I’m so excited to share this vintage make. This mid 90’s vintage dress was made at the end of May and I got pics taken while doing my Me Made May daily shoots. I have a real fondness for 90’s patterns- this one definitely reminds me of some dresses I had in high school. I just love the shape of the collar and the way the bust darts and waist darts mimic a princess seam. Such a perfect summer silhouette.
I was gifted this pattern from Judy’s stash after she passed, along with the fabric. The pattern was already cut to tunic length so I checked the facing piece to lengthen it to the dress version. The fabric is a mystery poly ikat that is quite lovely. I don’t really enjoy synthetic fibers but I had plenty of yardage for making this muslin version. I’ll probably get more wear in the fall though since it’s a bit hot for summer since the fabric doesn’t breathe.
I also totally lucked out with the perfect match of vintage buttons in my stash that I bought last year at the Cooper City Antique Mall. I buy up pretty vintage buttons whenever I see them!
This was a very simple sew with front and back waist darts, bust darts and a curved collar band. The neck darts are fantastic since I could take those in just a bit more to get the fit right. That’s someplace I commonly need to alter so the pattern made that really easy. I love the loop buttons and the back facing behind the buttons makes this very practical to wear (no gaps). The pattern was already cut to a 12 so I went with that for this wearable muslin. Next time I’ll need to grade out the hips to a 14. It’s a bit tight for walking.
It’s great worn open as a duster too. I added the pants pockets to the dress and stitched them down in the seams of the darts to keep it hidden.
Style 2618
- Size 12 34/26.5/36
- (Bust fits perfectly but next time grade out hips to the 14)
- circa 1995
- Gifted pattern already cut to a 12.
- Button Loops, Self Faced, Armpit Dart and Front and Back fisheye darts.
- Long, semi-fitted dress sleeveless dress with front buttons, cut away armholes and raised neckline or cut to tunic length and paired with pants.
- Vintage Buttons from Cooper City Antique Mall
I just need to make another one now to wear this summer. I’m on the lookout for a pretty cotton/lightweight print. I may make up the tunic and pants version too.
Hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July weekend! My husband took off Friday and Monday so we had a fabulously relaxed long weekend. We started off the weekend watching Hamilton on Disney + which was amazing! All my family had already seen it on Broadway long ago so it was great to chat with them about it on our weekly zoom call. I read the book a few years ago and it was such a wonderful modern interpretation. Vic and I both read a-lot of historical biographies and we love Ron Chernow. Washington is next on my list since my husband just finished it.
For the 4th I made a very prettyVictoria sponge cake with whipped cream that was full of fresh berries and Vic grilled ribs and corn on the cob. Then the boys went a little crazy with fireworks while Ami, the dog and I enjoyed the Macy’s show indoors. We ended the long weekend with a relaxing morning at the beach today. The beaches here were all closed this weekend so having Monday off was perfect!
Back with more sewing soon. Happy Summer Sewing!
Absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks mom!
I think it’s gorgeous too and I’m not even your Mother! Great neckline, tres chic. I do think when you have no sleeves for hot weather dressing, a higher neckline elevates the look – I may revisit a similar pattern I have from the 90s. My problem is grading down to the hips, then I lose the plot cos it’s all baggy and unattractive. We were getting a little smug here in Oz and now Melb is going back into iso but here in Sydney we’re still free as birds! Look after yourself x
Thanks so much Lesley! I agree, the neckline really does make a sleeveless look. I’m super cautious by nature so we’re staying vigilant, especially with the numbers rising here in South Florida. Enjoy and stay safe!