It is fair to say I've never seen a vintage pattern I didn't like. When I was invited to join Simple Simon & Company's "You Can't Judge an Ugly Vintage Pattern by Its Cover" party I thought it would be simple to find something ugly in my stash. It didn't seem right for them to send me another pattern when I'd been snatching up so many. The party was a good motivation to sew with one. But as it turns out, they're all heartthrobs. Most are from the 40s, 50s and 60s, and seriously, the cover art is beautiful and it's hard to imagine improving on what is illustrated there.
I managed to go forward one decade to the 70s and landed on this sweet thing. But can you really call it ugly? Maybe it's the ponytails that get me...
I found this pattern online but it very well may have been used by my own mother. It's the type of simple ensemble she loved to dress her girls in: gathers, ruffles, gentle a-line, and pinafore! There were many pinafore dresses in our closets during the 70s and 80s and I kind of wish they hadn't been given away. Truth told, I would probably sew with this pattern as is. I'm convinced with the right fabric it would be adorable. The pinafore and bloomers alone are a no-brainer. In fact, one of my own patterns looks a bit like that combination...
But I decided to give this pattern a more modern vibe. Actually, it may be more of a mod vibe, but in any event it was fun!
I pulled one yard of Robert Kaufman Cool Cords Lime Daisies fabric from my stash and managed to cut out what I needed for this little dress. The pattern says "quick and easy" but by the time I added a few things it was less quick and easy! One of those, "I can do this in a couple hours," which actually took a few more hours.
I also eliminated the ruffle at the bottom of the sleeve and opted for a piped band instead.
Instead of the zipper the pattern called for I decided to create a button placket. I don't really like the look of zippers on most dresses and I thought this big bright yellow buttons (La Mode purchased at Joann) would be fun. They are, right?
I lengthened the dress a bit too by using seam binding to finish the hem. Such a great trick! I probably would have made it just a little longer if I hadn't been so short of fabric. But it's cute to see Tess's toddler legs. I think this dress suits her.
And there you have it. Some lime daisies in a soft baby cord to brighten up our Spring. I can't wait to see what other "ugly" patterns appear these next two weeks. Thank you liZ and Elizabeth for inviting me to play. I just can't say no to a vintage pattern!
19 comments:
Oh so sweeeeeeet!!! :-)
Carly
x
Thanks for sharing your "swan" with us.....it's beautiful!
I came across a pocket detail like yours recently. I love it. Do you have any tips on creating it?
Little Tess would look adorable in a paper bag, but she looks especially nice in her new super cool dress.
Hugs,
Meredith
I have that pattern!! You did a great job making it mod; my favorite part is the pockets you created!
My Mom had that Raggedy Ann pattern! I'm sure I wore dresses made from it, I know my little sister did as I remember mom sewing them and the dresses. I, too, have never met a vintage pattern I did not like.
Wow this turned out too cute! Love your "mod"ifications- especially that sweet pocket!
Love the pockets!
@sweeter than cupcakes: now that I think about it, the pocket shape is pretty similar to an on-seam hidden dress pocket. I used two pieces for each pocket so that it is finished inside, and because of the piping. You could take a pocket shape and then cut a half circle out of the dress side seam side, pipe this inside curve and the outside of the pocket, leaving the seam-side edges raw for turning and then stitch those raw edges into the side seam of the dress. My button is just for decoration, it doesn't actually close the pocket. I hope that helps!
it's adorable! As is Tess-you have such a knack for sewing impeccable clothing!
That is super cute, love the ruffle collar :)
so cute! So mod chic with the white shoes.
Anneliese, I'm only now sitting down at the computer to catch up with the Ugly Pattern Party. I love what you did with the pattern! The pocket! The piping! Piping is the best sewing invention, ever! Also I agree with what you said about most vintage patterns not really being duds. True, there are some that are slightly bizarre but someone would've still worn them way back when. Some of the clothes I wore when I was a kid my kids would never be caught dead in now. But I thought they were so cool then. Like that one leopard-print bareback halterneck maxi dress my mother made. Very ABBA.
Annaliese - there is not a thing you could do that would be ugly - lol. I love the whole ugly pattern Series, this is so cute! So fun watching them all come to life!
How cute! I love those pockets.
i bought this same pattern at a thrift store - love to see the cute dress you made! can't wait to try one out - I even have the Raggedy Ann iron-on still in the pattern.
Adorable Cute little model!
would love to have a tutorial on switching out zipper to button placket... i love that look!
Hi, I'm a little late to the party, ok a lot. I broke my iPad some months ago & saved all my reading till Christmas and my new iPad! I couldn't just read and go. This dress is so gorgeous it still deserves some (late) praise.
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