Finished: £1.50 1980s Disco Dress

Thanks to everyone who commented about my last posts on my Melilot blouse, whether on here or on Instagram. I am going to  try another muslin with some adjustments so it won't be the last you see of the shirt. In the meantime, I have more projects from the backlog to show you:

 

Try not to be dazzled by my pasty white skin (and you may recognise the backdrop from my recent posts. It won't be the last time you see it either!)

Pattern

New Look Maudella 6179. I bought this at a vintage charity shop when I was on holiday near Malvern last year - it fits right into my favourite era of their patterns and I liked the simple shape.It has elastic at the waist and elastic between the back straps, plus comes with a cute jacket thing.

Reason for pattern choice
I wanted a simple dress pattern for some particular fabric I was keen to use. Also, I feel no shame in saying that I really love elastic waists. as they give a shape which is flattering but comfortable.

Fabric & Notions
I used a poly remnant I got for £1 from Walthamstow Market last year. I love the design but couldn't decide what to use it for - I had about 1.5 metres. Being polyester, I didn't want to use it for a pattern that was to clingy around the arms, and it was quite thin and drapey.

Inside view - it has narrow front and back facings and you can just see the back elastic and the waist casing - it has a raw edge which I will have to remember to finish

Pattern alterations or any design changes
None

How was it to sew?
Pretty easy, no unusual constructions methods

Would you sew it again and do anything different next time?
Yes, I think it is a really nice classic shape dress and shows off fabric really well. I like the elastic on the back and also the elastic waist. I'm not sure why I didn't put pockets in this time. I am planning another version in chambray which can be worn alone or over tops. Next time I will scoop out the shape from the underarms so it's a bit lower.

Cost
Fabric            £1
Pattern           £0.50
I also used black thread and elastic that I already had 
Total             £1.50

 

Conclusion
So, I really like the finished dress although I think that the fabric choice combined with the pattern has basically made the most 1980s dress ever, that is begging to be taken to a discotheque/80s night. It also goes best with the shoes I've got on, which add to the 1980s-ness, I think.

I've already worn the dress once, to a wedding reception, and I'm going to make sure I wear it as much as I can, to justify the time spent making it. It feels like the kind of project I used to make when I started sewing - a fun dress that didn't really fit massively into my lifestyle. But, I enjoyed making it and am happy with the result so will have to make sure that I take all opportunities to wear it, and don't just hold out for an invite to an 80s party.

K x