I’ve been in project mode again. When I get a bee in my bonnet about something and just have to have it, there is nothing more satisfying than being able to make it myself. So it was with this great 1959 dress. I had an idea in mind for some sort of wiggle dress, but in a less than predictable LBD style. There are a few vintage pattern sites I favour, but this one I found on eBay. Comparatively the prices are very reasonable, that is unless it is a popular pattern in a popular size, so I often find bargains for around $10.00 that otherwise retail on some vintage sites for closer to $35.00 Keep in mind if you are buying patterns from eBay, to always ask their condition – whether they are complete, cut, torn and still have their instruction sheet.
I love the versatility of this pattern and have in mind several variations making something for both summer and winter, so you may see this pattern again. This time I bought the fabric before I’d even found an appropriate pattern. I have a habit, as most of you crafty sorts do, of always keeping one eye out for the unusual and the appealing. So it was that I came across this satin fabric at the bottom of the bargain bin for the grand total of $7.00 a meter. When it came to making up this dress, there were a few modern habits I did without.
Firstly, I chose not to overlock any of the edges, rather opting to stabilize each edge with a row of straight stitches before sewing it together. Also, instead of using a fusible interfacing – which is the quick and easy route – I chose to sew it in instead to avoid any puckering or bubbling where it attached. To get the fit right, given the tailoring and the absence of stretch in the fabric (how quickly we’ve gotten used to that), I fine tuned all the darts and tacked things as I went.
And here is the finished product getting its first outing on the town. After all your lovely comments on this dress, I am inspired to try my hand at some more complex projects soon. Knowing that there are many of your that either enjoy sewing or just reading about it, I’ve decided to add a MAKING section to the blog. It is where you’ll find all the details of things I’ve made, customised and DIY tips and tricks. Once again I’ve started by accessing some archived posts, but I’ll be adding lots more in the coming weeks. If you have any questions about this or any of my other projects, feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment. This girl is always up for a chat.
And I’m ALWAYS happy to be the...
SKM, I’m impressed that you used a vintage pattern as well – well done! The dress looks gorgeous on you too.
FWIW, Circa has ’50s dress patterns too; all are priced at $20 and it’s easy to check the condition when you’re in the shop, as well as saving on postage. I have hundreds, and most are in your (great vintage) size.
Nicole: I have a few more pieces in mind that I don’t yet have patterns for so I’ll have to drop in again soon. Next to try is grading, as I have some stunning patterns that are a tad on the small side.
Rebecca: My poor mother tried to teach me for the longest time, but I would rely on her too much and then she would end up making it herself. I took a basic course at TAFE to get some more independence, then the rest of it has been trial and error with mum on speed dial to answer my questions. Now I’m moving on to making a proper “muslin” first so I can tackle some more intense numbers.
Cosmo: Do check out eBay for people’s left overs and dead stock. Also fabric stores in little country towns often have fabric that has been hanging around for ages waiting for a good home. I’ve found that SPOTLIGHT (our biggest fabric retailer over here) has started bringing in more fabric with a strong vintage feel to it. It doesn’t seem to be that popular and is always on sale. You just really need to know your patterns and colours though, as some are more garish reproductions that don’t quite work.
SKM where did you learn to sew?
I wish I could sew properly! that dress is amazing!
Wow. This dress is absolutely GORGEOUS. Stunning material, lovely style. I’m so pleased to see the pictures as it is very inspiring. I’m thinking of getting a sewing machine to make some clothes on, I’m so bored of the usual stuff in the shops. Thanks for sharing the pictures, you look beautiful. Well done!
PS: I have finally posted a personal style post and I would love your opinion!
I love this dress. The fabric is perfect. I love the buttons. I have a similar pattern that I am dying to try. Now I really need to find the right fabric so I can have one as cute as yours.
well I’ll have to investigate these courses – I can sew a little but I would love more confidence and the ability to create more and adjust patterns to my liking!
PS: I studied Wing Chun Kung Fu and Tae Kwon Do (Korean not Australian.
It’s gorgeous! I love that pattern!
You’re so talented! Your dress looks perfect.
Como House. What a great place to take photos of your outfit. Love the dress.
