Dating patterned dress

[acceber]

In addition to being an avid vintage collector, I also restore/reupholster/upcycle antique furniture. Yesterday I was in the process of tearing down this old couch. The springs were shot and someone had stuffed clothing inside the straw to try and fix it. This little dress was in there.

The bow around the waist is my addition. It has a metal “atlas” zipper, a deep hem, pinked seams and no tags or labels aside from a small white tag that is very threadbare and there is nothing written on it. Thank you for your help!

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

Too bad they did not stuff it with cash!

Sweet Dress - It looks late 50s / early 60s to me.

 

[acceber]

lol I know, I thought of that too. I always wonder if one day I won’t find an original Declaration of Independence in one of my projects! Hahaha

Anyway, thank you!

 

[amandainvermont]

How interesting. I agree with MJ - Late 50's 60's.

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

I can't help but think of Jonathan Logan ads when I used to go through magazines in the early 60s when I see this.

 

[MaryLC]

I love this dress and the history is just too much !!!

 

[Midge]

What a find - and what a sweet dress!

 

[Flannery Crane]

That was a nice surprise. Love the pattern.

 

[anothertimevintageapparel]

Early 60s and sweet

 

[Linn]

I see early '60's, too - and commend you for restoring antique furniture!

 

[acceber]

I see early '60's, too - and commend you for restoring antique furniture!

Thank you! I absolutely love doing it!

 

[Linn]

Wish you were closer - I have a house full of it!

 

[acceber]

If you and your houseful are ever in NY, let me know! lol

I thought I would finish up this story by showing the “after” pics of this couch. It still has it’s typical antique style insides - springs, burlap, etc. Just the outside is a little more modern.

 

[Midge]

Looks great!

 

[Linn]

Great job! Did you have to do any restoration on the wood frame? It looks really good.

 

[acceber]

Thank you!

No wood restoration. It isn’t in perfect condition but it wasn’t so bad that I felt it justified refinishing it. Plus I personally like the character it has from being used over the years.

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

WOW...that looks wonderful!

 

[Linn]

Thank you!

No wood restoration. It isn’t in perfect condition but it wasn’t so bad that I felt it justified refinishing it. Plus I personally like the character it has from being used over the years.

I live really close to the ocean so most of my furniture - especially anything antique has "lots of character" - the upholstery and the wood finishes. (And forget brass or bronze!) I have a few pieces that belonged to my mother that were damaged by Hurricane Iniki in 1992. She lived on Kauai. I live on Oahu. I grew up in the Northeast but have been in Hawaii for years.

Do you do this as a business or hobby?

 

[acceber]

Thank you!

It started as a hobby way back when I was a teenager. I’ve been doing it professionally for quite a few years.

 

[Linn]

I really wish we lived closer! I am a retired interior designer. I have a houseful of furniture that needs help.