Thursday 17 September 2015

Style 3950 dress - channeling the seventies


I am very late posting about this dress.  I finished sewing it in July but then the summer holidays took hold and I couldn't find the time to get it photographed and written up.  Plus I have mixed feelings about the dress.  I like it on the hanger and I like how it feels on me.  But and this is a big BUT, I am not sure it actually looks that great on me.  

The pattern is Style 3590 from 1972 given to me by Philippa.

I used some ebay chambray - this is a mixed fabric I think, it has some stretch to it which I wasn't expecting.  I have a weakness for chambray fabrics I think they are so adaptable to sit with other colours and patterns. The pattern is really straightforward to sew up. It has a square yoke on the front and back and slightly puffed sleeves.  I added one inseam pocket just to hold my car key and emergency lego found objects, wax crayon, blu tack etc.

I used some vintage buttons that I found at a car boot for the dress.  These have sat in my button box for a couple of years and I was happy to have found a use for them.  They have a little diamond cutout in the centre.
There is something funny to me about a pattern that instructs you to buy a belt.  I have worn the dress belted and unbelted.  It is pretty full when unbelted but very comfortable on a hot day!  I am trying to think if I can make this dress wearable in autumn with layers and tights.  I am not sure.  I am also not 100% certain about a square neckline on me and all those gathers above the bust.  Not the most flattering look I think.  I just cannot quite make up my mind if this is a hit or miss.  I really wanted it to be so good that I may be trying to convince myself.  I hope I can drift around in it being a wholesome seventies mother, calm and hip drinking camomile tea while supervising child craft sessions.  Unfortunately it more likely I will be overcaffinated, stamping and shouting while cleaning green play dough off the ceiling and scraping cake dough off the floor. (Been reading too many seventies mum wanna be blogs again, must stop that)  It is my vintage pattern pledge make.  I am glad I made the effort to make it and to join in the vintage pattern pledge - I am a rubbish joiner-inner and have a vague notion It Would be Good For Me if I did more joining in.  Would it?  What are your thoughts on Joining In?  Is this a hit or miss dress?  Above bust gathers anyone?


11 comments:

  1. I like it on you! I think it's cute. I love to join in on things like the vintage pattern pledge or summer sundress sewalong, but then I seldom actually get the garment finished. :( My eyes are bigger than my stomach when it comes to crafting!

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    1. Ha ha. I think I have overly restrained myself from joining in as I find it hard to get things finished too. x

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  2. I can't rightly see the gathering, so I don't know about that, but otherwise I think it looks awesome!

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  3. Well I do genuinely think you can wear above the bust gathers - it's a bit more difficult for me, as I have a large cup size (which is why I let the pattern go). I love the square neckline and could totally see belt, tights, boots and a cardi and it won't be long before we need them now! Without the belt it reminds me of those Japanese patterns. Finally, chambray is an excellent choice as it goes with so many things!

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    1. Thank you for sending it to me - it is a great pattern. Once I started looking at seventies patterns I could see lots in them that translates into modern japanese patterns

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  4. I like it too!! On hanger and on you!! I think it's probably most flattering with a belt, have you any fabric left to make a self belt? That would give you yet another look. The above bust gathers are very feminine too 😊. Joining in? Love the idea and like Sonja I have to hold myself back these days as I've often thrown myself at as much as is going only to over commit!

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    1. I was going to make a self belt but then one evening in august I forgot that and cut the remaining fabric into a top! x

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  5. I think it looks lovely, and could totally see it with tights & boots. If you did decide you don't want to wear it as a dress could you change it into a skirt?

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  6. I love it on you and although I do prefer it with the belt I think it looks great without it too. Like Kathryn says, I could totally see it with tights and boots too which would make it really versatile. You look lovely xx

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  7. I was intrigued by the post title.....
    I have to say I think your dress looks fan. But I do know what you mean about something not feeling 'right' as for wafting 70s style, perhaps channel your inner Beverley a la Abigail's Party?
    Love your blog. Right up my alley.
    Leanne xx

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