Thursday, 26 March 2015

Hooray! vintage dress 1968

My Minerva make this month has been my most successful vintage pattern make yet. It is a pattern that is size 16 for a 36" bust(please!). It was easy to fit by simply altering the back darts for my sway back and chopping the length because I am short. The rest was cut and sewn to the seam allowances so I will definitely be making this pattern again.


The fabric is a lightweight linen with a tulle ribbon sewn on. It is a stunning fabric before you even cut it. It's £6.99 a metre and I used two metres.

I seem to have a pattern placement there that mimics my intestines!
I used the fabric to my best advantage. I loved that ribbon but it looked a bit like it could be scratchy over time so I cut the sleeves using the wide un-ribboned-selvedge edge. It made the sleeve cuffs really smooth especially on my underarm. I did the same on the hem to stop it rubbing away at my tights. You don't know you are going to do these things until you see and feel the fabric but it is always good to have an open mind and be ready to adapt.


I think the Hepburn collar is such a stylish cut.


This is how the body shape is formed. There is a bust dart, and side front darts finished with faux pocket details. Circa 1968. Cool.




It is lined and is one of the most comfortable dresses I have made. I wore it to work and had lots of compliments including "Where did you get that dress from?" I swoon over that sort of comment, it means it doesn't look handmade and I must be improving.


Thanks Minerva.

Another make towards my Vintage Pledge 2015 with Stitching Odyssey

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17 comments:

  1. Jacquie26 March 2015 at 20:21

    It's fabulous Jo, it suits you so well.
    Gorgeous.
    Jacquie x

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  2. the linen cloud26 March 2015 at 20:30

    Gorgeous! It looks really rich. Very pretty! Bee xx

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  3. Jo@awholeplotoflove26 March 2015 at 20:34

    It's such a pretty dress & a fantastic price for the fabric. Well done you x

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  4. mamasmercantile26 March 2015 at 20:51

    You look wonderful, the style and fabric really suit you.

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  5. gilly26 March 2015 at 22:45

    Wow, it's simply lovely! Love the style and the fit, and that fabric is gorgeous. Definitely you need to make another one, it really suits you - well done you :-) xx

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  6. Plain Jane26 March 2015 at 22:48

    It's beautiful Jo - and that Hepburn collar is so in (have you seen the Boden Audrey tops?) The lining must make it a dream to wear. Well done x Jane

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  7. Caz.P.26 March 2015 at 23:12

    Your dress is fab. Bargain material. Couldn't believe that pattern sizing though. If you were 36-24-36, you were a size 12. Size 16was a 40bust in those days. I used to make nearly all my own clothes in the sixties. Most of my friends did too.

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  8. Gracie Saylor26 March 2015 at 23:54

    You were especially clever to take measures to avoid scratchiness! Good thinking and beautiful sewing, Jo. I admire you and your work! xx

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  9. My Garden Diaries27 March 2015 at 03:37

    You amaze me...do I say that too much?!?! But seriously!!! This dress is gorgeous! And your shoes go perfectly with it!!! Happy making my friend!!! Nicole xoxo

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  10. Una27 March 2015 at 06:47

    It'snot easy to find a dress in the shops that fits properly. Your customising and choice of material makes this one perfect.

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  11. Lazy Days & Sundays27 March 2015 at 06:48

    Simply stunning Jo no wonder you're so proud. I wouldn't know where to start, shameful as I come from a long line of seamstresses.

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  12. Christina27 March 2015 at 11:58

    You look just like Audrey Hepburn, collar and all. It is such a beautiful dress! I am more and more spurned on to loose the inches that stop me from sewing for myself, thanks for that! Have a great weekend. x

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  13. Meredith28 March 2015 at 13:00

    You look fantastic in it!!!! Oh my goodness I am so excited for you. It is a perfect pattern and the fabric is just gorgeous. I am a bit jealous of your sewing skills, I can barely sew a seam.
    Well done!
    Meredith

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  14. Amy at love made my home28 March 2015 at 13:50

    Fabulous Jo!!! Your new shoes (I think they are your new ones!) go really well too. Your clothes are always so lovely!! xx

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  15. Nita28 March 2015 at 16:04

    Adorable!! I love it when I get compliments on home sewn dresses, too :)

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  16. Ashley cramp31 March 2015 at 20:18

    Jo that is a good sew...lovely you really have improved!
    bestest Daisy j x

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  17. Worldreborns11 June 2020 at 04:37

    Love the color and love the dress!

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