Vintage Style 2618 Ikat Dress

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!