I had a few yards stashed of this lovely repro print from The Timely Tailor (now sold out, but there are some similar prints still available), and one day this summer when I was in the mood to sew with it, I cut out a late 1930s dress.

This was a recent pattern buy, and the first time I'd made it. It turned out to be quite a bit more complicated than it looks!

The bodice definitely took some concentration to assemble. I've never done anything like it. 

I wouldn't say it was an unqualified success in the fit department, but I sure learned a lot while I made it. I would definitely do some tweaking to the pattern if I make it again. But as a wearable muslin it works.

I love the cheerful blue and white fabric. Such a classic!

Lots of white top stitching on the bodice bands trim it, and I ended up inserting some rickrack on the sleeves, just for fun.

Other than the bodice, the dress was pretty straightforward. It's an interesting example of how something can look simple but be deceptively complex in construction – which is definitely a common element in fashion design from this time period.