Making Do

Women had to "make do" in the Depression era 30's and this dress is an example of one woman's ingenuity. I can imagine this woman needing a dress for a special event, yet not having the money to purchase the fabric needed to do so. She goes up to the attic and pulls out one of granny's Victorian dresses and makes it over to fit the current style.

She uses the bodice with its elaborate passimentarie trim and cuts a modern skirt from the old silk twill Victorian one. Now that's what I call recycling!

Take a closer look at that gorgeous passimentarie trim. It is completely constructed by hand from narrow flat soutache braid. The soutache is placed on its side and wound around and around to form this elaborate botanical design. It is backed with acid green silk taffeta to set it off in a distinctive way. Just beautiful!