A 1939 Pre-War "Sew-Along" Contest

In its October 1939 edition, Life magazine had a story on a pre-war sewing. The war is expanding in the European theater, and although it is still a couple years before the US enters the war, home sewing was encouraged by fabric manufacturers, who offered ready-cut dress lengths (3-1/2 to 4 yards) at an inexpensive price ($1.00!) for the entire length. It was also encouraged by the department stores who sponsored home-sewing contests.

Groups of women met at one another's homes to plan, cut, and fit dresses for the contest.

A dress of taffeta under construction.

 

First prize: a blue velvet dress (cost: $10.42)

 

Second prize: a blue rayon dress (cost $6.09)

 

Fourth prize: Checked bolero suit (cost $6.84)

 

Seventh prize: a wool and satin suit (cost $7.57)

23rd prize: Plaid suit (cost: $9.22)

"Great applause greeted 203-lb. Mrs. Smith for her dress's slimming lines"

Elegant formal dress

Most exotic entry: pantaloon-and-coat

Pre-war Skirt Leads the Way to Wartime Fashion

Are the holidays over yet? Nope, and I can only hope you all are having the most wonderful season. It's been busy, busy, busy for me, with hardly a moment to blog. But I miss chatting with you all in cyberspace, so I am squeezing in some time today with a short post about an interesting pattern in my shop.

It's 1939 and war is looming on the horizon, but is not yet declared in the US. This now-classic skirt from Vogue and 1939 features the shorter length required for those in the war zone (Paris!). It is super easy to make with only two pattern pieces. It has lovely flared swing style that led the way in wartime fashion. And it was so popular in 1939 that Vogue re-issued the pattern in 1940. What's not to love?!

The skirt has bias flare, dart-fitting at waistline sides (over the hips), a fitted waistband, and back (surprise!) zipper or snap closing.

Vogue 8354

It's timeless style and a cleverly simple construction. Follow the pattern number link above to the pattern in my shop.