WW2 Childrens Pattern

Nutty_Tart

Hello,

I was wondering if I could call on your expertise? DD (age 10) is going on a school trip for her WW2 evacuation project and has to dress up for the day.

I have looked on line for a simple 1930's/40's dress pattern, but not turned up anything for a child - lots of ladies patterns, but these are too 'grown up' IFSWIM. I won't get a chance to go to the library until the week-end, so would appreciate if anyone has any ideas?

I have tried burda/freepatterns/freecrafts/freeneedle etc etc. Obviously, the cheaper (free) the better.

Thanks in advance,

NT x

knithryn

Hmmmm not sure, but a square box (brown) with a string through it to go over her head and hang it down in front of her would make a 'gas mask box'.
I'm thinking knee high socks with flat shoes, a plain coat, a knitted beret.
If you're handy with a sewing machine, a sort of frilled pinafore over a plain circular skirt to knee length, with a plain blouse.

purpleivy

Try looking on the V and A website. I recently saw some 'period' knitted items there, but there may be other stuff as well.

ChocClare

How confident/quick a sewer are you? Girls' dresses in the 40s were fitted bodice to waist, short flared skirt, short, usually puffed sleeves, sometimes with Peter Pan collar or round neck. Really basic dress pattern that I used to churn out for my DD when she was about three (except I did a longer skirt). This is the sort of thing.

If you don't want to sew anything, you can do wonders with a twinset or round neck cardigan and blouse over a skirt. The main thing is a side parting on the hair and a ribbon in it. That turns a modern child into an old-fashioned one at the drop of a hat. I'm thinking something like this, this or this

If you google vintage children's KNITTING patterns, you can often get a really good "look" which you can adapt (can you spot the mother whose children were a) Victorians and b) evacuees on various school outings and who couldn't be bothered to do much sewing ?).

Nutty_Tart

Thank-you so much,

Brilliant ideas, as always.

Thanks again,

NT x