Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Marian Martin 9289...

Recently I have been making quite a few mail order patterns, the fit seems just right.  This dress, postmarked 1959, is fast becoming one of my faves.


I made the dress using vintage (36 inches wide) rayon from an op-shop, and modern white linen...there was not enough of the rayon to complete the garment.  I had to choose between sleeves or "self" fabric front bodice.  I also mistakenly cut two back bodices instead of one on the fold, and due to the fabric limitation I needed to be inventive...so I added a back vent in the white.

Once again, the mail order pattern was a dream to put together, my only alteration being the removal of the large front pleat, and inclusion of a side zip.  The "shirtwaist" is purely visual in this instance.  My piece of vintage rayon was so limited, I had to minimise any excess.  I also added a small kick pleat at centre back for ease of movement.

I team this dress with red patent leather belt and shoes, and feel like a million dollars!  This is one of those dresses that is really easy to put on and accessorise, but looks like I've put in way more effort than I have.

BTW - I am going on a school excursion today to the Bendigo Gallery to see an exhibition of Grace Kelly's gowns...I am so excited, and have made a new mail order dress to wear - photo to come.

5 comments:

  1. You look fabulous. I love the white accents and red accessories.

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  2. Very nice job. It takes imagination to work with that old time 35, 36 inch material width. Speaking of which, just this past Saturday I visited a thrift store where I find all sorts of old fabric. I found there three lengths of mint green gingham, each 36" wide by approx 1 and 1/3 yards long. The pattern is unusual in that there is a small (green) dot in the white check of the gingham pattern. The fabric is flawless, and of a very good quality, but I can't get past the green. Not my color. I would be happy to send this around the world if you are interested.

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    1. WOW I would love that - my email is parismegs@gmail.com if you wanna drop me a line - I could paypal you :-)

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  3. Oh! The information I forgot to add is that the fabric was priced at 99 cents per length.

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  4. lucky you heading to the Grace Kelly exhibition - please write a post tellng us how great it is, I'll have to live vicariously through you as I just can't make it right now.

    Great use of the white contrasting fabric too, I just assumed you did for a decorative detail and not to overcome a fabric shortage. And the red shoes just top it off!

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