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February 04, 2007
Swingin' Sixties Dress
Here is the Sixties Dress! I did most of the sewing yesterday and hemmed it up this afternoon. It is pretty "swingin'" (That used to just mean "happening" or "neat-o", right? I can't actually seem to disentangle it from its sexual implications...) Well, it is pretty peachy, then.
It was pretty simple. The only snafu came when I put in the zipper. I guess I was trying to get too close to the teeth because it came out all deformed and wouldn't open all the way. I had to take the whole thing out and start again. Le sigh. The second time was a breeze; I didn't try so hard and it worked much better. My legs have not seen the light of day for ages. My knees longer than that, since I seem to make mostly below-the-knee dresses. I used to wear short things because they made me feel taller, but now they feel so... revealing. I want to get a little more variety in the ol' wardrobe, so above the knees I will go! So daring! Also, nice mystery bruise on my shin, eh?
I went to a fabric sale (crazy quilting ladies as far as the eye could see!) at 8AM this morning. I was up until 2 playing computer games and shortening my jumper's hem. I am committed to finding a way to wear that thing without feeling like a frumpus! I have similar concerns about the other pattern I bought. There is a whole ton of fabric in the tummy area and empire waists go all maternity on me. As if my mom didn't insinuate enough that she thought I was pregnant! (Not for weight reasons... Just any time I even have a headache she won't quit with the "That's just how I felt when I was pregnant..." Give it up!) I keep telling myself that I will make it for a "house dress". This is a concept that is sort of lost on me because when I am at home it is either jeans or pjs for me. Most of my dresses feel too dainty to just wear around. I found some pretty stuff at the sale and want to make that soon. Perhaps my days of sweatpants and tshirts will be over! Not likely, but wearing a dress even just around the house is more Awesome, right? Hmm.
Now for a little game. Which of the things in that photo do not fit? (Just like Highlights Magazine! Remember that?) If you guessed the sandals, then you win a fabulous prize! I grant you the freedom to go buy a fabulous prize without feeling guilty about it! Nice, huh? The reason they are incongruous is this: it is negative eight degrees here right now. I am almost out of bread but I will be damned before I go out again. Maybe I will do it, but I assure you that I will be damned for it.
Posted by loyd0008 at February 4, 2007 02:42 PM
Comments
Love the dress, love the fabric. In 60's speak, you could have called it "Groovy". Your dress is "Cool" and "Groovy". I think I may get this pattern. The trick to Empire lines is to avoid anything that is too gathered right in front, although you could ignore the center front fold line and move the pattern piece over an inch or so. Do make sure the pattern will fit with that extra fabric taken out. Also avoid that tight fit under the bust, the sort of low cut, peasant, aren't-my-boobs-cute style. I think I have recently seen a current pattern similar to a dress I made in college (1962-1967) at Michigan State in one of my tailoring courses. It had a beautiful line I think you would love. I will see if I can find it and post it to you.
Posted by: patsijean at February 4, 2007 04:17 PM
Oh, and thanks for the heads-up regarding "Highlights Magazine". I loved it as a kid, and did not know they were still publishing. I have a grandson who will be 3 in March and Highlights is now publishing a magazine for 3-6 year olds. I am going to have to get him a subscription.
Posted by: patsijean at February 4, 2007 04:20 PM
Fantastic!! The dress is fab. It probably helps that you are lovely and it looks fab on you. What talent...Sewing takes such patience....
Posted by: Vanessa at February 4, 2007 09:35 PM
that dress looks totally amazing. I am always amazed by the ladies will the sewing skills, as mine are nil.
Posted by: uglyagnes at February 6, 2007 09:20 AM
That dress looks fab. I am always amazed at the ladies with the sewing skills, as mine are nil.
Posted by: uglyagnes at February 6, 2007 09:21 AM
That dress looks fab. I am always amazed at the ladies with the sewing skills, as mine are nil.
Posted by: uglyagnes at February 6, 2007 09:21 AM
Hi, love your latest dress also. The pattern I mentioned above is Stretch & Sew Juliette Dress #1560. It is very similar to the dress pattern I used when in a college sewing class in the early 60's. I made the skirt in a small cream & dark brown plaid raw silk, and the bodice was in a high quality cream cotton (I don't remember fabric type, but not broadcloth as it had a sateen finish). I lined a bolero jacket which matched the skirt with the cream fabric. The bolero was short sleeved, with a hemline that curved up matching the lines of the Empire waist. My grandmother had been to India and had brought the silk fabric back for me. I still have the deep turquoise, with yellow medallians, silk sari she also gave me. Too chicken to cut into it for lack of a worthy pattern.
Posted by: patsijean at February 9, 2007 10:48 PM
Great minds think alike! I too have been searching high and low for a 60s mod dress that's an A-line (because unlike Twiggy, I have hips and a rear), and I found this pattern tonight online! I'll probably hunt for it on eBay or stalk pattern sales to avoid buying it full-price. I love how it turned out on you!!!
Posted by: Chickey at February 24, 2007 04:03 AM
Yay for hips and a rear! I never get them at full price either (I even returned the other one!!) but I must say that this was totally worth it.
Posted by: Villain Extraordinaire at February 26, 2007 06:40 PM