You did such a lovely job making this dress–I just love the perfect matching of the fabric and pattern. Beautiful!
I can’t wait for more DIY content on your blog either… being a crafty gal myself! 
Like Rebcca, I too wish I could sew. I was enjoying the post until it got to the bits about the stitching. It suddenly turned into German!! ;0)
Your dress is fabulous, I love the colours. I also have that very pattern and now I see it made up I will be on the hunt for the appropriate fabric.
You did so well with the dress and I am so happy to read about the new section which you will put on your blog. On Ebay I also bought some magazines with old patterns from Burda Fashion magazine ( in German ). In addition, just check the current pattern book from Simplicity or Butterick. You therein find also some retro pattern from easy to average knowledge.
As they are orignal from the US, I think they are more cheaper than here in Europe. Have a nice evening.
That dress turned out so well and I love the fabric! I have made a few things but was until quite recently hampered by having bought a reconditioned sewing machine which didn’t have a manual (why it never occurred to me to download one ’til last month I don’t know!).
I have been inspired by a gorgeous pair of trousers I saw on Mad Men and got a great pattern on Etsy so am now on the lookout for the right fabric, I have made skirts before but am quaking slightly at the thought of embarking on trousers which seem much more complicated! Any tips you have to offer would be gratefully received!
That dress is simply lovely! You’re very talented and have a great eye for patterns. I love the fabric you used.
Alicia: Hi and Welcome! That fabric really is something. It reminds me of something a great Aunt of mine used to wear and could have gone into scary old lady dress territory, but the tailored pattern saved it!
Floraposte: My machine is older too and I love it. I love that it is heavy and metal, not all plastic. But the manual has been indispensable as I’ve had a lot of set up problems in the beginning. Trousers are quite simple (depending on your pattern), but I make them all the time. It is only pockets I don’t like so much, but that is the next thing to master. If you email me a picture of your pattern, I’ll see if there are any tips I can offer.
Le Tasche: The reproduction vintage patterns are quite good and it makes it easier for most people to find their correct sizing. I have made a few from repro patterns, but they have still be quite complex compared to a modern dress.
Jaede: I’m thinking of also making it is a deep red velvet for winter. It would be MUCH easier to work with than the satin.
Collette: Being bored of what I saw in the stores is what stared me sewing. I would have an idea of what I wanted, but of course could never find it. Chances were I couldn’t find a pattern either, so I’ve learnt to adapt and source vintage patterns that are more my style. I’d recommend picking up a machine second hand to start out (they can be $$$ new), and I love the old early 80′s machines by Janome. Easy, sturdy and can work with a lot of different weights of fabric. Also no computer chips to break down!
Emer: It used to feel like algebra to me (that is NOT GOOD) and I couldn’t get my head around the directions. But I persevered and now I’m really making headway. I’ll admit I still have trouble with working out fabric requirements and measuring it all. I often end up with trim that is 10cm too short! Arg!
Casey: I have a studio full of fabric and patterns, more project ideas than you can poke a stick at – now all I need to do is get moving and record it all along the way.
Trish and Tizz: Thank you so much my friends.
Oh…I have that exact pattern! I love what you did with it…the fabric is perfect!
Cool! This is what I’ve been wanting to do for ages. I’ve got lots of old patterns I’ve been saving for, oh, twenty-odd years. I’d love to see your tips on the blog. Your dress is gorgeous!
BTW, I just today learned what Kawaii means! ^-^ Cute!
Amazing. I am so jealous of anyone who can sew. I’m slowly working towards learning to use my machine. One day i hope to make something this pretty.
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Great dress! It makes me wish I had learned to truly sew. Love the color and what an awesome vintage pattern.
[...] Super Kawaii Mama – DIY Couture – Vintage Style. [...]
wow wow! So impressive, thanks for the ebay patterns tip!
[...] Super Kawaii Mama – DIY Couture – Vintage Style. [...]
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Wonderful job on the dress! Can you give me this pattern number? I would like to search for it because I have a client who wants this dress and I needed to see the back of View A. Thanks!
[...] Super Kawaii Mama – DIY Couture – Vintage Style. [...]
[...] Super Kawaii Mama – DIY Couture – Vintage Style. [...]