That 70s Hippy Dress

Pardon my mask! Wouldn't want to scare my readers away with my red eyes. (Was "ordered" by my doctor to take medical leave today less I spread my conjunctivitis to someone else..)

A little lesson learnt: When dealing with bold prints, it's better to re-plan how to place the pattern pieces instead of following the "recommended" placement used in the pattern instructions, especially with front and back pieces that have separate left and right sides. I did plan the overall look of the dress but I was a little bummed when I realized that my 2 front pieces landed on almost the same section of the border print.

A slightly closer look at the interesting collar.

No direct looking at the camera either! Lol.. *squint with swollen eyes*

Sewing notes:
Material: Lightweight cotton, lightweight interfacing
Notions: -
Pattern: McCall 4093 (1970s vintage pattern)
Other notes: I sewed the facings down to the wrong side of the dress using blind stitches so they stay flat.

2 more vintage sewing patterns to my collection!

Trying to grow my very small collection of vintage sewing patterns... =D

Mad Men Challenge - Betty's Dress

Yes, yes, yes.. I almost thought I can't make it! And so, I used this Betty Draper's dress as an inspiration:

And here're the end results with some faux 60s photography effects!

Here's the dress in it's original off-white base + tiny blue flowers:

What do you think? Do you also feel that the dress is more Peggy-ish than Betty-ish? =] The style of the skirt is also different from Betty's. There're pleats on the center front, back and the sides. (which explains the folds in the front of my skirt.. =P)

Anyhow, I used 2 different patterns and had a wild ride trying to attach the bodice to the skirt.. (thus a failed first attempt). The top is based on this 70-ish looking dress from a Japanese pattern book and the skirt portion is from the re-print of this wonderful vintage vogue dress pattern.

I'm also delighted to be able to apply Hongkong binding to the skirt side seams and button closure area..

... As well as using a lace trim to finish off the bottom hem of the skirt. Really like the results!

Also quickly whipped up a petticoat that's worn under the dress. Well, since it's done so hastily, it doesn't have the nicest sewing and finishing.. But, it did a really great job poofing up the skirt! I got the pattern from a Japanese Gothic Lolita sewing magazine.

Sewing notes:
Betty Draper dress
Material: Cotton-polyester blend floral fabric, light-weight interfacing
Notions: Buttons, metal snaps, bias tape, lace trim
Patterns: Dress made of my Favorite Cloth by Michiko Kayaki, Vogue Vintage Original 1956-1957 Design V1044

Petticoat
Material: Polyester lining, tulle
Notions: bias tape, lace trim, elastic tape
Patterns: Goth Loli Vol 10

My 2nd Vintage Sewing Pattern!

Woo! My parcel came in my mailbox today!

What caught my eyes were the interesting (princess?) seams that start from the yoke, the slight puffy sleeves, square neckline and cute bow. This was just too cute for me to pass!

I think I'm going to get addicted to buying vintage sewing patterns... =P

Simple Retro Wrap Top (the one from LIFE Archive)

And so, I really did try this. Something to bust out my 1m fabric stash. Haha.

Happy New Year!!

Front and side

Some info bites
Fabric: Thin cotton?? (Forgot the material...)
Notions: Black ribbon, black bias tape
Notes: I used a rolled hem foot to create tiny rolled hems for the side sleeves portion. The black ribbon is attached to the front panel as I do not have enough fabric. I used the black bias tape to finish the raw edge of the neck-hole (mine is different from the original).

As I already mentioned in an earlier post, I first saw this on Kathleen's blog (Grosgrainfabulous). In her post, she also showcased Freshlygiven's version (repurposed from a grandma's skirt) which looks amazing and very kimono-ish. Love!! Freshlygiven's also generous enough to provide a tutorial on how she converted the grandma's skirt to the groovy-lookin' blouse. Do check it out!