• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • About
  • Tutorials
    • Vintage Hairstyles
    • Knitting
    • Sewing
  • Patterns
  • Sewing
  • Home
  • Knitting
    • Patterns
    • Free Vintage Patterns
    • Knit-alongs
  • Wardrobe
  • Travels
  • Contact
Tasha Could Make That

Tasha Could Make That

Vintage knitting, sewing, and a lifetime of craftiness

Finished: Hollywood Patterns tweed pinafore skirt

February 4, 2013 by Tasha 50 Comments

My most recent sewing project that I’m sharing today actually preempts the previous project I finished just before this one. You see, I planned to take photos of both the same day, except there was 2 inches of snow on the ground and I could only stand being outside without a coat for so long. So you’ll have to wait on the other one.

dog butt in the background

Look what I did for the love of this blog, my friends! I braved the cold and snow (and dodgy lighting—sorry).

When Lladybird Lauren visited Chicago last summer, she and I both bought the same brown wool tweed fabric at Vogue Fabrics. She turned hers into Thurlow trousers last fall, and mine became this pinafore skirt. I think it was the last they had of the fabric, because sadly when Liz of zilredloh.com went back to see if they had more, they didn’t. Sorry Liz. 🙁

I wanted an 8-gore skirt just to try something different, so I used the pieces of this Hollywood Patterns dress (pattern 407) and added a waistband. I’m nearly positive the pattern is from 1940. My sleuthing led me to Hollywood 402, just a few numbers down from my pattern. It featured “Betty Grable of 20th Century Fox” on the cover, and looking it up, she only joined 20th Century Fox in 1940, so it couldn’t be earlier. The November 1940 Hollywood Pattern catalog has similar styles but numbers already in the 500s, the June 1941 catalog is going on into the 600s, so I figured it couldn’t be later. So I bet this was from spring or summer 1940.

(Of course I’m totally sewing it as a dress someday, too!)

The art of skillfully cutting length off skirt pieces still rather eludes me. I had to cut off about 7″, about my norm. Folding the pattern pieces around the hip-level and re-drafting the side seams would have dramatically altered the width of all those gores (making the skirt much wider), but taking it from the hem would make a much less full hem. In the end I decided just to cut from the hem. Maybe I’ll split the difference next time. It still falls pretty nicely.

Would any (non-experts) sewists be interested in a post on my new favorite hemming techniques for using rayon seam binding and an a-line skirt? I was personally having some frustrations with getting it to look good on the inside until recently when I hit on just the perfect series of steps (using vintage resources as my guide).

I graded the pattern pieces down slightly to try and get a bit of a better fit in the waist but I went overboard, and after attaching the waistband realized it was too small. It fit, but it was a don’t eat, don’t breath kind of skirt. So I unpicked the waistband, let out several seams and re-cut the waistband. Now it’s perfect. Fortunately I foreaw that it might happen so I serged the seam allowances separately and pressed them open un-trimmed, otherwise I would have been sunk! I may repeat that in the future just in case.

 

 

Anyway, because I couldn’t leave well enough alone, halfway through the project I decided I wanted to make detachable pinafore straps. They’re held on with red buttons on the inside that only I get to see.

Isn’t the tweed great close-up? I definitely need more tweed in my life. Oh yes, it’s lined too! Only my second time lining (first was the other skirt you’ve yet to see).  I started with cheap poly lining which I didn’t mind that much, but I’m soliciting opinions for your favorite lining fabrics and why. (This is wrinkly because I took the photo after wearing it.)

For the straps, it was easy: I measured up and over my shoulder diagonally from back waist to front waist, added a few inches for insurance, and cut one piece for each strap twice the finished width I wanted for the straps (2″) plus seam allowances. I interfaced, sewed up a back center seam and turned the tubes right side out (the interfacing proved a bit of a problem turning them but it’s okay in the end). Then I pressed, top-stitched about 1/4″ in from each edge, serged one raw edge and measured for buttonhole placement on the back. Once I had the straps buttoned in the back I flipped them to the front, marked buttonhole placement while wearing it, cut off the excess fabric, serged that raw edge and made the front buttonholes.

