You may remember me mentioning a
haul of vintage patterns and a dressform that I excitedly got my hands on a few months ago. I have looked through the patterns many times and now, inspired by the
vintage sewing contest, I've made one!
I chose this Butterick 'Misses' one-piece dress' pattern. I can't find a date on it but, comparing it to the other patterns I bought from the same lady, I estimate it to be from somewhere in the 1960s, the 70s at the latest. That's round about my vintage actually - perfect!
The pattern was a size 14 and had been cut out very neatly by its previous owner. Although I'm usually a size 10, the bust measurement was right for me so I went with the size as it was. This is my first time making a vintage pattern, but I'm guessing that the sizes have changed over the last 40 years or so!
I loved the lines and in-seam pockets of this dress pattern and, actually, it isn't a million miles from some modern patterns I've seen. However, I did want an up-to-date look, so I decided to leave off the collar and to use a knit fabric for the side panels. My main fabric was a gold linen-like fabric that I'd bought as a remnant in Textile Traders.
I drafted an all-in-one facing for the front and back neckline and armholes, according to
this very helpful tutorial. This gives a nice finish on the inside when the zip falls open.
I topstitched all the seams and added a little diamonte charm to the zip pull.
The back has vertical shoulder darts, which give nice shaping and fit. The bust darts needed moving downwards and the side, knit fabric panels were taken in for a better fit. I didn't have enough gold fabric to make the dress any longer, so I added an interfaced panel of the knit fabric around the hem.
Otherwise the fit was pretty well spot on!
I must say that I'm well chuffed with my first vintage pattern. It took some minor tweaking to get it right, but I don't think it looks too out of place as we move into 2014.
It's so merry and bright, I might just wear it on Christmas day.
16 comments:
This looks great! I love that you were able to use a vintage pattern to make a dress that looks fresh and "of the moment!" It's very flattering and looks comfortable, too- perfect!
Cute dress! Looks like you got a great fit. It's got a vintage vibe but still very wearable. Good job!
I am drawn to vintage patterns but often can't see how they would translate into reality. You have done a fantastic job of updating it. I wouldn't have thought if combining the Knit and woven. It gives it a rtw sort of vibe.
You have done a fantastic job of bringing this vintage style into the 21st century. Love your fabric choices. This looks like a very comfortable dress but also very stylish. Perfect for Christmas (lots of room for Christmas Dinner).
Absolutely lovely! I love your changes and the fabric choices are so perfectly shimmery and festive in a very modern way - gorgeous.
Gosh, thank you. I'm very pleased you agree that it looks modern.
Yes, that's exactly what I was hoping for. Thank you!
This dress looks very modern...I would never have guessed you used a vintage pattern. Love the fabric combo.
I agree, I worried that vintage was just not in keeping with my usual style, but I'm really happy with this dress.
Room for Christmas dinner is exactly what I need! Thank you for the lovely comment.
Thank you so much. I'm so pleased you like it and get the modern vibe!
Awesome, that's just what I like to hear. Thank you!
{ GORGEOUS } love the fabric, the style...you did a great job!
Love the gold fabric and how it glows warmly in the gentle sunshine! Must follow your example and delve into my (small) vintage haul for something that translates equally well.
I am digging this 60s vibe most completely. Very Cacharel. Excellent holiday dinner choice as well!
Coco
Vintage pattern but the vibe is very now. Love the simplicity of the lines and the fabric choices. Perfect really!
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