Friday, 22 April 2016

1967 Vintage dress in Chambray

This month my Minerva make is a vintage pattern I have used before, Simplicity 7193, but I have chosen to make the longer sleeved version. I live in the UK, lets face it, how many summer dresses do we all really need? I decided a long sleeved version would get far more wear throughout the year.

The fabric is a good quality cotton chambray with dots which I thought would look good teamed with navy or red as I have cardigans in both of these colours.


Making this dress really was a lesson in fitting. I made it in my pants, seriously, and kept altering until I had a well fitting dress to wear to work.
  • I shortened the body with a seam around the waist rather than on the pattern pieces. Not intentional but I forgot to shorten the waist when cutting out and it looks fine like this.
  • I added darts at the back all the way down past my the waist rather than just at the shoulder tops.
  • I took 3 inches off the length 

This fabric would make a great dress,skirt,shorts,tunic or summer capri trousers. It is not stiff and the cotton is really smooth on the skin. I have some left over so I will get my thinking cap on. 

 There is nothing like a modelling shot with a tea towel hanging on the stairs to scream classy working woman!

I love it and will be wearing it to work today. This one definitely counts towards my vintage pledge makes of 2016. If you are new to vintage sewing there is a great tutorial on The Foldline at the moment with some useful notes on sizing vintage patterns.

Thanks Minerva for another great fabric to try out.

Jo xxx


Psst: two more days to enter my Lampshade kit giveaway.

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15 comments:

  1. Knitwitsowls22 April 2016 at 09:24

    This is amazing! It could be mistaken for a high street dress! Love it! X

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  2. Christina22 April 2016 at 09:50

    Hi Jo. I love this dress and you look beautiful. I disagree with the comment above, the dress looks much better than any high street dress could ever look. The fit is really good and I admire your fitting skills. I am taking a fitting master class just now, it is terrifying. Have a lovely weekend. x

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  3. Jo22 April 2016 at 11:17

    Terrifying but worth it. That has got to be better than making loads of clothes over the years that don't fit alongside sewing in your knickers! i have come to realise that if I can't make it a really good fit then I might as well go and buy my clothes. Size doesn't matter, fit does. That is my motto. Jo x

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  4. claire ross22 April 2016 at 13:24

    Looks great and a perfect fit x

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  5. Meredith22 April 2016 at 15:23

    I love it too! You look fantastic.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  6. mamasmercantile22 April 2016 at 16:10

    Love, it a great fit and loved the fabric.

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  7. Jackie22 April 2016 at 16:12

    Very nice Jo that dress really suits you.

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  8. Anonymous22 April 2016 at 23:03

    Lovely dress! It looks great on you. Irune

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  9. Gracie Saylor23 April 2016 at 01:49

    Thanks again for sharing your process, Jo. Your fitting solutions are fitting! You are a beautiful model for your beautiful dress. xx

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  10. Jo@awholeplotoflove23 April 2016 at 07:46

    A lovely dress Jo. It looks very professional xx

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  11. Unknown23 April 2016 at 11:42

    Looks great, the shortening through a waist seam I one to remember! Very smart for work.

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  12. Carolyn24 April 2016 at 10:44

    Very chic! It looks like a great dress for the office, both smart and versatile :)

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  13. Ashley cramp24 April 2016 at 14:55

    I love it Jo congrats on another superb sew! xxx

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  14. Amy at love made my home24 April 2016 at 18:41

    Fabulous Jo!!!! Great dress that you model beautifully!!! The tea towel is just keeping it real. xx

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  15. Sum of their Stories25 April 2016 at 16:37

    Super classy dress and a lovely length on you. I kind of love the tea towel, very normal, and it could be worse and be pairs of knickers or a bra!

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