A second shirt dress for me! This time it is 70’s inspired. I was just starting to sew up this ensemble last Thursday when I saw that the theme for Sew Weekly’s 22 August week was ‘That 70’s Sew’, what a coincidence. I found the following 1970’s shirt dress patterns from Vintage Pattern Wiki, I noticed that notched collars are very popular at those times:
The Facts
Fabric: 2 yards of purplish cotton (I am not sure if it’s chambray, it’s medium weight!): RM7/USD2.30 per yard
Notions: Piping, 4 vintage buttons, 2 small buttons and some interfacing
Total Cost: RM19 / USD6.30
Pattern: Simplicity 2403 (Project Runway), gifted by Cathe (see her version here), precut size 14
I made View B. This is quite a popular pattern evidenced by the number of reviews. Read my review here. Most claimed the sleeves are too puffy but I like them because it has a vintage twist to it. Like many others, I omitted the side slit on the skirt.
Pattern Beware: The waistband piece is about 2 to 3 inches shorter. Do cut out 3 inches longer than the original and then attach it to the bodice and cut off the excess. Hence, you also need to adjust the darts and pleats on the skirt to match the lengthened waistband.
Time to Complete:
Oooohh..this one took forever. Perhaps 20 hours minimum? Sans the cutting and tracing, yikes! There were about 20 pieces to trace and cut. If you are looking for a ‘quick and easy’ pattern, this is not for you. There were many sewing ‘firsts’ for me for this dress: princess seams, curved inset pockets, gathered yolk, notched collars (actually they are 2 collars overlapping one another, smart!), sleeves placket with keyhole detail and handpicking a side zipper! Big learning curve.
First worn: To work today! Yay! I really like the style of the notched collars, the curved pockets provide some cute detail and the front buttons. I am lucky again that this pattern fits me without alteration.
Wear again?: Yes! Yes! Yes! I feel happy wearing this dress and it is super comfy. This will be an office wardrobe staple.
It looks wonderful! A smart dress for work!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a pretty dress, you did a fantastic job! Love your color choice for the piping and buttons, they really make the dress pop.
ReplyDeleteI agree it looks elegantly vintage!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dress! I especially love the piping and the buttons that you have used. I made this pattern and said exactly the same as you - it's a lot of work! But worth it!
ReplyDeleteThat is so nice and you did it so well! I love the collar!
ReplyDeletevery retro ! looks really good on you, seems like you've been bitten by the sewing bug for good now :)
ReplyDeleteWaouh! It's very nice, I love your style!
ReplyDeleteIt looks very smart. The piping on the collar and pockets really does finish it off nicely. I wore many outfits with puffy sleeves like these in the 70s... love them.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a lot of work and turned out very pretty and vintage-looking. Love the details.
ReplyDeleteThis is excellent! I love everything about it!
ReplyDeleteGreat job with the piping! It looks wonderful.
ReplyDeleteSertyan,
ReplyDeleteYou made a beautiful dress and so well crafted, worth every minute of effort! I know you will get lots of wear out of it! Great color too!
OMG ! that is so lovely Sertyan. Good job ! love all its details
ReplyDeleteThe fabric looks like chambray for me, not sure though, I must feel the fabric with my own hand :D
Hi Sertyan! Good job on the dress coat. I love the collar. You won my pattern giveaway so stop by my blog and email me your address so I can send you the pattern. Also I have two sizes so let me know what size you wear on modern patterns, OK ? Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteWow, you've done a great on this...I love it! I found you on Sew Retro by the way, so I thought I'd pop by and have a look at your blog. I also love the polka dot Birthday dress you made your daughter!
ReplyDeleteLooks georgeous, love the color!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry it took me so long to respond to your comment, I have been so swamped! This is a great inspiration piece, definitely an office staple and I am so happy you have started sewing for yourself too!
ReplyDeleteAdey
Hi Sertya! Your dress is lovely. I love the piping and button details, and you're right, it's quite similar to my Mariana trench dress, especially the sleeves! I've seen this pattern around, but didn't realize there were so many options with it. I may need to pick this up and try it out. :)
ReplyDeletevery pretty dress
ReplyDeleteThis dress is incredibly gorgeous! I adore the fabric you used :)
ReplyDeletei love this! so pretty. i love the color!
ReplyDeletethank you for your kind comment on my blog btw:)