Hello There Friends,
This is the last of my unblogged projects from last year, and, I think, my first ever project sewn using a vintage pattern. The pattern used was Style 3247; you can see the (obviously aged!) pattern envelope below. (I wonder who Mrs. Clark was and which part of the world she lived in?)
The pattern actually has rather cleverly designed facings which mean the front buttons are fully functioning, and how the pattern intends you to get in and out of the dress. I decided that a double breasted look was not going to be the most flattering for me, and so I decided to omit the front opening and instead install an invisible zip in the centre back seam. I also ended up adding some fish eye darts in the back to provide more shaping.
Here are some inside shots. The pattern included facing pieces but as the outer fashion fabric is a wool/ cashmere blend that I purchased locally to me and is dry clean only, I opted to also add a full lining. The pattern made no mention of interfacing but I did add interfacing to all the facing pieces, as well as to the centre back seam where the zipper was being inserted. I also chose to draft hem facing pieces to finish the hems.
Pattern Alteration/ Sewing Notes:
- Omitted front opening and inserted centre back invisible zip
- Removed 2.25 inches from length and ended up taking 1 inch seam allowance when attaching hem facings
- Drafted hem facings
- Added full lining in addition to facings
- 1 inch sway back adjustment with removed length being added back to lower back hem
- Added interfacing to all facing pieces and to centre back seam
- Added fish eye darts to back
- Narrowed shoulder straps (removing approx. 5/8ths inch from outer edge of each strap)
- If making again consider narrowing width at front neckline
So, anyway, after I saw the pictures….I don’t know…I just wasn’t sold on this whole look for me. I can’t put my finger on exactly why. I feel like it makes me look broader somehow through the front? Is it the square neckline? Is it the lack of waist seaming? Maybe it’s one of those garments I just need time to play around with and style a few different ways? It is lovely and warm and I like the colour. But hmmm….at present it’s not a wadder, but just a bit meh.
That’s the last of my 2016 makes! Already sewn up a tunic style top and most of an Archer shirt in 2017…but this week I am doing a spot of pattern testing.
Until soon!
Love this! I accidentally washed a gray wool dress from JCrew that I got at a thrift store. I’ve been wanting to remake it! I love the colors you picked!
Thanks Karrie.
Love this on you! It has a kicky vibe and fits to perfection. You nailed the shoulder slope and princess seams. How you’ve styled it, with the black leggings and black top, is just right. I hope the garment grows beyond the meh phase, because it is a great look!
Thanks Silver Mom. Wearing it today so it can’t be that meh 🙂
I like it but can understand your reservations. I looked at the neckline on the pattern and it appears to be in line with the princess seam lines whereas yours is a bit wider. I’m also wondering if a loose belt would create some interest at the waist line. I think it has distinct possibilities though and is very flattering on you. Hope that helps.
Thanks Margaret.
Love the look but I wonder if by removing the front buttons you’ve removed visual interest in the front which leaves an expanse of fabric – which you’re interpreting as breadth? Might this be fixed by adding a little more shape at the waist in the front or maybe all you need is an interesting long necklace to break up the front area?
Thanks Faye. I will have a play around and see what I think. Thanks for your suggestions!
The fabric and the interior finishes are lovely. I’m a bit new here, so I’m not sure if this suggestion would suit your style, but since the dress seems to flair gently from just below the bust, perhaps you could emphasize this more with a thin black belt at empire-waist height? Or for something more permanent, perhaps applying a black ribbon or thin strip of black fabric in the same place? Breaking up the print just the tiniest bit might help to counteract any illusion of broadness. I hope you’re able to fall in love in the end, because your dress seems like the perfect blend of put-together and comfortable!
Thanks Caitlyn and thanks for the suggestions. I have the dress on today so I can’t feel that bad about it 🙂 I am going to have a play around with it and see what I think.
Very nice. I think that is a very versatile piece.
Thanks Kathy.
