I’m so happy to finally share this make, my vintage Simplicity 5688 Linen Skirt with embroidered curve pockets! I wore this for Thanksgiving and got so many compliments. My daughter wore a striped rib knit turtleneck too, so we were almost matching! There’s a fantastic banyan tree with a built in swing next to the lake in our community where my daughter loves to play. She was happy to take some pictures for me so she could swing around a bit. I got these pictures taken just in time for my new Etsy Shop- launching tomorrow!
The embroidered pockets shown here are one of the designs I’ll be selling in my shop. I’m starting with 6 beginner friendly pocket designs and have a bunch of designs in the works. I figured what better way to learn to embroider than starting with practical and wearable samplers. This simple floral design teaches you three basic embroidery stitches; backstitch, satin fill and stem stitch. I love how relaxing and meditative an embroidery practice can be and these pockets were quick and easy to whip up.
All the Details
Vintage 1970’s Simplicity 5688 Skirt
Misses halter jumpsuit and short skirt, size 14, uncut factory-folded
This is the same pattern my mom made back when the pattern was released. I’ve made the jumpsuit before but didn’t post it to the blog- To do!
Retro Stripe Rib Jersey in Taupe, Ochre and Navy
I just love this rib knit. It has great stretch and recovery and is oh so comfy.
Stonemountain & Daughter
This medium-heavyweight linen is an excellent choice for pants, jackets, dresses, skirts, and home dec projects.
Content: 100% linen
Width: 52″
Weight: 7.08 oz per square yard / 240 GSM
Country of Origin: China
Care Instructions: Machine wash cold. Do not bleach or tumble dry. Medium iron.
Certifications: Oeko-Tex Certified
my Curve Floral Embroidery Pocket
I love this whole look from top to bottom. It looks fantastic with my Doc Martin’s and I feel so 70’s chic and cool. If you’ve been following along with my Fall Wardrobe Planning this is Look 6. I found a perfect button match too- these were a grab bag find at our ASG Ft. Lauderdale Annual Luncheon.
I chose a simple mini skirt to show off my new embroidery design. This mini skirt is made in a beautiful dark grey/green linen from Stonemountain and Daughter that is still available and lined with a pop of color in a peachy pink cotton. It features two darts in front and back and a button front closure. I kept some extra length by using my lining as a facing. I used the main colors in my rib knit turtleneck to pick my floss colors and love the combination. The pale grey really pops on the darker fabric and the mahogany fill on the flower centers is so lovely. The turtleneck was a quick make based off my knit tee sloper with a simple wide neckband added on. It’s more of a mock turtleneck, which I find a bit more comfortable as it doesn’t extend as high up the neck.
We had a fabulous week off for Thanksgiving and were so happy to be able to spend time with family again. Ami just got her first vaccine at school so I can finally breath a sigh of relief. We went over to the other coast for a quick mini vacay and spent the holiday with my fam and visited with my husbands parents. The only downside was that my brother and his girlfriend caught Covid (no symptoms luckily since they both are vaxxed) so they had to cancel their visit. We had fab food (My mom is a fantastic cook!) , a train scavenger hunt (My dad has the coolest model trains) and decorated my parent’s home for Christmas. We talk every week on zoom but what a difference to be able to see everyone in person again.
Back soon with some more fall makes. Happy Sewing!
2 responses to “Vintage Simplicity 5688 Skirt with Embroidered Pockets and Retro Stripe Rib Turtleneck”
OMG. I love the outfit. It looks great on you. I must confess it may be partly nostalgia talking.
Yours is an almost exact replica of my elementary school outfits ca 1969-1974. The button-front, high waisted mini, plus a chunky ribbed turtleneck, earth tones, stripes – classic! Opaque tights, long hair, bingo. Maybe not the dropped shoulder seam on the turtleneck, but it’s closely fitted enough to look the same. There exists a photo of us wearing that very thing. I wish I could find it.
This reminds me of a long forgotten dress-up ensemble my mother and I made together ca 1970. A shorter plain front skirt plus matching below-hip-length vest, in a rosy wool tweed. The vest featured a 2″ gap up the center front to reveal the turtlenecks or puffy sleeved white blouse I’d wear underneath – a cool design device! The closure system was a row of silver buttons up each side, connected with a loop made out of silver chain. These vest-skirt coordinates were all the rage, and we just knocked the design off. What fun to reminisce about how it felt to wear it, and how wonderful it was to sew with my mother.
Embroideries on book totes and pants pockets were highly coveted in those days. Maybe they will be again, now that machines can do it for us.
Instead of chunky-luggy boots like Doc Martins, which are modern and bring your look up to date, in our cold climate we usually wore wildly patterned tights under knee high, tightly fitted boots or blocky 1.5″ heeled loafers. Later, in the 1970s, modest platforms. Contrast color piping on the shoes, if a girl was very lucky.
Thanks for the cheering post. Best of luck with your embroidery enterprise!
Thank you so much Sanni! I wish I could see both looks you described but I can totally imagine it from your vivid description! I love the 70’s style, and knowing I can recreate a pattern my mom made really makes so special! Thanks again! Your reply really made my day!