the insides, but putting this dress on my dressform inside out with velvet would have been difficult

The bodice is lined with some lovely Japanese poly lining in navy with white roses.  I purchased that lining for a blazer, so I didn’t have enough to line the entire dress.  It works quite well to line the bodice and wear a slip with it.  It has a lining with facings, which I think looks better with this type of dress, plus the lining won’t be peeking out through the velvet.  The pattern has a pattern piece and instructions for a partially lined sleeve, so I used that.

I graded this pattern up to about a size 26/28.  I really wish they would make these patterns in a broader size range.  It isn’t easy to find 1930’s plus size patterns and it would be great for the “Big 4” to offer all of their patterns in all of the sizes that they carry. (More of my thoughts on that in my pattern review on the CSC)

I purchased about a yard less of fabric than is suggested because I’m both frugal and I try not to be wasteful.  That meant that I had to be careful cutting out and a lot of it was cut in a single layer.  I had to piece the corners of the side skirt gores, but that’s very period correct.  I also had only tiny scraps of fabric left over.  So that’s a big win for me!

One of my favorite features of this pattern is the sleeves.  It has gathered rows that resemble faux smocking.  I wish the sleeves were a little more voluminous like the pattern, so if/when I make this dress again, I’m going to add more width to them.

Along with the covered buttons, I also made a belt and used a covered buckle kit.  I probably should have hand sewn some eyelets, but oh well…. In the last pic you’ll see a different belt and buckle.  I first made a narrow belt using a vintage buckle from my stash, but decided that I wanted a larger buckle and wider belt, so I made another one.

I was hurriedly finishing up this dress before I took our family Christmas photo in it, so the hand sewn hem is a bit wonky.  I also had to finish binding a couple of the skirt seams.  The photo below is the first time I wore it out for a holiday tea and antiquing in Niles.

My husband also dressed up a bit for the occasion.

And here’s our 2017 Christmas photo with Rollie (Boston Terrier) and Laddie (Border Collie).

Happy Sewing!

  • Dress:  Simplicity 8504 in silk/rayon velvet, made by me
  • Shoes:  Aerosoles Marine Corps
  • Stockings (first photos):  Fully fashioned stockings from American Duchess (out of stock)
  • Stockings (last photos):  Sock Dreams
  • Brooch:  Vintage
  • Earrings:  Vintage
  • Bracelet:  Bauble Bar
  • Purse:  Vintage
  • Lipstick:  Besame 1931 Carmine (affiliate link)

 

 

Share this:
  • Share via Email
  • Share via Facebook
  • Share via Pinterest
  • Share via Ravelry
  • Share via Twitter
  • Share via Google

Related

Filed Under: Retro Garments

« Late Victorian Underpinnings
The California Poppy Blouse »

Comments

  1. Kat says

    August 21, 2018 at 10:22 pm

    Thanks for the awesome review of that pattern! I have been wanting to make it byt am finishing up other projects first. It makes a marvelous Christmas dress!

  2. Aisling says

    June 6, 2018 at 3:45 pm

    Thank you for this post! I’ve been oggling a similar green number as a possible wedding dress, and worried that it wouldn’t work in a larger size… but you’re rocking it, and it’s such a confidence boost! Keep doing amazing things!

  3. kathleenbenitez says

    January 9, 2018 at 7:44 am

    It’s gorgeous, and so are you. I love the Christmas tree pin too.

    • Tanya says

      January 11, 2018 at 9:51 am

      Thank you! I should probably get a new Christmas pin as I wear that one every year! :0

  4. thedementedfairy says

    January 9, 2018 at 4:51 am

    Gorgeous- this midnight blue needs to be your new signature look- you SHINE in it and look like Snow White! Silk velvet is gorgeous, but evil- did you have much trouble with it?

    • Tanya says

      January 11, 2018 at 9:54 am

      Thank you! I do love this color and should look for some more fabrics in it. 🙂 I didn’t have too many problems with the silk velvet. I was being very careful pressing it and managed not to ruin it. The most difficult part was cutting it out.

