LDT2011
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UNITED KINGDOM
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Date: 7/8/12 11:19 AM Ive got a couple of patterns i want to use. A dress and a blouse. Problem is i don't know what type/print of fabric i should choose for authentic impression. And what colours are suitable. Could you offer some advice?
The blouse is to go with my green polkadot skirt. And for the dress im using butterick 5209.
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'The purpose of most fashion is to be ostentatiously non-functional.' |
bakertoo
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WA USA
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Date: 7/8/12 11:44 AM You might look at a web-blog site called "wearing history". Lots of good info there that might let you know what type of fabric to use. Have fun! |
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Date: 7/8/12 11:50 AM New Vintage Lady also posts old ads, including fabric ones that may help.
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LDT2011
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UNITED KINGDOM
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Date: 7/8/12 12:12 PM I know in 1941 in the uk clothing rationing was introduced but I can't find what the rules were?
Would that affect a significant difference between uk and us fashons as represented by the catalogues? ------
'The purpose of most fashion is to be ostentatiously non-functional.' |
sarah in nyc
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NY USA
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Date: 7/8/12 12:21 PM Because of the fabric rationing...skirts were often fitted a-lines and the tops often featured more complicated trim ( it takes less fabric to decorate a bodice than to decorate a skirt) ------
sarah in nyc
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Date: 7/8/12 1:07 PM This site has some good information on how the coupons worked.
I know more about rationing on your side of the pond then my own. IIRC, clothing was less restricted in the US, but not by much and Australia had the least restrictions of any country. As far as the fabrics went, I believe the US had a little more then the UK did available, but the textiles were the same since what they manufactured was what they made.
Another site has some more information on it. Here details the fabric cost with the coupons, etc.
Googling Mrs. Sew and Sew may also help. |
beauturbo
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CA USA
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Date: 7/8/12 11:13 PM You might have fun looking at some of the old Sears and Wards and other catalogs from the 1940's here:
http://www.wishbookweb.com/
or maybe here:
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/cmc/009002-101.02-e.php?PHPSESSID=a9jo298srnleq2kgnco748bfp1
I wonder what would be the British equivalent in old mail order catalogs? |
Renren
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Date: 7/14/12 12:11 PM I remember a site called reproductionfabrics.com, but I checked and the closest I can get for the 40s is a category called 1930s-1950s Depression Era. Not sure how these will work for the UK.
Also, in a review of an apron I sewed using a pattern in a French General book, I wrote this:
"This pattern was included in a book I borrowed from our local library. The book is entitled French General:Home Sewn: 30 Projects for Every Room in the House. The book is written by Kaari Meng and it is sold at Amazon.com.
I had never heard of French General before I saw this book. As it turns out, they have a website, frenchgeneral.com, where you can purchase reproduction French fabrics as well as other things. The book also lists resources for purchasing fabrics, and two that looked particularly interesting were reprodepot.com and reproductionfabrics.com in Bozeman, Montana. "
Hope there is something of use to you or at least something that might spark ideas in others to get the info you need.
Part of the problem will be low production in the WWII era--I'm thinking production of textiles may have dropped off . . . ?
Good luck--I'll be watching to see how you handle this! Sounds like a fun project.
Also, would Liberty of London have done anything that "contemporary"--I'm thinking they are more turn of the century (19th to 20th).
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Here is an etsy type seller. There is an interesting floral called Nile Green (a few rows down) but not sure how that will work with your project.
Try googling "1940s reproduction fabric" and you'll get several hits. Maybe adding 'UK'?
-- Edited on 7/14/12 12:22 PM -- |
The Dreamstress
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NEW ZEALAND
Member since 7/4/09
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Date: 7/20/12 1:04 AM Lucky you - 1940s inspired fabrics are very popular right now, so you should have no problem finding prints to work with. The real trick for me is matching the style of fabric to the style of frock - most reproduction fabrics are done on craft cotton, which means they have the right print, but on the wrong kind of fabric.
As well as catalogues and reproduction fabrics I like to look at extent garments, because they give a good idea of what people actually sewed up and worked with, and what kind of fabric they paired with what design. I keep a pinterest page with inspiration frocks/fabric for my work.
You may be interested in this patchwork dress from 1942 - a whole range of 30s and 40s fabrics in one dress!
Vintage patterns are also an excellent source, as they show the right kind of fabric for the pattern in the sketches. Just have a browse of Vintage Pattern Wiki
Good luck and be sure to show us when you are done!
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LDT2011
Advanced Beginner
UNITED KINGDOM
Member since 11/18/11
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In reply to The Dreamstress <<
Date: 7/20/12 4:57 AM Quote: The Dreamstress Lucky you - 1940s inspired fabrics are very popular right now, so you should have no problem finding prints to work with. The real trick for me is matching the style of fabric to the style of frock - most reproduction fabrics are done on craft cotton, which means they have the right print, but on the wrong kind of fabric.
As well as catalogues and reproduction fabrics I like to look at extent garments, because they give a good idea of what people actually sewed up and worked with, and what kind of fabric they paired with what design. I keep a pinterest page with inspiration frocks/fabric for my work.
You may be interested in this patchwork dress from 1942 - a whole range of 30s and 40s fabrics in one dress!
Vintage patterns are also an excellent source, as they show the right kind of fabric for the pattern in the sketches. Just have a browse of Vintage Pattern Wiki
Good luck and be sure to show us when you are done!
I love the patchwork dress. (the material prints look quite modern. lol)
I keep seeing small prints and a lot of just plain colour.
When I watch tv programs I see a lot of blue, green, black, mustard and brown. I'm hoping my small floral print on a rusty coloured background works.
Noticed this which is quite close to the colour of the fabric.
I'm going to start on it when I finish my regency dress.
-- Edited on 7/20/12 8:01 AM -- ------
'The purpose of most fashion is to be ostentatiously non-functional.' |
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