Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Vintage 50's Dress: Advance 9060



This simple dress came together very nicely. The bodice is shaped by tucks front and back, and the skirt is gored smoothly into the waist. My favorite detail is the neckband which is faced and then topstitched over the bodice--very tidy!

It would lend itself perfectly to some embroidery next time on a solid pale fabric, perhaps?



For this version, I trimmed the milk-chocolate-colored polka dot pique in a brown grosgrain bow.

34 comments:

  1. How pretty! I love the polka dots and the chocolate color.

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  2. Why can't stores sell such beautiful dresses like yours? They are sooo lovely!

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  3. This is gorgeous! Brown is my favorite color to wear, and I love polka dots! I want one!

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  4. Look what you did---now I have to track down that pattern so I can make one too!

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  5. How I love it when you post a new handmade dress. This one is very sweet. Take care!

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  6. I really love the combination of chocolate brown and the polka dots. I am wondering how long have you been sewing for? I even look at baby patterns and they sometimes leave me a little confused, but I am a beginner. How long did it take you before you were able to make things so professional looking?

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  7. Mrs. Hurzeler--

    My mother taught me basic sewing skills when I was about fourteen--I hated sewing then and never planned to make anything I could wear since my work was so sloppy.

    I picked it up again three years ago and started with dresses for my girls. As I gained confidence and skill I began making clothes for myself. The key to making nice-looking garments is to 1. finish the seams and 2. press every seam as you go.

    Anna

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  8. So nice, Anna! I really am amazed at how much sewing you accomplish! I love your attention to detail. Beautiful!

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  9. Such a pretty dress. Thanks for sharing pictures of your handsewn dresses.

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  10. Hi,

    Would you please post a comment on how you finish your seams? I only have a regular sewing machine (not an overlocker), and I always wonder what to do about the seams.

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  11. It's beautiful. Roll on the day when I can sew!

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  12. My 2yo daughter pointed to your picture and said, "Pretty dress! I wanna wear it!"

    Me too! It's delicious!

    Inspiring to hear you've done so much in three years, as I too am picking up sewing after a hiatus since my teens. I'm starting simply, with the same pattern as you used for Daisy's smock!

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  13. Dianna--

    Does your machine do zigzag? If so, press the seams open, and zigzag each side separately. If not, you can pink the edges (IF your material doen't want to fray), turn each seam allowance under and stitch, French seam (my favorite but only on straight seams), bind the edges with binding, and there are other options. Anyone want to post a link to info on these techninques?

    Anna

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  14. You have such fabulous details and artistic photos. If everyone were as well dressed as you, America would be a prettier place.

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  15. anna,

    another key to your beautiful garments MUST be using a dress form as you sew.

    I love to sew for others, but do not sew for myself, and surely this is because it is impossible to adjust fit while twisting around and inside out trying to reach your own back...

    perhaps a post on the dress form!

    lovely dresses. Because of your inspiration I have ordered some 1950s shirtdress patterns for my 10yo daughter from Ebay ... can't wait! ... floorplan

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  16. Lovely as usual!
    Thanks for sharing.

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  17. Very lovely! Feminine! I keep hoping my sewing skills will be up to it one day.

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  18. That is so lovely! I love the brown with polka dots! My daughter would love one just like it!

    Mrs.Rabe

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  19. Fabulous! We'd love to see you in it!

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  20. Hello!
    Perhaps this link will help with the various seam finishing techniques - with pictures!

    http://sewing.about.com/od/
    beginner1/bb/seamfinishes.htm

    Lyn

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  21. Very very pretty, very professional looking, and such attention to detail! I just love the clothes that you make for yourself. I wish there were places to buy dresses as lovely as this.

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  22. Anna, can you please comment on how to size these older vintage patterns? I have checked them out online, but I get confused by the sizes and the measurements. Are the sizes comparable to our modern sizes, do you go by the bust measurement, or what? I'd love to get started, but don't want to purchase the wrong size pattern. Thanks for your inspiration!
    Annie

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  23. That dress is stunning! I love the chocolate brown and the polka dots. I also love the embellishment at the neckline, so lovely!

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  24. I love your dress Anna! The bow is the icing on your beautiful chocolate cake.

    ~Amelia

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  25. Thanks for inspiring us all! I know I look at the pattern picture & see only how dated it looks. You see possibilities. I am now paying more attention to the pattern itself. Thanks for your example.

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  26. What a beautiful job! You are so talented.

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  27. I love the style! :D

    "MiriamS" from the S&S board. :)

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  28. The material is scrumptuous and the bow gives it a nice touch.

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  29. Anna--

    Beautiful. I love the bow!

    And thank you, too... for the tips on sewing/finishing seams.

    One thing I've always hoped you would post pictures of: your sewing area! I'd love to see how you've organized your fabrics, thread, ribbons, patterns, etc. My own sewing corner is a *mess* and I'd love some inspiration... if you're ever so inclined to share.

    Blessings to you and yours,
    Stacy

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  30. Wow, that is gorgeous! You must be very proud of yourself. I especially love the bow - so cute! I hope to get back into making clothes when I finish my degree, as I did Fashion Design as one of my major subjects at school, and miss it! You've given me inspiration!

    In His care,

    Emily

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  31. I love this. I want one! ;) I love 50's dresses.

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