      • thedementedfairy says

        January 11, 2018 at 10:10 am

        Oh yes I remember the misery of cutting my silk velvet Poiret coat out of the stuff. I’m chopping it up into an Edwardian cape soon…

        • Tanya says

          January 11, 2018 at 10:13 am

          That’s even worse! I bet that will make a lovely cape. 🙂

  5. Beth (SunnyGal Studio) says

    January 8, 2018 at 2:15 pm

    that is so gorgeous – the color is fantastic on you. And in IG I didn’t see the sleeve detail. Love! one of my favorite things you have made.

    • Tanya says

      January 11, 2018 at 9:55 am

      Thank you, Beth! I’m immensely proud of it. 🙂

  6. Lety Booth says

    January 8, 2018 at 11:54 am

    What a beautiful dress! I love those bright colors in winter–they brighten up every room. You and your husband are adorbs together 🙂

    • Tanya says

      January 11, 2018 at 9:55 am

      Thank you! They certainly do. 🙂

  7. robbie says

    January 8, 2018 at 11:21 am

    Love that shade of blue and the velvet–a winning combination. Gorgeous sleeve treatment also.

    • Tanya says

      January 11, 2018 at 9:56 am

      Thank you, Robbie! The sleeves are my favorite.

  8. Donnalee says

    January 8, 2018 at 10:31 am

    That dress is great–that shade of blue, plus velvet, is a winning combination on you! Nice to see the cute dogs and husband too. Let’s hope 2018 is a lotlot better than 2017–

    • Tanya says

      January 11, 2018 at 9:56 am

      Thank you! 2018 is already looking up! Let’s hope it stays that way. 🙂

      • Donnalee says

        January 11, 2018 at 9:59 am

        I feel like it is too–fingers crossed for the best for all of us!

  9. Lucy Wynne says

    January 8, 2018 at 9:39 am

    Wow what a stunning colour and a lovely made dress. I often admire your makes but this takes the biscuit in being super.
    Well done you and it absolutely suits you. Maybe another one in green sometime 🙂

    • Tanya says

      January 8, 2018 at 10:34 am

      Thank you, Lucy! Yes, maybe another one in green. 🙂

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Subscribe to Blog via Email

My Favorites

  • The 1920’s Egyptian Revival Gown
  • The Embroidered Zig Zag Dress
  • The 1929 Pansy Dress
  • The 1930’s Silk Velvet Dress
  • Sailors are My Weakness [The Dorothy Lara Dress]
  • The California Poppy Blouse
  • The 1950’s Robin Hood Dress
  • The Broderie Anglaise Birthday Dress

Categories

Archives

“Dress Like Your Grandma” Host

Behind the Scenes on Instagram @tanyamaile

Meet my new favorite dress! This is the @gertie18 Meet my new favorite dress! This is the @gertie18 Charm #cinchitdress in cotton linen from @lafinchfabrics . It is my third and favorite version thus far. I did several alterations to this pattern for both fit and preference. This is a size 22/24 in upper cup sizes. I'm not sure if it's because I am on the lower end of the bust sizes at a D, but I raised the bust darts and also raised the shirring line a few inches. I took a wedge out of the back for a swayback adjustment, raised the armholes as they're too low for me and lowered the neckline slit. This version has the banded collar. Other versions I've made have sleeves and no collar. I also lengthened the skirt and am wearing my lightweight petticoat with this. It's difficult to see, but this version has a triangular pocket from a similar vintage 1950's tent dress pattern, which I also used to add more width to the shoulders and create a bit of a sleeve, which I'll be extending out more for my 4th Cinch-It dress. I just had my second dose of the Pfizer vax, so if I feel okay, I'll be cutting out another dress. 😉

This is a great every day dress. It's so comfortable and quick to sew. Without a belt or shirring, it looks a bit like a muu muu, which really isn't a bad thing, but I like some waist definition. My first one I made out of rayon challis, and that's a bit too drapey IMO for this pattern and I prefer this cotton linen and version 2 in chambray, which I'll share when I finish with the appliques and pockets on that. I love this pattern so much that I was going to use one of my treasured vintage Hawaiian fabrics, but didn't have enough yardage to cut this pattern out as that 50's fabric is narrow.  Now that I have this pattern fitted exactly how I want it to, I may just sew 5 or 6. 😉

#charmpatterns #lafinchfabrics #polynesianAF #vintagesewing #plussizesewing #sewistsofinstagram  #sewistsofcolor #curvysewingcollective #sewing #1950ssewing
I made a dress and took photos of it! 💃💃 Thi I made a dress and took photos of it! 💃💃 This is a @gertie18 Charm Lamour Dress and Dorothy Bolero made of cotton linen from @lafinchfabrics. 

