Vintage Bowling Dress: McCall's 7734
I found this fabulous pattern on e-bay and had to have it--just look at the vintage sportiness of the lady golfer and lady bowler! It is in fact described as a bowling or golfing dress, and that large pocket I love so much is designed to hold golf balls! Other lovely details are the deeply pleated (inverted box) back under the yoke, a breast pocket for a scorecard, and sleeves that unbutton all the way to the shoulder! I love this dress! 
I made it up in a quilting-weight cotton. It holds its shape nicely, has a moderate drape, and I couldn't resist the color or print. The left side under the arm opens with a zipper, besides the functional buttons down the bodice front.
Here's a back view--check out that major center pleat and then the lesser but still grand flanking pleats!
Finally, a sleeve detail--how many times have you needed to unbutton your sleeves *all the way up*?
13 comments:
I love that back pleat! The color you chose is just darling. You are a very gifted seamstress.
How do you find time to sew so much!! I really enjoy sewing but with school and housekeeping I just don't seem to get to it. Keep up the inspiring posts maybe one day soon I'll be in your shoes.
I love the autumnal colours you have chosen. I really don't think I have the skills to embark on such a project...I'm a knitter and lack the organisational skill to sew properly!
Oooh! That's the pattern my mother used for everyday house dresses! The material was always a pretty chintz. I remember those days with great fondness. :)
That dress is so wonderful for so many reasons.....It was made to move in, and yet it is very feminine and lady-like. The back pleats, the buttons on the sleeves and the long, full skirt mean that there is no activity that this dress could keep you from participating in. To top it off, Anna, the fabric you chose is such a lovely print. All in all, this is a fabulous dress.
Ditto what everyone else said! (o:
And I, too, am amazed at how much you get accomplished.
LOVE this dress!!
that is just great!!
they just don't make clothes like that anymore. i bet you look awesome in it.
i love the back pleat!
Beautiful, just beautiful! What a lovely dress - I'll bet it feels wonderful on and makes you feel like you've stepped back in time! It's a blessing you are 'vintage size' - I find it hard to find old patterns that accomodate my generous curves, though I do have a few of my grandmother's advanced suit patterns in an 18 - maybe someday I'll tackle one!
Fabulous, fabulous dress!!!
What a delightful dress! I wish patterns such as this were available more. Those who think certain things can't be done in a dress just haven't found the right dress yet.
Anna, this dress is splendid. And your fabric choice - stunning. I LOVE the deep red roses.
Don't you just have an urge to plan a bowling outing soon?!
I definitely think a pattern like that is beyond my skills at this point, but perhaps someday!
I just won a back wrap apron dress pattern off ebay similar to the one you featured not long ago. I'm excited to give my hand another try at sewing. It's been several years since I've had a working machine, but you've inspired me.
Cara
Absolutely adorable! The colors really make the dress. It's fantastic!
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