Thursday 3 September 2009

Free Couture

I suddenly remembered that I have a pattern for this dress in my "free patterns" folder. I downloaded it ages ago from HERE.

The pattern - adapted for modern sizes 10-14, was created especially for the V&A Golden Age of Couture Exhibition Website, and is based on this 1953 ready to wear dress by Horrockses Fashion. It has a close fitting lined bodice with waist seam and flared skirt with pockets.

Because these ready to wear couture styles were relatively expensive and favoured by members of the Royal Family, 'working women' would save up to buy them for special occassions, like going away on honeymoon.

I think i'm going to have to give it a try.

16 comments:

  1. Oooh, it's really yummy. More diet inspiration ;-)

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  2. ooh, good luck in the making. Keep us posted with lots of pictures!

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  3. That's a lovely dress. I have pictures of my mum wearing dresses like that - always so feminine. Looking forward to seeing your 'version. x

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  4. Yes, you really are going to have to and make sure you tell us all about it!!
    xxx

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  5. Wow very pretty. Will look forward to seeing your version. (I have a feeling there will be a creative tweak here and there. *wink* lol)



    MBBx

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  6. Goodness! I was lent the book that went with is exhibition and looked at the website at the time. I downloaded one of the patterns too but I am not sure if it was this one. That was on my old laptop too, I had forgotten all about it! Well, you first then I shall see if I might.

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  7. I remember that dress and I think I also downloaded the pattern but goodness knows where it is now! Looking forward to seeing how yours turns out - perhaps I'll get inspired and find the pattern again.

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  8. Reminds me of the film "Mrs 'Arriss goes to Paris". Canj't wait to see what it looks like. I have some photos of my mum in dresses like this - when we went on holiday to Blackpool (of all places!!) She looked very glamorous xx

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  9. very Princess Margaret - love it!

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  10. Wow that fabulous. I agree Princess Margaret to a T, although I think I have photos of Gertie in similar.

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  11. Ah memory lane.... I found a dress almost identical to this one in a jumble sale in the 1970's and it fitted me perfectly... I wore it out and everyone laughed at me because it was so old fashioned but I didnt care because it made me feel beautiful... And it emphasised the curvy bits I had during an era when girls were pretty much straight up and down! Looking forward to seeing the finished article very much.

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  12. Such a lovely silhouette, Julia...So glad feminine is always in style! :o) Happy weekend ((HUGS))

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  13. Julia - is stunning - and VERY fashionable isn't it? Wow. I've heard it in the grapevine that you have the waistline for this - can't wait to see the finished frock.

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  14. That is the most beautiful dress... would love to have the figure to wear that one!

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