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

24 comments:

  1. This is awesome! I really love your shoes too :)

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    1. Thanks! The shoes were the ones I wore for my wedding and I've got lots of wear out of them since then

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  2. I love this, and actually it doesn't scream 80's to me at all! And you can't beat a dress for £1.50!

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  3. That is gorgeous! I love the fabric and the style and shape are wonderful on you. Bargain! xxx

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  4. Great dress, love both shape and color :)

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  5. Nothing wrong with always using the same backdrop!

    Love this dress, such a simple but elegant shape. It doesn't scream 1980s to me either (believe me, I've got patterns which are FAR more obviously 80s than that!). Great fabric as well and a total bargain to boot!

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    1. Ha ha - yes it's definitely from before the FULL ON 80s styles :)

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  6. Definitely early 80s, even late 70s. I remember the shops being full of these kinds of dresses from about 1979, often in fabrics with flying birds on them, or binkies. Lovely!
    It does tickle me that you and so many sewists love these patterns that I made and wore as a teenager in real time!

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    1. I think that time period of late 70s/early 80s is my sweet spot of favourite patterns. Glad that you enjoy seeing patterns like this on the blog - I have plenty more to make too!

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  7. What an absolute bargain and a really lovely dress. I am old enough to remember these sort of dresses being all the rage when I was a teenager in the 80's. With the shoes it is very old school disco. I absolutely love it and you look fab. Are you planning on making the jacket too? Xx

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    1. I think I'd like to make the jacket at some point, looks like a nice easy cover up

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  8. Love this look, it's a great pattern that could be a sundress or an evening dress, very versatile!

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    1. Yes, I'm hoping to make a version for everyday in a less fancy fabric

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  9. I had a very similar dress in about 1980 - my mum bought it for me to attend a wedding so it even had a similar jacket thing! I'm also a fan of elastic waists and totally agree that they add shape as well as comfort! It looks fab and you should definitely take all opportunities to wear it. x

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    1. Brilliant! It must have been a popular look at the time :)

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  10. Wow! That dress brings back memories. I made that dress and jacket in a hot pink polyester linen for a wedding, which I think was about '85 The fabric was amazing cause it looked like 100% linen but it didn't crush. I wore that outfit to death! It was a sure fire winner when ever I wore it. Oh dear, I remember covering shoes in the same fabric as well... Well it was the 80's

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    1. Amazing, sounds like a successful outfit. Love the idea of fabric-covered shoes too, definitely a bit much for contemporary tastes but I admire the 1980s dedication to being matching!

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  11. This looks great Kerry! I love the style of it and it suits you really well.

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  12. Hey Kerry! You're looking quite exquisite in such an archaic yet pretty outfit coupled with pair of good-looking shoes. I adore the way you’ve customized and worn such clothing according to your taste. xx
    Kate | SewandSo Discount Codes

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    1. Thanks for your exquisite, bot-created comment 'Kate'!

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Thanks for reading and commenting - I love to hear what you have to say