Wednesday, May 20, 2009

70's DENIM DRESS



I have wanted a denim dress for such a long time, but have never seen one that I liked...until now! I was afraid that I would look like a biker chick in a denim dress (not that there's anything wrong with that!!!).

Anyhoo, I bought this pattern a few months ago from this seller on OZtion. This is a really good site for vintage patterns, similar to Ebay, and they are usually quite cheap, not quite the same selection, but you could be lucky like I was!

I chose a black denim from Spotlight (to match my black boots that I HAD to buy for my 40th, which was a few years ago now). The fabric has a slight stretch, and a bit of a slub through it, so it doesn't make the dress too plain. View 2 (far left) was the one I made and I'm really loving it. I may just make the pant suit too!

I didn't have to make any sizing alterations to this pattern which is wonderful, and because the denim was on the "stiff" side, I made the facings with black poplin to reduce the bulk, and used bias binding around the armholes.


And in case you think my right leg looks kooky, it is. I had the 'big C' about 15 years ago and lost my knee joint in the recovery process! Those close to me know I usually wear pants or dresses/skirts below the knee, but I liked this pattern so much I didn't care. Quite liberating, really!
Anyway, this was my first 70's pattern, and it certainly won't be my last!
And I almost forgot, I tried a new method for backstitching seams which I discovered on this great blog. It really works a treat, and I really wanted to try this method to reduce the bulk with the denim. Give it a go!
Enjoy your day.

5 comments:

  1. This is such a great dress...and I wouldn't have even noticed the knee had you not pointed it out! Great thinking making the facings out of poplin. What is it with black boots? I HAD to have a pair last year too, after years of wanting them, and they look exactly like yours! Great taste, I say ;)

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  2. I'm about to start a similar jumper (Simplicity 6029 (c) 1965) and as I was reading the instructions, I thought the facings would be very bulky with denim. But the poplin would resolve that. Great idea!! Luv the dress! You look great!

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  3. Jen it looks gorgeous, why cant i be thin enough to wear a dress like that? (ha ha i eat too much) Finally......you a wearing a short dress, good on you. No one would have noticed.
    Love ya
    Linda
    xx
    It really does look great.

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  4. Hi Jen, I am not on my computer so i cant get into my email, so i thought that i would say thanks this way in case Glen forgets to tell you that i phoned. You are very sneaky i havent been to TM"s yet, now i will have to go tomorrow.
    Thanks
    xx Linda

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  5. make the pant suit!! i really love this denim dress...the pattern is just right for denim...i was thinking of doing something similar so it's given me inspiration:-)


    fantastic sewing!

    Allison

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