So I finally made this dress that I blogged about earlier in the year as a part of Vintage Pattern on Sunday. It’s a 1950s -ish looking dress with a fitted bodice with a gathered waistline.
This dress was somewhat of an experiment. There have been a lot of bloggers posting about dresses with gathered waistlines like Colette’s Hazel and Sewaholic’s Cambie. I liked the look but wasn’t sure if it was me, if ya know what I mean… So I thought I’d try with a pattern I already owned and some cheap material (cotton lycra blend, $6 per metre)
So here it is:
Side shot is not super flattering – but necessary to make my point – gathered waistlines are not mega flattering on my body shape. I think this style of dress is suited to tall, slender types. A club to which I am not a member (sadly). However, I still do quite like this dress. It’s fun and happy and I can imagine myself wearing it to the beach in the summer.
On a side note, I secretly really enjoyed hand stitching the lining in:
That’s my I’m not entirely convinced it’s my look face
So that was my experiment for the week. Have you tried something new recently?
Dresses & Me 
HI! Thanks for visiting my blog.
I’m very impressed with your dress making skills, and I really like the pattern. One of these days I’ll have to get myself a pattern, some fabric and get down to some serious work haha
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Thank you, that’s so kind of you to say. Yes you should! You’ll be so proud of yourself when you’ve made something :/)
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I love this dress. You did a great job!
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I whipped up a cute little dress this weekend! It’s a vintage McCall’s pattern from 1965, purchased on Etsy from this lovely seller . It was the open-back detail that sold me on this one, that and the little bow belt. So cute!
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Super Cute! and Inspiring. I am going to look into making a cute dress too. Thanks for sharing your cuteness!
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Really looks great!! I think you should sew many many more!!!! And, I also secretly enjoy hand sewing! I am not sure why? Great job!
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Your dress looks great!
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Thanks 🙂
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Next to Aqua, seafoam is one of my favorite colors..good pick. Don’t you just love the artwork on the old pattern sleeves? Very Betty Draper.
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Me too! I also want to make slim trousers in this shade but a different fabric.
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oh cute, we just don’t seem to have any really good fabric stores in Edmonton. 😦
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I love that dress! It’s exactly what I look for when out shopping for vintage dresses, actually. Good for you for making it! I have been on a baby blanket kick, my 3rd down with a self-binding border. I can’t tell if I’m getting better or worse!
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Sounds like your busy! Happy sewing 🙂
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Beautiful! The color looks amazing on you. Even though this is clearly vintage I think the dress has a modern look to it, you could wear this just about anywhere.
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Thanks! That’s so kind of you to say 🙂
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I think it is lovely on you. Sometimes all those skirt gathers send the impression of not being flattering when you’re looking down on them, but they are feminine, classic and good-looking. One thing you can do if you make this pattern again is change the gathers to soft pleats – less bulk and a slimmer silhouette (and quite easy to do!).
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Yes that’s true – the photos look better than it does looking down on *all that skirt*. Good thinking, maybe I’ll try pleats next time 🙂
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I really like the dress on you too. I think the shape just takes getting used to.
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Thanks, yeah I’m not used to the full skirt look. I could get into it though 🙂
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Well I think it looks fabulous on you. You’ve managed to be the fit right and despite your concerns the shape does suit you
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Naw thanks Jane, that’s sweet of you x
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