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Sunday, 9 October 2016

Finished: Vintage Pinafore Dress

I've been seeing pinafores and dungaree dresses all over the place and was looking forward to making my own this Autumn. I wanted a plain colour to wear over coloured jersey tops and with black tights. I have a few suitable vintage patterns in my stash and this one fitted the bill:
Pattern
New Look Maudella 6139 from late 1970s/early 1980s (undated). The only difference between the two views is that one has tie straps, which are a nice detail but not for this version.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Loved the pleats, as a way to add interest when using a plain fabric. I decided to topstitch these in a blue thread that matches the blue slubs in the fabric. And I love the pockets, of course.

 

Fabric & Notions
Some £5/m fabric bought from the Man Outside Sainsburys in Walthamstow Market earlier this year. I was being sensible and bought this plain-ish fabric because I liked the slubby texture but need to sew more plain garments. It was sold to me as a 'linen wool mix' however it is more 'mix' than anything else. After I washed it, I noticed how static-y it was and this continues to be the main issue with the fabric which I find really annoying. Also it hardly creases too so must have a very minimal amount of linen.

Pattern alterations or any design changes
None, I made a straight 34" bust as I knew it had a forgiving fit.
Cost
Pattern £1.50
Fabric £10
Zip & Thread £3

Total £14.50

Conclusion
This actually took longer to sew than I thought, as it has quite a few pieces when you include the front and back yokes and facings. I was a bit unsure that it would look too much like a maternity dress but although it loose fitting, I really like the shape and how the fabric falls under the pleats. The static fabric is pretty annoying though as it literally crackles when I move, which I am not particularly happy about. I've been getting used to wearing this new shape and think I would make it again.

Also, it's another Vintage Pledge make, so hooray!
K x

11 comments:

  1. Lovely dress! It looks great on you. Sorry about the static in the fabric though - I can imagine that would be annoying.

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  2. It looks great,the pleats add interest. So annoying about the fabric

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  3. Ah it takes me back to me early teens when this style was so popular! I really consolidated my sewing skills on frocks like that one. So comfortable to wear, and they are generally more shapely than they look like they would be.
    I hope you find solution to the static - I spray my legs etc with hairspray and it really helps, but that's more of a cling thing.

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    1. Yes, all about picking the right fabric I think, nothing too stiff

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  4. Ooh it looks really good! I love the way it hangs under the pleats, and the topstitching you've used. How annoying about that fabric! Though no creasing sounds like it might be good for a pair of trousers, the crackling not so much!

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    1. Cheers, very pleased with my pleats and topstitching!

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  5. It looks great on you and reminds me of a dress I made at secondary school back in the 80s - yours is a far lovelier version though!

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  6. I love this, it's a shame the fabric is annoying!

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  7. What a lovely dress. Those pleats on the front are fabulous. I love the topstitching. Xx

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