Finished: A Thoroughly 70s Dress

If you're a regular reader of this blog, you'll know that I love a pattern from the 70s or 80s. This dress is indeed made from a vintage 1970s pattern but it's a little bit special because it's made from vintage fabric too.

I bought the fabric in a charity shop back in 2011 and it's been waiting in my stash ever since. It's a polyester knit of a medium weight which is nice and drapey. I loved this 70s fabric as soon as I saw it, even though the colours are not ones I would normally wear. I'm not generally a fan of pink and purple plus I don't have any shoes that match, not even appropriate black ones. But why let that stand in the way of fabric love?

Most of the photos turned out a bit dark so I had to play about with them. Colours are closest to this image, complete with toddler's hand.

I spent ages thinking about the best type of pattern to match with this fabric, as I wanted to choose a pattern that was appropriate for the era of the fabric. A maxi skirt or dress would be nice but I don't wear that kind of style on a regular basis so it might be a waste. As it was poly, I didn't want anything too enclosed around the arms in case I felt sweaty. I really have no right to be sniffy about poly fabric though, since I so rarely iron anything it's a good choice for me.

 

(Unintentional pattern cover pose - I'm eying up a toddler approaching the tripod)

The pattern is McCall's 4061 from 1974. I don't think I've made a McCall's pattern before and sewing this one went well. It's labelled as 'Extra Carefree' and 'Extra Easy - Extra Quick' but there was nothing in the instructions which was revolutionary to me or made the process go any quicker than normal. Sounds tempting though, doesn't it? 

(Having mentioned that I don't have shoes that go with the colours in this dress, I note that none of the cover illustration ladies do either!)

I really like the neckline on this dress, with gathers beneath the neck band. It is quite high, which I've found is common on vintage patterns. I might lower it a bit next time if I remember but it's not uncomfortable.

 

Ironically, after taking a long time to decide how to use this fabric, I made this dress without a muslin, which is unusual for me. Luckily the fit worked out fine. The only changes I made were to bring the side seams in at the waist for a more fitted shape and to add back darts, also for a better fit. I could have made it even more fitted than I did but I like that there is a bit of looseness as it's really comfy to wear. I was also planning to make a belt but I like it without one.

My posterior for posterity, as Nessa would call it. Hard to see much detail due to the busy fabric though ad the print matching is a bit skewed on the upper bodice, oh well.

I finished the side seams with my overlocker, and the armholes are finished with facings which are turned and hand-stitched in place. I'm not a massive fan of facings and next time might finish with bias tape. The neck was finished with a couple of hook and eye fastenings above the zip.

Costwise, the fabric was £1.50 and the pattern was a gift, making this a super-cheap make. Could you buy a dress for £1.50 in 1974?

I'd definitely make this again as this pattern is flattering and easy to wear.

A bonus about this garment is that it fits in with, and exceeds, my Vintage Pledge to make 3 garments from vintage patterns this year - this is my fourth. I'm hoping to squeeze in one or two more by December as well. Under promise and over deliver is the mantra!

K x