Thursday, July 1, 2010

The Other Muslin

Remember I said I made a couple of muslins last weekend? Well, here is the other one- Simplicity 3833, 1960's Retro! (Oh, my!)
I basically made the long, sleeveless version. Can I just say, I LOVE this little dress! It's so cute, so easy, and so comfy! I think I'll be making more than one!


I made a size 16 with a 1" FBA. That turned out to be a little bit too much- if you look closely you might notice a seam running directly over my bust. That's where I took it up 1/2" because the bodice was too saggy. I already adjusted my pattern back down to a 1/2" FBA.
I also added 1" of length through the waist to make sure the back darts ended in the right place. The muslin isn't hemmed, but it turned out quite a bit longer than I expected. I'll be going for a finished length ending right at mid-knee or slightly above. I want to be true to the 60's vibe (code for "short") but my knees are not my best feature, so I have to be careful.
The skirt is also quite a bit fuller than I expected. The pattern photos and illustrations aren't so "A-line." I might try narrowing the skirt slightly. I'll probably just baste it into this muslin and see how it looks before I decide. (Hmmm. Somehow the back doesn't look as full as the front, does it?)
I plan to cut this out this weekend. I'll be using a coral linen for my first go-around. I plan to experiment with some contrasting topstitching to dress it up a little. If all goes well, I'd love to make a second version- can't you just imagine this made of white waffle pique with black and white gingham binding around the neck and armholes, a cute pair of black flats and some mod jewelry? Groovy!


By the way, thanks to all who commented on the last post. Amy, I had to laugh when I read your comment- "granny's nightgown" is being kind! I picked out a fabric to go ahead with the dress- a very thin cotton. It's turquoise with red, yellow, and white cherry blossoms. I think it will be the perfect weight for that dress and the I'll be able to pick up one of the blossom colors for the trim. It will have to wait, though, because right now I'm psyched about this little shift dress!
Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday and the weekend is just one day away! I'm itching to sew!

14 comments:

Amy Bailes said...

Now I like this dress. Looks comfortable, stylish and most of all like you would be cool!

MushyWear said...

Definitely a cute cut on the dress and looks great on you. I love your idea of the white one with gingham trim. That will look very cool!

angie.a said...

I freaking love this!!! Blast my no pattern buying rule. :D It will be SO cute when its finished!

gwensews said...

I love that style dress. The 60s were great looking clothes. The lines are terrific, and because of it's simplicity, there's a lot that can be done with it.

Heather said...

This is so pretty on you! I love an easy dress!

Rose said...

I love this dress, too! I may be buying another pattern!!

Blakely said...

looks adorable!

Sheryll said...

This is a cute style! I just made a 60's shift too, and it was longer and more A-line than the illustration as well!

Unknown said...

Cute very retro.

Sara
http://www.momentsofelegance.com

Mary said...

Awesome! I bought this pattern the other day and wondered what it would look like on a "real person". It looks great!!! Well done!

Mommyof2girlz/StephD said...

Love it and that fabric is perfect for the style of dress. Looks amazing on you!

Beth (SunnyGal Studio) said...

I love your dress, so cute! I made this pattern for someone else but you are inspiring me to make one for myself.

Goosegirl said...

I love this dress on you. I made up this pattern last year for my India and made it with sleeves and it turned out nasty. I had to make it quickly for a costume for her school musical, so I did not have time to do my usual muslin and fitting stuff. But I love how yours looks so I am going to try this pattern again, sans sleeves. I love the fabric you used too!

Becky said...

Having been a teenager way back in the 60s, that is a very familiar look. I love it!