#lamourdress #dorothybolero #charmpatterns #1950sfashion #plussizevintage #vintagedressmaking #vintagesewing #lafinchfabrics #curvysewingcollective
My new hussif/housewife sewing wrap that I made in My new hussif/housewife sewing wrap that I made in @the_sewing_room_alameda 's class at the @gbacg virtual costume academy last weekend. I sewed it in class and added the binding today. I love how it uses remnants and that I had everything to make it in my sewing room. It was perfect for this little piece of vintage fabric (printed off grain). I'm planning to make another one to go in my 18th pockets and do some embroidery on it.
I feel incredibly grateful that I've had my first I feel incredibly grateful that I've had my first dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine. My husband (a teacher) has also had his first dose. It feels like being on the path to some sense of normalcy and being able to breathe again after a tumultuous year. I'm also looking forward to seeing my grandma and my aunt who is in a care home -- both of whom I haven't seen since before this pandemic began.

If you're curious, as I live in California and we are not doing great amongst the states with our vaccine administration (currently ranked 38) and my county has not reached my age group yet. On Monday, I became eligible in my state as high risk due to BMI (fat privilege!). I would have had to jump through hoops and wait to get a shot at the only vaccine option  my county has (I was on the list), and looked for other options. Our state vaccine website (MyTurn) gave me clinics in other counties which I am not eligible for as I'm not a resident or worker. VaccineFinder gave me locations at area pharmacies and I tried to get an appointment and they were all booked. Finally, a friend told me about Walgreens and I went on their website and made an appointment on Tuesday and had my first shot today. 🎉🎉
This lady head brooch by @lipstickandchrome really This lady head brooch by @lipstickandchrome really made my day. Thanks to @wanderingwhipstitch for telling me about it. 💖
It was pretty unbelievable when my husband and I f It was pretty unbelievable when my husband and I found these Pyrex orange butterprint Cinderella bowls at a thrift store the other day. The orange (along with pink) butterprint were promotional pyrex from the late 1950's/early 1960's and very hard to find. I never thought that I'd have some in my collection as I've never seen these for sale in person and there are so many pyrex collectors in my area. These are mint, but missing the 444 (largest size). At $75, these were not a thrift store price, but a steal considering the current going rate. Plus, I love them, which makes them valuable to me. I rearranged this hutch of my favorites so they could be displayed there. 😊

#pyrex #vintagepyrex #pyrexcollector #orangebutterprint #rarepyrex #pyrexcollection
Today, @mommarainbows and I had a Castle Cake-Off. Today, @mommarainbows and I had a Castle Cake-Off. Who wins? We both do. 🤣 I present to you my Count Chocula cake. 🧛‍♂️ It's a chocolate malt cake with malt fudge sauce, chocolate malt frosting, malt crumble and some somewhat charred marshmallows. I used the recipe from the Milk Bar. 

This is the fanciest bundt cake I've ever made as I usually just pour a glaze on with coconut, sprinkles or berries.
Just finished: A crewelwork pillow with California Just finished: A crewelwork pillow with California poppies and bachelor buttons. I made this from a vintage 1970's Bucilla crewel embroidery kit. This is the second Bucilla crewel kit that I've made and I just love using them. I was fortunate to find this one with my state's flower on it and it was a pretty quick embroidery project.

#bucilla #crewelembroidery #crewelwork #embroidery #handembroidery #1970sembroidery #1970sstyle #californiapoppy
Follow on Instagram
Copyright 2012-2021. Tanya Maile Hughes. All rights reserved. Please do not copy or reproduce any content from this site without approval and credit. Sewing graphics by katieshoestring and California poppy graphics by DigitalDesignsAndArt

Mrs. Hughes: A retro inspired, vintage garment sewing and plus-size dressmaking blog by Tanya Maile Hughes.

  • About
  • My Closet
  • Tutorials

Copyright © 2021 · Adorn theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2021 · Adorn Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in