Original circa 1951 New York Pattern No. 824 - Sun-Dress and Shoulderette

Original circa 1951 New York Pattern No. 824, a Louise Scott Creation, for a women's sun-dress and shoulderette. A sweetheart bodice on shoulder straps meets a belted waist and a slim three-piece skirt opened by an inset godet at the front, and a one-piece lace shoulderette, gathered at each end to fit the arm, covers the shoulders when the occasion calls for it. Factory Folded and Unused; envelope worn and professionally repaired.

Quick Facts

• Pattern Number: New York No. 824
• Year: Circa 1951
• Garment: Ladies' and Misses' Sun-Dress and Shoulderette
• Size: 14 (32" Bust, 35" Hip)
• Condition: Factory Folded; Envelope Worn and Professionally Repaired

Design

New York Pattern 824 is two pieces of dressing in one envelope. The sun-dress has a fitted bodice top with a sweetheart neckline and shoulder straps, a removable belt at the waist, and an attached three-piece skirt that runs slim through the hip before an inset godet at the front releases it into movement, about 75 inches around the hem in size 16, with a 46-inch finished length from the neck. The envelope shows the godet in lace to match the shoulderette, a single piece gathered at each end to fit the arm and settle around the shoulders like a little shrug. The dress closes with a 12-inch side placket zipper, and the pattern has 8 pieces in all.

A Moment in Fashion History

In the early 1950s, the New Look's nipped waist and fitted bodice could be worn two ways: with a sweeping full skirt, or with a slim skirt that let the figure carry the line. New York 824 takes the slim road and adds a clever change of hours, a bare sun-dress for the afternoon that becomes a covered-up evening dress with its lace shoulderette. The envelope carries the "Louise Scott Creation" credit seen on many New York Pattern Company designs of the period, though who Louise Scott was remains one of home sewing's small mysteries.

Illustration

The cover illustration has been digitally restored and enhanced by Judy Yates to highlight the original fashion artwork while preserving the character and artistry of this historic New York Pattern envelope.

Connections

This pattern is part of our ongoing exhibit, The Ladies of the New Look - a growing collection celebrating Dior's 1947 silhouette, remade for the home seamstress. Come take a look.