House dresses with style

In the 1930's married woman were having to adjust to a life without maids and but some compensation came with the advent of mechanisation of housework. Washing machines and vacuum cleaners were welcomed by these women. The Hoover vacuum was so popular a dress was named after the brand; the Hooverette.
The Hooverette was a cross between a dress and an apron. Women wore this garment while doing housework but it was also acceptable to have the neighbour in and even go to the shops.

The style reflected an effort to look presentable even though you were doing housework.
I think the housedress is due for a revival as we have become so enamoured of tights, hoodies and gymwear that we forget the boost a dress can give. It may even be possible that we have lost the confidence to wear a dress as an everyday item.
Over the past few years  'the apron' became popular however the reality is that most of the patterns are designed to look 'vintage' not be practical.
This year we are working our way through dress patterns that would be today's Hoovertette.
The patterns have to comply to the following criteria.

• Comfort and ease of wear to be practical for physical activity
• Ballerina flats, sandals, Mary-Janes with tights or boots will complement the dress so you can happily go out for coffee without having to change.
• Can be easily washed
• Can still look good after a day of activity  
• Pattern is easy and quick to make.
• Preferably has pockets
• Can be suitable for basic fabric so you can use fabric in your stash.

This weeks trial was chosen as it was quick to make, no gathering, no setting in sleeves, darts etc.  It looks a little dated on the pattern envelope but just making it as a dress gives it a readaptation of the 'shift' in fresh summer style. It was made from go to whoa in under an hour including sewing the three buttons on. It was made from 1980's printed cotton. The style worked as it has a bodice attached to a straight lower section. This  allows for darts to be dispensed with. Wearability and workability were excellent.

What better week to revive the little cotton dress!

                           

                               

Note turning up the sleeves and topstitching takes no time yet adds a nice finish.