But I’ll probably wear it more as a skirt because in weather when I want a wool skirt, I also want a sweater. Maybe it would work with a fitted pullover?

Taking photos in the snow wasn’t so bad, but let’s be honest, it went a little more like this.

It’s a classic—a basic wool tweed skirt with removeable straps to transform it into a pinafore whenever I want. I love it. I’m already pretty sure I’ll be wearing this all the time!

outfit details

40s fair isle hat: knit by me
opera gloves: knit by my mom
silk blouse: Vacation Vintage
Scottish tartan scarf: thrifted
Bakelite bangle: Ginger Jindo Antiques
Bakelite thistle brooch and earrings: eBay
50s rubber overshoes: Fab Gabs

  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit
  • Email
  • Print

Filed Under: Sewing, Vintage Wardrobe Tagged With: finished projects, hollywood patterns, vintage sewing

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Beth says

    February 4, 2013 at 6:06 pm

    You look fantastic! I absolutely love pinafores, but never thought to sew one myself.

    Reply
  2. Trina44 says

    February 4, 2013 at 6:14 pm

    Love the opera gloves, what a great idea.

    Reply
  3. Marie says

    February 4, 2013 at 6:45 pm

    Beautiful make and I love the snowy backdrop! I would definitely be interested in a hemming tutorial ;o)

    Reply
  4. LLADYBIRD says

    February 4, 2013 at 6:49 pm

    It’s beautiful! Yay for matching twinsies fabric (although my Thurlows are currently in time-out – Landon ran them through the wash and they felted a little 🙁 Trying to figure out if I can salvage them!). It’s such a great basic skirt that will go with anything – and I love that the straps are detachable 😀

    For lining, I always always suggest Bemberg Rayon. It’s pretty cheap – I think $6 or $7 a yard at the Vogue store – and comes in all kinds of awesome colors. And it feels amazing against the skin.

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 4, 2013 at 9:20 pm

      Thanks Lauren! And bummer about your pants, sniff sniff. 🙁 I hope you can work it out!

      That’s good to know the price point of Bemberg Rayon isn’t bad at all! I always wear a slip, so lining goes into new territory for me.

      Reply
  5. Moe says

    February 4, 2013 at 6:53 pm

    Oh, I love this! I’ve been toying with the idea of making a pinafore for ages now but I’ve never had the gumption to try it. This looks FANTASTIC on you and you did a really great job with it. And I’d love to see a tutorial on the rayon seam binding. I must admit I often rush my hems. I’m suffer from racehorse-near-the-finish-line syndrome and get so excited that I’m almost done, I often just do whatever is quickest. Sometimes the fabric and skirt are forgiving, but other times it’s not so much.

    Oh, and as a fellow shortie, I always take length off the bottom of my skirts. It does often result in a less full shirt, but I find that the fullness often “corrects” itself for my shorter legs. When I’ve taken length out from the middle, it’s usually resulted in a skirt that was much too full for my midgety stature.

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 4, 2013 at 9:07 pm

      I know what you mean–by the time I get to the hem I just want to be done.

      That’s a good point about the fullness and short legs. I think that’s why I usually feel like circle skirts just overwhelm me, much as I’d love to wear more of them!

      Reply
  6. Eartha Kitsch says

    February 4, 2013 at 7:10 pm

    Absolutely perfect! And I love the grey tweed with the blue. You always TOTALLY make me wish that I could sew.

    Reply
  7. Molly M. says

    February 4, 2013 at 7:12 pm

    Love your overshoes!

