1970's Bell Sleeved Dress - Style 3201

This pattern is Style 3201 from 1971. I made view A, with the hem line from views B and C. 

1970's dress from Style 3201 patern (1971)

The dress is unlined, however i did cut a lining but decided not to use it, because the fabric was much stiffer that the dress material and i thought that this might look a bit strange. So i am wearing a slip under neath instead. It's good i made this decision as the neck line is far to low and the slip leaves me less exposed. 

1970's dress from Style 3201 patern (1971)

Making this dress has been an emotional roller coaster. One minute it all looks great, then the next the sleeves are too tight, then by magic they fit perfectly (see previous post). Then it does not fit again, but its OK now, go figure. 

Style 3201 patern (1971)

With the lining that i cut out in black i am now planning on making into a black version of this, with 3/4 length sleeves, and raising the neck line by an inch and a half. I have been toying with the idea of a black shirt dress for some time, inspired by some Burdastyle members projects. 

Charcoal Cap - Sirdar 6520

Well i said i would make this cap in a previous post. I made it last Sunday, as Sundays are my knitting and crochet day. It is Sirdar 6520, a vintage pattern from the 1970's i think! Previously i made the beret, which came out very well. 

The cap came out OK, but it does not look like it does on the picture. I'am also finding that the front flat will not stay straight and it keeps rolling inwards. 

I have not warn it out yet, as i only wear hats when it very, very cold and the weather has gotten much warmer. I am hoping now i have made two hats to wear that it wont get cold again, i really hate the cold and wearing hats. 

The original pattern (Sirdar 6520) and the Blue Beret i made a few weeks ago

Currently i am working on my black 70's floral dress, which is turning out very well.  I just need to turn the hem and add the buttons, so hopefully i shall have it finished by tomorrow.

It Worked! - Eased Sleeves

I made the sleeves to my 70's floral dress last night and tried them on. They did not fit. Far, far to tight around the top of my arms. But i carried on regardless and fitted them to the dress using the easing in method. 

I have never eased sleeves before and thought that it sounded rather complicated and that i was bound to fail. I just did it, thinking that this would just be practice as the sleeves were far to tight. Much to my surprise i worked first time, and not only that the sleeve fit perfectly. 

I still have to fit the next sleeve, let hope that this one works out too.

Sleeve on my Style 3201 dress

Sleeve on my Style 3201 dress

I think they are beautiful!

Shopping Trip

The plan for today was to hide from this horrid cold weather and work on my black floral dress. But my mum rang and she wanted me to go to Wellington with her to see relatives. While there i had half an hour to look around the town.

I have been finding it really difficult to find any second hand/vintage patterns in the charity shops recently, so was quite surprised when i did find some. I found these three patterns and a dress making book all for £1, bargain! The first two are free patterns from magazines. One is for a jacket (1994) and the other a skirt and sleeveless jacket (unknown date). The third is a Simplicity pattern 6619 (1984). I am not very fond of clothing from this era, so probably wont use the patterns. Though i do think that it might be possible to use view 2 of the Simplicity pattern, to make a loose, light summer dress if i shortened the hem line.

Simplicity 6619 and two other free patterns from the 80's and 90's

The book is a Simplicity sewing manual from the 1980's. I have been wanting a sewing manual of my own for some time, up till now if i have a question i go to Burdastyle, YouTube it or go to the limited selection at my library. So apart from the iffy styling strategies at the front of the book, it is full of plenty of useful diagrams and instructions that should help me.

Simplicity Sewing book (1984)

There is also now a stall on Wellington market that now sells a limited selection of fabrics. I fell in love with the print on this one. There was only a meter left on the roll, which is a shame because i would have liked to make a dress from it. I bought it anyway in hope that inspiration will come and i will one day use it. 

Close up of fabric. Its actually blue, but under my lights it looks grey   

The colour is better in this photo.

 
While i was in the market i also restocked my yarn stash, i wanted bright vibrant colours, but i think the cold day had effected my mood and eye, and was attracted to the dull, dark winter colours instead.

New wool.