The idea is that you pledge to actually sew up some vintage patterns, rather than just mooning over them. Admittedly, it is phrased a little nicer than that! I have pledged to sew up three items this year.
This is the first of my vintage sewing pattern makes. It is from 1975, and I think it looks great; the pattern is a little bit battered but it's intact. The little tabs on the neckline and the flared shape at the hem are rather fun and lovely.
So here is my attempt. It is not great by any stretch of the imagination, but it's not terrible.
I've used a nice soft knit in a 4-way stretch. The finished garment is so soft and comfy, I may never take it off! I don't think it was a very wise fabric choice, though, as it was too stretchy. The suggested fabrics were a little more stable: crepe, double knit, shantung,or wool.
The dress looks okay, but due to the stretch it was a bugger to sew. I used a walking foot for the sewing and this made it a little easier. But I made mistakes - I forgot to stay-stitch first, and this meant the neck and armcycles are not perfect.
Luckily those little tabs take your eyes off it, so it is not too noticeable.
I stabilised the shoulder seams with stay tape. The instructions didn't say to, but I'd read about it a lot on other people's blogs, so I gave it a go. It really helps keep the shape of the seam and stops the seam moving.
I think I may give the pattern another go in a woven fabric. This would make it much easier for me to sew, but I may need to tweak the sizing a little. The pattern was a size 12; not knowing how to down-size a pattern properly, I literally brought the pattern in by a cm all around. It worked (sort of) and it is at least a workable base pattern for tweaking in the future.
Given the slightly stretched seams, dodgy sizing and fabric choice, I'm not sure I should wear this out in public much! The only trouble with that is... it is so comfy, and I feel good in it! So I'll just have to brazen it out. Either that, or wear it as a fancy nightie.
It's a very nice dress, definitely have another go with the pattern. Looks like a great one for everyday wear, I am sure few people will notice the neckline etc, maybe just dress it up with a large necklace?
ReplyDeleteYes, I think I will, thank you. x
DeleteI love those neckline tabs! I think it would look delightful in a woven - it's a really cute design! Congratulations on your first Vintage Pledge creation, I look forward to seeing your next 2 as well ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you. I now have the joy of mooning over my stash. I always do it in bed and my husband moans... it adds to the fun!
DeleteIt's a lovely colour and the shoulder tabs are cute! If it's comfy and you feel good in it then I'd say wear it with pride!
ReplyDeleteNot sure about the pride but I think I will wear it. It will be great in the summer hols. Thank you.
DeleteWow that colour pops on you! I can imagine how comfy and soft that dress is. I just made the same mistake making my daughter a dress in 4 way stretch. Far too stretchy!
ReplyDeleteThanks, the colour is lovely. I'll never forget to stay stitch again so worthwhile as a life lesson!
ReplyDeleteThis is so pretty Louise, thanks so much for joining my pledge! I've added you to the ever-growing Pinterest board ;o) http://www.pinterest.com/stitchodyssey/vintage-sewing-pattern-pledge/
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, hopefully my next make will be a little smarter.
ReplyDelete