    Reply
  8. Jacqueline The Vintage Homemaker says

    February 4, 2013 at 7:52 pm

    Wow!!! Perfection at its best. I also love the snow it looks so inviting. As for the hemming tutorial,yes, I would be interested.

    xx,
    Jacqueline

    Reply
  9. joellestlaurent says

    February 4, 2013 at 8:02 pm

    this is lovely! i really like the snowy picture, you look as happy as a kid in the first snow. As lining goes, I really like bemberg rayon (after lots of researching, i found out that what i buy here in sweden and is called cupro is actually bemberg. And i’d love a tutorial on hemming!

    Reply
  10. Rochelle New says

    February 4, 2013 at 8:07 pm

    I love this look! The straps are such an awesome, versatile detail! I would love to know your hemming techniques, please. I also wouldn’t mind seeing more dog butts in photos 😉

    p.s. that’s a super fabulous hat!! Did you make it?

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 4, 2013 at 9:10 pm

      Thanks! And I should arrange more Pia butt in photos. She certainly wanders into the frame often enough. lol

      I did indeed knit the hat. 🙂

      Reply
  11. Lost says

    February 4, 2013 at 8:38 pm

    Excellent result, I like that you made it convertible– two outfits in one! Lovely and practical choice of fabric too, I’m always a fan of tweed. 🙂

    VERY envious of your overshoes, I’ve been dreaming of finding a pair in my size…

    Reply
  12. Debi says

    February 4, 2013 at 8:52 pm

    I love this! Such a great idea to make detachable pinafore suspenders! I am also loving your vintage snow/rain boots!!

    Reply
  13. rosesontoast.com says

    February 4, 2013 at 9:08 pm

    What a great skirt! Clever to make it convertible. The gloves are pretty rad too.

    Reply
  14. Juliana says

    February 4, 2013 at 9:16 pm

    That is fantastic! I love the whole ensemble–I’d like to have a skirt/pinafore like that!! (And yes, I’d totally wear it with a fitted pullover.)

    Great overshoes!

    Reply
  15. Kestrel says

    February 4, 2013 at 9:20 pm

    Very cute and such a great idea to have detachable straps to make it more versatile – genius!

    Reply
  16. Jitterbugdoll says

    February 4, 2013 at 9:20 pm

    Fabulous job–I love that tweed fabric!

    And I would love to see a post on your new hemming technique, as I am about to start on a skirt project as well 🙂

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 6, 2013 at 3:41 am

      I’m so glad to know it would be helpful to others, since I know it’s something I’ve struggled with! I’ll definitely work something up. 🙂

      Reply
  17. wacky tacky says

    February 4, 2013 at 9:34 pm

    LOVE IT!!! I sewed a pinafore skirt for Mary at the beginning of her school year (August) and she has yet to wear it…I thought nobody was too old for back-to-school clothes. Once I photograph it, I’ll be sure to post it. Your sewing never fails to impress and you are on a roll! Keep it up!

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 6, 2013 at 3:42 am

      Aww back to school clothes are fun, she should pull it out! Thanks for the kind words, I finally DO feel like I’ve hit my groove with sewing! 🙂

      Reply
  18. vintagelovingal says

    February 4, 2013 at 9:58 pm

    I LOVE THIS! Great job Tasha! I would love a tutorial on your hem technique 🙂

    xoxo,
    Tina

    Reply
  19. Meg the Grand says

    February 4, 2013 at 10:00 pm

    This is such a marvelous piece! I love that you used that delicious tweed, and I especially love that you added the fabulous straps – I think they make this skirt into something really special. The whole ensemble is pretty fantastic – I found myself drooling over your gloves!

    Reply
  20. Laurence says

    February 4, 2013 at 10:02 pm

    Love your outfit! What I really love is these long wool gloves, I have been searching a pair like these for years.
    I’m really fed up of snow now… I’m waiting for sunny spring!

    Reply
  21. Kat says

    February 4, 2013 at 10:02 pm

    Gorgeous!!! I love pinafore skirts. I have seen some awesome reproduction ones but after seeing this I think I will just make one myself. Ooh maybe this is what I can do for Lucky Lucille’s 40s sew-a-long. Thanks for the inspiration! You look lovely in your new skirt.

