Sewing Holllywood History: The Glenn Miller Story

Oh, The Glenn Miller Story. This has been a favorite of mine for ages. It couples two things that I absolutely adore:

1. Glenn Miller's music. My grandmother drove us to and from school every day, and she loved big band and the old crooners. Glen Miller was a particular favorite and is one of mine now, too.
2. Jimmy Stewart. He makes my heart go pitter patter.

The lead lady in this film is the adorable June Allyson playing Glenn Miller's wife, Helen. The movie starts in 1929 and runs until 1944,but was filmed in 1954. I think you can see some of the influences of the 1950s in the wardrobe at the end of the film. 

The spotlight dress for this film is is a lovely chevron-patterned number. Helen wears it at a party towards the end of the film where Glenn plays "Pennsylvania 6-500" for her for the first time. 

Features of the dress: 

• Silk satin collar and cuffs on sleeves. 
• Button-down front with lots of delicate little buttons. 
• Very full skirt!
• Skirt is multiple panels and stripes are matched in a chevron pattern.

Here are some vintage patterns in a similar style.

1. Advance 6896, 2. Vogue 8606, 3. McCalls 8935, 4. Simplicity 2617

       

See it in the Movie 

Here's the clip from the movie with the dress. It's so wonderful when it twirls!