The first time I went to Europe was by ocean liner, upon the Cunard Queen Mary 2. This happened to be the Fashion Week crossing, and I had the most enjoyable experience (i.e. getting to meet shoe designer Stewart Weitzman, and much more – here is a post about that experience )! As a person who loves all things vintage and classic, this was a very special way to travel, and my husband and I couldn’t wait to sail on her again. There is truly no better way to travel, this is not a “cruise” (Cunard is very adamant about that distinction) but a transatlantic crossing like in the golden era of ocean liners.
Fast forward to 2022, we decided to book another Queen Mary 2 crossing from New York City to Southampton, England.
This crossing did not have an encompassing theme, but any day on the QM2 is a delightful celebration, and pairing that with the strict Cunard dress code, I had every excuse I needed to dream up sewing creations to make.
When you are a person who loves to sew, having an excuse like two gala nights is a perfect catalyst for ideas. On this crossing, Cunard announced the Red and Gold gala night, and the Roaring 20’s gala night.
For my dresses I chose to create views B & C from McCall’s 8037, which is an evening dress pattern meant for stretch fabrics I chose this pattern because it matched very closely to the inspiration pictures I collected ahead of making the dresses (see below). It was important to me to be warm and have long sleeves on my evening dresses because it is chilly on the North Atlantic in May. I also wanted a vintage, modest look for the dress.
I chose to use a turquoise blue fabric with iridescent silver details ( purchased here ), as well as a shiny crushed red velvet ( purchased here ). I also made a 1920’s style turban to go with the blue dress, and for that I used a self drafted pattern.
McCall’s 8037 is an exceptionally easy and straightforward sewing pattern to use. As a flight attendant, I sometimes have single days off where it does not make sense to fly to home to Florida, and I will instead go visit my family who live 2 1/2 hours from my airport base. I actually keep a mini travel sewing machine in my trunk so I can use it at my parent’s house. Believe it or not, I made both evening gowns ( one dress per day) using my mini travel sewing machine!
On the blue dress, I ended up sewing the very deep V-neck up a few inches for modesty because I didn’t feel it would be appropriate on the Cunard otherwise. I do not feel that choice detracted from the look of the dress.
Cunard requires men to wear a formal jacket and tie to dinner and in most areas of the ship after 6pm on gala nights. Thankfully my husband loves and appreciates these dress code standards, and he is the perfect model for my Cunard creations. For Joe I decided to make Simplicity 9457, view A, which is a lovely double breasted formal waistcoat.
I first picked out the pattern, knowing that was what I wanted to make him, but I was not sure of the fabric. Imagine my sheer delight when one day I found “Old World” sailing map themed fabric at Walmart! Better yet, it was about $1.20 per yard. My level of excitement over this was high!
The vest was far more difficult to make compared with my evening dresses. I am not the best with buttonholes but I did my best, and I am pleased with how the vest turned out. Additionally, I was on such a high about finding that very fitting fabric, that I decided to make a matching bow tie and pocket square. Joe insisted on a true bow tie, not a pre-tied one, a decision I very much respect, so I found a free sewing pattern from Tie A Tie which I used for that. For the pocket square I just got creative and sewed triangles to a piece of cardboard.
It was such a joy to make these pieces for our trip. I like to think in the golden era of transatlantic crossings many ladies would get just as excited about the onboard fashions as I do. If you have enjoyed this post, and you love to sew or travel, you should look into a crossing, you won’t be sorry. www.Cunard.com
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