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Monday, August 19, 2013

1960s Babydoll Dress


This project was definitely an experiment for me--I don't think I've ever worn this silhouette before! But it's good to try new things, and I'm on a 60s kick right now.


This is Simplicity 7335, which was released in 1967. I bought it from this etsy seller.

It came out pretty much exactly like the photo on the envelope.

I shortened it quite a bit though.
The fabric is this amazing purple linen herringbone from B and J Fabrics. It's the most beautiful color and texture.

I initially felt a little self-conscious in this--it feels huge! But I've come around to it and actually think it's pretty cute. Plus, it feels like wearing a nightie! Bonus.

The construction was super easy. The bodice is lined (with the lightweight siri lining from my shop) and has armhole facings. The box pleat in the front has a pleat underlay. 

The hardest part was getting the bow to look right. It's just a bias piece tied into a bow but it took a lot of fiddling with. 

I never thought I'd wear something like this, but I like it! Change is good, right? 

P.S. Thanks for all your compliments and comments on the new blog design! The tutorial and project pages are under construction, but are going to be awesome.
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49 comments:

  1. Abbi JaneAugust 19, 2013 at 1:20 PM

    That color is perfect for your skintone and hair! Eeee it's soo cute!

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  2. UnknownAugust 19, 2013 at 1:24 PM

    So cute and sassy! Love the color and the bow!

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  3. MelodyeAugust 19, 2013 at 1:34 PM

    Love it!!!

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  4. TillyAugust 19, 2013 at 1:40 PM

    Love this style, it's super cute. Plus it looks AWESOME with your awesome hair! xx

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  5. UnknownAugust 19, 2013 at 1:41 PM

    It's adorable! Love everything about it! I'm a little intimidated by vintage...I love them on everyone else. Something like this makes me think I might just be able to jump in...I love love love the sixties' silouhettes.

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  6. uglybeatAugust 19, 2013 at 1:59 PM

    I'm loving that you're on a sixties kick!!! The dress is super cool and suits you quite well. I think I have that pattern somewhere---I may have to dredge it up! One thing I looooove about sewing blogs is the inspiration, and you definitely inspire me Gertie. Thank you for your generous contribution of time that you put into your lovely blog.

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  7. NelbaAugust 19, 2013 at 2:11 PM

    This looks amazing!

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  8. UnknownAugust 19, 2013 at 2:18 PM

    It looks really cute. It's good to try something different sometimes.

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  9. AnonymousAugust 19, 2013 at 2:28 PM

    So cute on you! Great color! Love the "anchors" - are they new. I don't remember seeing the before now.
    Carrie C.

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  10. lpAugust 19, 2013 at 2:29 PM

    Way to step out of your comfort zone! It's cute and I'm all for comfortable. I really appreciate all the projects you detail on your blog. It's really inspiring. Loved your book, too. It's a little beyond my skills but, like in the blog, you make learning the new skills feel achievable. I'll be branching out into new areas, too, thanks to you. :)

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  11. Cynthia NicoleAugust 19, 2013 at 2:30 PM

    You're a doll!
    Every time I see your post I think - she is SO cute!
    :)

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  12. Ashley crampAugust 19, 2013 at 2:44 PM

    You are able to wear that with such style...not many people could pull that off...but you def can.....gorgeous....
    Daisy J x

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  13. MargoAugust 19, 2013 at 2:45 PM

    Cute cute! And I sooo love your short(er) hair.

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  14. Eva SuzanneAugust 19, 2013 at 2:50 PM

    Cute and elegant at the same time !

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  15. RebeccaAugust 19, 2013 at 2:53 PM

    Super cute on you! I'm liking the new look ;).

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  16. lapAugust 19, 2013 at 3:28 PM

    I love that beautiful jellybean color! I love this kind of babydoll silhouette, I feel like it flatters the busty without veering into maternity confusion.

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  17. texasdawnAugust 19, 2013 at 3:35 PM

    It looks really cute but don't dare sit down. Full skirt plus short length equals wardrobe malfunction/exposure.

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  18. PoppyAugust 19, 2013 at 3:47 PM

    it looks so cute the colour and texture are perfect!

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  19. StephanieAugust 19, 2013 at 4:07 PM

    I think its great. Totally just did a search for the pattern. We all have days when we don't really feel like a fitted dress. This will be a great way to look cute on those days.

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  20. anne jewellAugust 19, 2013 at 4:22 PM

    gertie--have you thought to morph this pattern into a jacket? this shape would rock with jeans and a tank top!--anne

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  21. JodieAugust 19, 2013 at 6:53 PM

    I love trying to push into new comfort zones with style and especially color! I could really see this dress looking great in the fall with some leggings and cute boots!

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  22. Aunt MartiAugust 19, 2013 at 7:21 PM

    Gertie, you totally ROCK that look! And I *remember* 1967 (OMG) so I can say that with authority!

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  23. Sam OldhamAugust 19, 2013 at 7:22 PM

    I love seeing this pattern again. I made it about twenty five years ago - it was one of my favourite dresses! Unfortunately after I made it I couldn't find the packet again. I have no idea what my mum did with it or maybe I was just careless (as a 17 year old can be!). It looks great on you!