    Reply
  22. Katie says

    February 4, 2013 at 11:09 pm

    Oh my word! Everything about this is just stunning, you look gorgeous! I am in love with you skirt, I want your whole wardrobe please, everything you sew is always done with such care and thought. Beautiful as always 🙂

    Reply
  23. nancyworegreenstockings says

    February 4, 2013 at 11:49 pm

    You look divine! I was super in love with the pinafore instantly but then the gloves! They’re so lovely and perfect! You look awesome.

    Reply
  24. Mrs Molly Doll says

    February 5, 2013 at 12:33 am

    You look lovely! I wish it snowed here, it looks so pretty!
    x Molly

    Reply
  25. Anonymous says

    February 5, 2013 at 3:15 am

    Gorgeous! I envy your amazing talent 🙂

    ~ Cerridwyn

    Reply
  26. Shelly says

    February 5, 2013 at 4:19 am

    Love the tweed! You look lovely 🙂

    Reply
  27. Esz says

    February 5, 2013 at 4:51 am

    I am short so usually take a sh*tload off the length of my skirts. The way I do it is fold the pattern pieces about mid-thigh. Then I true (or just fold over) the excess and it keeps the circumference of the hem of the skirt.
    However, this changes the angle slightly of the flare. So there will always be a compromise made unless you draft your own pattern (which I can’t be bothered with to be honest!).
    I guess they work out the same?
    But as Moe said, smaller person should equal smaller fullness as too much volume in fabric will overwhelm the frame.

    And – your skirt is fabulous – the gored 40’s styles are SO flattering, and who doesn’t love wool tweed! 😀

    Reply
  28. Danika Jane says

    February 5, 2013 at 5:22 am

    I love everything about this! I’ve never sewed something from a pattern yet – it is on my list though!

    The fair isle is beanie all kinds of wonderful too!

    Reply
  29. BusyLizzie says

    February 5, 2013 at 6:04 am

    You have no idea how much I love this look!! I am pretty sure I could totally steal your wardrobe (not sure it would fit though).
    I love the gloves too – what pattern are they?

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 6, 2013 at 3:46 am

      Looks like my mom didn’t post the pattern on her Ravelry page, I’ll have to ask!

      Reply
  30. Mid Century Pink says

    February 5, 2013 at 6:19 am

    SOOOOO cute!!!

    Reply
  31. Dolly Cool Clare says

    February 5, 2013 at 10:44 am

    Wow, really fab skirt, love the red button detail and the shape of those shoes is lovely! Well done for braving the elements!! 🙂

    Reply
  32. Erika says

    February 5, 2013 at 11:00 am

    Beautiful! Love a well-made tweed skirt – such a classic and competent look. The beret and gloves are lovely as well, a wonderful contrapoint to the sombre grey =)

    Outside at winter in short sleeves… brrr! You are a very brace lady!

    Reply
  33. Jessica Cangiano says

    February 5, 2013 at 11:11 am

    What an absolutely stellar outfit and pinafore skirt! Great minds at work here, I must say, because this skirt style has been on my mind heavily for the past few weeks, too. Bettie Page clothing offers a somewhat similar style in three colours, and I’m hoping to add at least one of them to my wardrobe this year.

    You truly look fantastic, dear Tasha, thank you for sharing your this awesome sewing project with us.

    ♥ Jessica

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 6, 2013 at 3:48 am

      It really is such a versatile style, and one would suit you very well, too! Thanks for the kind words as always! 🙂 xo

      Reply
  34. LandGirl1980 says

    February 5, 2013 at 12:20 pm

    GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW-JUSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!! xx

    Reply
  35. ShanniLoves says

    February 5, 2013 at 12:49 pm

    Oh I love it and the removable straps..how cool is that!!

    Reply
  36. Incendiary Blonde says

    February 5, 2013 at 4:30 pm

    Ahhhh, so you have the snowy weather now! That pinafore/skirt is sooo lovely, and the perfect material for wintery weather too…I want one! I am also loving those galoshes!

