Sewing Hollywood History: Miracle on 34th Street

Thanksgiving is just around the corner here in the states, and that always reminds me of the 1947 classic Miracle on 34th Street. It begins with the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which is how my Thanksgiving always starts, too! So as you prepare to feast your stomach on turkey, let's feast our eyes on the wardrobe of Doris and Susan Walker (eh, see what I did there?).

Doris' Winter Coat 

Maureen O'Hara, playing Doris Walker, is a sensible working lady in this film, so you see lots of suits and coats. She also has some truly sensational hats.

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Here are some vintage patterns in a similar style:

1. Butterick 2128 A, 2. McCall's 5070, 3. DuBarry 5415

The second and third patterns above have some really lovely top stitching detail that would be fun to do!

Susan's Trimmed Dress 

Susan Walker, played by a little Natalie Wood, also has some darling dresses. This one features a peter pan collar, a top yoke with trim and matching trim at the waist, and a gathered skirt.

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Here are some vintage patterns in a similar style:

1. Butterick 1794, 2. Butterick 4384, 3.Simplicity 4175

Some of the trim shown on those patterns seems much to frilly for Susan. Her mother's practicality can clearly be reflected in her own wardrobe! 

I'm hoping to get a new dress sewn for Thanksgiving in a charming reproduction feedsack cotton. Here's hoping! I'm in the final four weeks of my pattern making class and we'll be doing a fashion show/exhibition in mid-December, so lots of busy sewing going on over here!