Finished: New Look Maudella Dress for #vintagepledge

A couple of months ago I went on a vintage pattern eBay binge - we've all been there, right? Specifically I fell for some New Look Maudella patterns from the early 1980s (I think, they are undated). You can see what I bought here.

I can't really put my finger on what it is about this particular era that I found (and continue to find) so compelling. As someone born in the 1980s, I've never gravitated towards fashion from the 1970s and 1980s. However in looking for practical day wear which is easy to wear and make (hello kimono sleeves) I've got right into this era. Perhaps there is some aspect of fashion in each decade that you can make your own. Even when I see patterns for crazy shoulder padded 80s suits, they're only imitating the classy 1940s silhouettes. And the 1970s isn't all about massive flares and huge collars too, the 1930s influenced looks and bohemian styles are really attractive. Anyway, I digress.

This is the first pattern I have used from my haul: New Look Maudella 6042:

 

It has a back zip and the front and back bodice pieces (and skirt pieces) are pieced together with a seam down the front. The bodice has no darts but the shaping is made by the drawstring neckline. It also has pockets in the side seams.

The fabric I used was a viscose printed with a leopard print-like pattern in a sludgey brown and vivid turquoise. I bought the fabric from the Gold Thimble in the southside of Glagsow and it was in the sale at a tempting £3 per metre. This was the second time I worked with viscose and it was a little challenging in terms of trying to cut it. However it has such a great drape and is lovely and cool to wear. I used a narrow turquoise ribbon for the neckline.

I would usually prefer to wear a belt as I think this is more flattering on me. I had bought some matching turquoise fabric to make a belt but I am actually happy with the dress as it is. Which is great because I can't be bothered making a belt now.

Due to the undarted bodice design, a drapey fabric like viscose is essential to ensure the bodice doesn't end up boxy and unflattering

Here are a couple of interior pictures:

I lined the bodice using an old bed sheet I use for muslins. The fabric isn't very see-through but I wanted to be absolutely sure that the bodice wouldn't be transparent and would be a bit weightier to support the skirt.

I had a trying time trying to level off the hem, as you can see from this picture...

This dress is the third and final item made for my #vintagepledge. I thought that making 3 items from vintage patterns this year was an achievable target and I am delighted to have met it with several months to go before the end of the year.

I might even be able to fit in another vintage pattern before the year is out! Thanks Marie for setting the challenge, it was such a good idea and it's been really fun.

K x