Feeling the Forties

Pattern Review for Butterick B6055

I have been feeling the 1940s lately.  The 50s are usually my favorite vintage era to sew from, but I am expanding to the WWII era.  I have been reading historical fiction set in the era, listening to period blues and band music, and setting my hair in pincurls.

So naturally, I thought I might sew up a forties dress pattern.  Authentic forties patterns are a little harder to come by, but Etsy and Ebay usually have a good selection.  I own a few, but was drawn to a Butterick repro pattern, B6055.

You can take a peek at the pattern here: 
http://butterick.mccall.com/b6055-products-48574.php?page_id=147

What drew me to the pattern, other than its vintage appeal, is that it is an easy, straightforward pattern to sew. The directions are clear and easy to follow, and the raglan sleeve, front darts and full skirt make it an easy design to alter to fit to one's figure.  It is almost like a basic sloper, so if you are feeling creative, you can customize it in all kinds of ways.  And I did.

I changed the pocket:

Added a cuff on the sleeve:

Detailed with rickrack and a period authentic button and buckle set I bought on Etsy.

What do you think? How would you alter it?

I can see it with the zipper moved to the front and a mandarin collar.  I can see it looking much dressier in a silk/rayon blend and a petticoat for volume.

 Ooo, serious pattern crush coming on.  How would you sew it up?  Do tell in the comments.

Xx Piper

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