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 6, 2013 at 3:49 am

      Yes, you’ve passed it back across the ocean the opposite way now! lol We even have tons more on the ground since the weekend!

      Reply
  37. Kim says

    February 5, 2013 at 7:15 pm

    That is SO cute. You’re lucky to have a mom that knits you amazing gloves!

    Reply
  38. Emma Litton says

    February 5, 2013 at 11:50 pm

    Wow, so beautiful! You did an excellent job. That pattern is seriously amazing, can’t wait to see if you ever make a dress out of it 🙂

    xo,
    Em

    Reply
  39. drapedincloudlets says

    February 11, 2013 at 11:26 am

    The gloves are an excellent idea – and the skirt is so darling.

    Reply
  40. wardrobeexperience says

    February 16, 2013 at 4:21 pm

    LOVE YOUR PINAFORE! this is something i really miss in my wardrobe …

    Reply
  41. Jackie says

    November 5, 2013 at 10:47 am

    LOVE everything!

    Will you please share your favorite red lipstick colors/brands including the one you are wearing in this photoshoot? Thanks in advance!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Shades of orange, turquoise and a new watch | By Gum, By Golly says:
    February 17, 2014 at 9:00 am

    […] the house Sephora brand lipstick, though my favorite orange-red is NARS Heat Wave). I added my tweed skirt and my recently-completed Hetty cardigan. And you’re probably sick of seeing the cardigan by […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

About Tasha

Welcome! If you’re into vintage style, knitting, sewing, and general craftiness, well then grab your favorite drink because you’re in the right place! I’m Tasha. Read more...

  • P

Tasha Could Be In Your Inbox

Yes, add me, please!

My Knitting Patterns

Wondrella cardigan - new knitting pattern!

Wondrella cardigan – new knitting pattern!

Fortesse beret - new knitting pattern

Fortesse beret – new knitting pattern

Fortesse pullover - new knitting pattern

Fortesse pullover – new knitting pattern

Confidette bolero - new knitting pattern!

Confidette bolero – new knitting pattern!

Legendaire pullover hands behind head

Legendaire pullover – new knitting pattern release

Fayne beret: new knitting pattern release

Fayne beret: new knitting pattern release

Knitting pattern release: Sprigs and Berries

Knitting pattern release: Sprigs and Berries

Nisse: knitting pattern release

Nisse: knitting pattern release

Debut knitting pattern release: Victory

Debut knitting pattern release: Victory

Categories

Some Favorites

Getting a cardigan right

Getting a cardigan right

Our great 1950s kitchen renovation reveal

Our great 1950s kitchen renovation reveal

50s topper coat for spring

50s topper coat for spring

Nancy Drew and the Clue in the Epic Sweater

Nancy Drew and the Clue in the Epic Sweater

A plaid bolero, a dress, and a belt buckle walk into a bar

A plaid bolero, a dress, and a belt buckle walk into a bar

Spring green batwing sleeve bolero

Spring green batwing sleeve bolero

Topics

1940s sewing birthdays blouses briar rose knitalong butterick butterick B5895 buttons cardigans christmas clogs craftsy dresses fair isle knitting fall for cotton finished projects fitting a 1940s pullover project giveaways haircuts Hollywood 1678 jacket hollywood patterns knit for victory knitting patterns knitwear design mccall's outfits pants resizing knitting patterns reviews sew for victory sewing with knits simplicity skirts stranded knitting susan crawford tailoring vintage vintage clothing vintage hair vintage knitting vintage knitting college vintage knitting patterns vintage pledge vintage sewing vintage sewing patterns wisconsin

Posts

Footer

Tasha Could Be in Your Inbox

Yes, add me, please!

  • P
  • © Copyright 2023 Tasha Could Make That. All Rights Reserved.
  • • Privacy Policy
  • Created with ✨ by Moxie Design Studios
Scroll Up