The Demure Tea Dress is late 30's dress with shirtwaist styling. The pattern a faithful reproduction of Hollywood Patterns 1552, released circa 1939. This was the first vintage pattern I purchased and made, so it's very special to me.
I've made a couple minor tweaks to the original pattern: I shortened the skirt slightly from the original length so it falls below my knee rather than mid-calf; and made a small adjustment to the front facing so the collar may be convertible. Other than that it's exactly as it came out of the packet in 1939.
The blouse meets the bias cut skirt with a shaped waistline in front, sewn with a lapped seam. Soft pleats release bust fullness.
Two styles of sleeves are included: plain darted short sleeve and a bodacious late 30s shirred puff sleeve which is cut on the bias. There is also an optional pleated patch pocket.