Making the 1956 Dress

I wanted to make up this 1956 dress pattern right after I got it. Unfortunately, it took a while but I finally did it. I loved the interesting neckline and the front pleats. I made my version in a graphic cotton print from Mood fabrics. Since the fabric is rather thin, I flat-lined the bodice. I made View A with the short sleeves. I made the neckline trim from a bright green taffeta. Since the dress was cotton, I washed the taffeta so that I would be able to wash the dress in the future. That was not the best idea. The taffeta spotted and I had to search for the best sections to cut the pieces out of.

The neck trim was quite a challenge. I didn’t read the instructions correctly and got confused on how they went together I ended up recutting them and applying them over the bodice neckline. The trim pieces were supposed to be applied behind the neckline. I actually prefer the wider neckline rather than the narrower one that would have been created if I had applied the trim correctly. So, I’m deciding it was a happy accident. I happened to have some buttons that matched the trim, I added them to the neckline as well.

I added pockets and a waistline stay to the skirt. I also felt that the sleeves were a little tight and adjusted the grading on the pattern to add a bit more room. I made a matching belt which I lined with the green taffeta and found a fabulous Lucite buckle with flowers which matches perfectly. Even with the challenges, I still think the dress is beautiful. It’s a really pretty spring dress.