This plaid linen and cream cotton darling is the little sister to the original Nettie dress. Also cut on bias gives it a beautiful silhouette very typical of the 1930s. It features an original vintage 1930s button and buckle.
This dress was originally going to be part of my 2014 “The 1930s bow dress collection”, which didn’t make it at the time, but I’m now adding as a latecomer to the party, in this case minus the bow. And as I always wanted to use this particular original vintage plaid cotton fabric, here is the result;
Cut on bias, with panelling, instantly forming the very popular zig-zag motif of the era, contrasting with the geometric art deco style front panel peaking towards the waist and adorned with a bakelite button, with a slight cowl neckline. Also with a similar v forming at the back. Complemented by a belt with bakelite buckle. With snap fasteners at the side.This sweet little dress would have been perfect at a summer gathering in the early 1930s.
Sometimes you get the time to treat yourself and here’s the result; this sweet early 1930s inspired dress in seersucker cotton has that vibe of the feedsack fabric dresses of the Prohibition era. A very big favourite of the era, cutting fabrics on bias, in this case a stripey one (if they weren’t already printed diagonally) creating the diamond effect, both at the front and the back. The contrasting square collar in navy cotton has the fun, tie like finish and with beautiful diamond shape burgundy bakelite art deco buttons. Fastens with snap fasteners at the side.
This lovely mid to late 1960s style cream wool crepe dress, although very simple in style, has got it’s crowning glory and best detail in it’s large pilgrim collar embellished by golden floral appliques. Fastens with a zipper at the back. It also has pockets sewn into side seams.
This is my very first homage to the early 1940s and the wartime girls. These beauties are all made from original 1940s fabrics.
All available here:Â etsy-early 1940s dress collection
Lettie
Mildred
Ava
Dorothy
Photography by Claire Pursglove
Here the lovely Lila dress from my early 1930s bow dress collection gets a revamp in navy blue seersucker cotton. The vertical  and horizontal panelling with it’s double triangles give the dress the familiar deco touch. It also has Bakelite buttons and belt buckle. Snap fastening at the side.
This beautiful early 1930s inspired dress in navy organic hand-weaved cotton with white stripes is the perfect example of structural deco panelling in horizontal and vertical, creating an interesting visual with peaked Vs both front and back. The large collar is also very typical of the era. The white early plastic belt buckle and buttons compliment the dress perfectly. Side closing with fasteners.
This mid-60s style shift dress in lime green silk chiffon is lined by light silk crepe back satin which gives a lovely floaty effect to this very popular A-line style of the era. It has long slightly puffed chiffon sleeves with wide cuffs and fabric covered buttons. A faux diamante appliqué around the cuffs and the collar adds a great detail to this sweet little number. Zip closure at the back.
This lime green silk beauty has the very popular sweetheart neckline with tulle top with long sleeves, yet another staple of the era, creating the illusion effect. The floor length skirt makes it for more formal, evening wear. The belt also features an original 1950s diamante buckle. Zip closure at the back.
This lovely early 60s inspired cocktail dress in kingfisher blue silk taffeta has the typical pleated ‘puffed’ skirt of the era, a slashed neckline, with a deeper one at the back. The original 50s plastic buckle has a mother of pearl feel to it.
The Vintage Dressmaker 