Simplicity 4699 - 1940s dress sewing project

One of the paths that led me to a love of vintage clothes is my costuming background.  I spent a number of years costuming for reenactment, cosplaying and then a while as an active member in the Australian Costumers Guild.

We had a few 'retro/vintage' events which really piqued my love of the styles of 40s and 50s clothes. 

Over time my sewing hasn't improved a great deal but I still enjoy the act of making something with my own two hands.   I also enjoy the ability of making an item of clothing that is entirely unique.  The choice of pattern, fabric, colours and trimmings means that it's my own creation.

My current project is an early 1940s dress from an original pattern, kindly loaned to me by the ever lovely Poisonedkitty. 

Tasks already completed:

• copied the pattern.
• painstakingly sized up the pattern (a size 18 to size 20) using the excellent instructions given by Casey in her pattern grading tutorial on her blog Elegant Musings.
• made a mock-up of the resized pattern.
• discovered the larger size is too large for me (despite the measurements indicated on the packet).
• drafted a fresh copy of the pattern.
• have cut out a mockup of the size 18... it's ready to sew together.
• bought fabric and lining.
• washed fabric to ensure that any shrinkage of the fabric doesn't happen on the final garment.

I'm a terribly slow when it comes to sewing projects so I don't expect this completed anytime soon but I thought I'd share a photo or two of progress along the way. 

Wish me luck!