I could see this with cute black patch pockets (maybe in a fun shape?) to break up the expanse of fabric…Waist shaping shortening an inch or two might also help and a black belt is an easy fix if you like belts.
Thanks Khristina. Yep even I think pockets might be another option.
What yummy fabric!
On the “meh” thing – have you tried pinning in that A-line until you like the proportions more? And perhaps a bit more shaping at the waist while you’re looking at the sides… You’ve done a monster job with the lining so I hate to make drastic suggestions. But a few pins initially wouldn’t be too drastic. 😉 Good luck! xx
Thanks Del. Yep I think it wouldn’t hurt to do some pinning and see what I think. Although I am wearing the dress right now 🙂
😄
Can’t beat comfort!
I think the back looks really great and that’s because of the darts you added so it has nice waist shaping. To me, it doesn’t look broad at the bust. But I wonder (similar to other comments) if it needs a few pins at the front to shape the waist (or empire line waist) in a bit. I’m 5′ 1/2″ tall (?) & recently bought a RTW pinafore. Loved it in the shop but only worn once cos it too is “meh” & only looks good with one particular top underneath. And I’ve pinned it in but not seen it yet. It’s summer here. Do you have black booties? I think that would streamline the look too. As well as shaping in, black boots & tights, I wonder if adding “fake” buttons as per the pattern, would help. And for a completely different suggestion, I’d be curious to see if you “pegged” the hem so it curves back in from the side seams from the hip to the hem – I wonder how that would look. You might not need as much waist shaping if the hem pegs in – strange but true (for me anyway).
Or you could shorten it and wear it over leggings?
All great suggestions Wynn. I have the dress on today with the turtleneck so I can’t hate it that much 🙂 but I will try some of your suggestions out. Thanks
I like it but agree think it would have looked better with a narrower neckline. The straps must have been really wide before adjustment.
Or you could cut out a really low plunging neckline – you’re wearing tops under it, so there’s no “modesty” issues.
Thanks Mag. Yep, it was very wide before adjusting. I do think the neckline could have done with being brought it a tad more.
You have constructed it beautifully the finished garment has a really professional quality. On the meh side of things, you style wonderfully so I almost don’t want to comment .. but here goes 🙂 what about changing the polo jumper is too much or the black to big a contrast, have you tried a blouse or toning colour underneath.
Or my answer to everything long cardigan over the top!!
Thanks sewandsewherself. Great suggestions. I will have a play and think.
It’s so nicely done! I have a few suggestions…I’ve wanted a pinafore style dress myself but am considered how to make it work for me!
-silky/flowy tie-neck top
-button front top with collar
-turtleneck with shorter sleeves
-no top underneath but with a belt + jacket/cardigan
-bringing in the A-line a tad
-taking the hemline up a tad
Hopefully you can make it work!!!!
Thanks for all those Nakisha. Yep, I will have a play around, although I am wearing it today with the black turtle neck under it and I don’t hate it 🙂
I love this, especially the fabric – and was hoping it was a on-line purchase! What a great pattern, it’s always interesting to think about what a previous owner might have made. Good idea on omitting the double-breasted bit. It got me thinking because I’ve been toying with the idea of a dress like this, but thought the extra fabric would be too bulky at the bust.
Thanks Lynne. If you want me to see if there is some fabric left and post it to you I could? Let me know. I think it was around £18/ metre? If you have a paypal account….?!
So cute and yet luxurious, Manju! Plus, lovely sewing and finishing as always.
Thanks Tanya.
I do like your pinafore very much and hope you feel better about it – maybe play around with different styling…shoes, jewelry? It certainly fits you beautifully!
Thanks Tomasa. I am actually wearing it today so I can’t feel too bad about it. Yep, I think I need to play around with the look.
Hello Manju
This pinafore dress looks fantastic on you and so well made.
I have not been able to find the pattern to buy. Have you any ideas where I can buy it please.
Regards
Christine
Hi Christine sorry this is a vintage pattern so try eBay or Etsy. You might get lucky.