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  24. poppykettleAugust 19, 2013 at 7:31 PM

    I rather like it! It's definitely different to what I think we're all accustomed to seeing you in - but in a good way. And the colour is gorgeous on you. And - you've got great legs to show it off with!

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  25. PaigeAugust 19, 2013 at 9:01 PM

    I love the colour, but I know if I wore something like this people would ask me when the baby was due!

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  26. SeracAugust 19, 2013 at 9:07 PM

    That is so cute on you! I love that silhouette, but since I am on the (very) busty side I always look pregnant if there is no shaping under the bust line.

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  27. ThewallinnaAugust 19, 2013 at 9:21 PM

    It turned out beautifully! And matching your hair! If I did not see the pattern you used for this dress, I would think it was made from one of the Japanese books!

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  28. Alicia in IndyAugust 19, 2013 at 9:27 PM

    I LOVE that fabric! Is it coming to your shop? And look at those gams...you are looking pretty svelte lately!

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  29. Bobi JensenAugust 19, 2013 at 11:16 PM

    That color looks so good with your hair. Totally rocking it!

    Bobi
    bobijensen.com

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  30. pearlcardiganAugust 20, 2013 at 12:19 AM

    I often think of the women who wore these clothes first up, and how their 'youth' decade would've dictated their style, just as it does for us now. I try to imagine a woman of the 50s used to the tea length style skirts, then being confronted with the idea of this mod look - and having to reveal her knees for possibly the first time!(away from the beach that is). There's a bit of that happening with the Betty/Megan dynamic on Mad Men - so interesting. How do your post-feminist knees feel out there in the air Ms Gertie?

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  31. Galia StoianovaAugust 20, 2013 at 2:41 AM

    You are my inspiration!

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  32. cup + pennyAugust 20, 2013 at 5:24 AM

    Very cute! I do love the color of that fabric. I think the size of the dress makes you look tinier, sort of vulnerable female but then you have the rad tattoos toughening you up.

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  33. UnknownAugust 20, 2013 at 6:18 AM

    I have this pattern! I'm glad you made it up, as i can now see what it really looks like all done. It hasn't quite been on my 'to do' list, but every time i go through my dress patterns, i alway stop and linger on it. Looks great!

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  34. AyanaAugust 20, 2013 at 7:08 AM

    Again I find myself totally loving your new style! (I don't mean to imply anything about your "old style"--it's just been fun seeing you experiment with new ideas.) The sixties look really good on you. This dress came out amazing; I love the fabric and color!

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  35. CatherineAugust 20, 2013 at 7:36 AM

    So cute Gertie! i made a similar dress with big bollowy sleeves and a bow at the front but I still cant make it sit right! Would you fancy doing a tutorial on that once the page is ready? If you like though... no pressure!

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  36. AnonymousAugust 20, 2013 at 8:39 AM

    That is adorable! Love it

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  37. ColleenAugust 20, 2013 at 9:13 AM

    I was 15 in 1967 and my sister 17. My mother was an ace sewer -- I feel like my sister had that dress!

    I would love to see you walking down the street in that. You are a walking colorform! So pretty pretty pretty!

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  38. Ellen MasonAugust 20, 2013 at 10:09 AM

    So much fun to watch your studies in style, and I am crazy about your new haircut.

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  39. UnknownAugust 20, 2013 at 10:34 AM

    This is adorable and so inspiring! Thank you for sharing. Oh, It is absolutely beautiful on you!

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  40. UnknownAugust 20, 2013 at 11:36 AM

    This is a super adorable dress! The change is good and you look fabulous!

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  41. Heather LouAugust 20, 2013 at 12:03 PM

    This is one of my fave all time Gertie makes! The colour looks so good with your hair I want to cry. Love the 60's kick - I've recently been won over to the appeal of a 60's a-line shift - feels so much more young and fresh than the hourglass.

    One comment though - can you update your comment section to Disqus or equivalent? The captcha is really annoying.

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  42. UnknownAugust 20, 2013 at 12:08 PM

    Fantastic colour,fantastic dress, well finished.
    www.thatssewnaija.blogspot.com

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  43. JoyreeAugust 20, 2013 at 6:40 PM

    I LOVE that bow and the neckline. What pattern did you use for it? It is gorgeous on you, and I love the solid color. If it isn't a pattern, can you tell me how wide the bow is -- not how long -- how wide. It makes such a pretty bow.
    Hugs, Joy

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  44. Heather DAugust 22, 2013 at 1:21 PM

    Oohhhhh.... super cute!! I wonder how it would look with a skinny belt?

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  45. UnknownAugust 22, 2013 at 1:24 PM

    Hi Gertie, I just have to say I love seeing your tattoos evolve over the years! How fun. :)

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  46. ShannonAugust 29, 2013 at 12:13 PM

    You have a little bit of a Rosemary's Baby vibe going on, and I mean that in the best way possible. I wish no satanic demon children or skeezy husbands and neighbors on you!

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  47. ShannonAugust 29, 2013 at 12:13 PM

    You have a little bit of a Rosemary's Baby vibe going on, and I mean that in the best way possible. I wish no satanic demon children or skeezy husbands and neighbors on you!

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  48. AnonymousJanuary 9, 2014 at 7:30 PM

    You Look like Bridget Mendler from Disney's Good Luck Charlie- except for the pink hair and tattoos.

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Thanks for your comments; I read each and every one! xo Gertie