Leather and Lace Babydoll?

Last week, I wrote about my plan to make a girly leather and lace dress for an upcoming performance (of the rock and roll variety). I was tempted by the combination of an updated 50s silhouette with the lace/leather. But I saw this Saint Laurent dress yesterday and have totally been having second thoughts.

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.

Lime Gingham Mini Shift Finished!

Here it is, my second version of Simplicity 1609. Once again, I am loving this pattern! I made a few changes this time. I added more ease to the side seams to give it a stronger shift look. I wasn't sure I would like it this loose, but I do. Plus, it's super comfy and cool.

Gertie Goes 60s (Simplicity 1609 Finished!)

I finished my shift dress! They aren't kidding when they call this pattern "Jiffy." It goes together super quickly.

I surprised myself by picking out this pattern, and then surprised myself some more by hacking 4" off the length to make it mini. I mean, if you're going to do 60s, do it right!

I made it in a stretch plaid cotton, available in my little shop. I kept the center front seam because there is some VERY subtle bust shaping there. I'm glad I did because I needed extra seam allowances--this pattern is tight! I'm so used to the Big Four patterns having lots of ease that I usually size down from my actual measurements and make a 14. That's what I did with this and it was super tight across the hips. (Yeah, I didn't make a muslin. I'm a 60s rebel without a cause!) I let out the side seams and center front seam and it fit perfectly.

It's still pretty snug in the bodice, though. I'd like to make another version, adding ease to the side seams so it's more of a loose shift.

I got into the spirit with the hair and makeup too! I did a bouffant with side-swept bangs, cateye  liner, and pink lipstick.

I think I will make a small swayback adjustment for my next version.

I have to say, making and wearing this dress has given me an entirely new appreciation for 60s fashion. How liberating it must have been! Suddenly you were getting rid of your girdle, wearing bikini underwear, showing your thighs, actually having some room to move in your dress, feeling sassy. Very cool.

I'm excited to make another version, like right away. I got this lime green stretch gingham for the shop and am going to use it to make the version with the Peter Pan collar next.

I'm feeling incredibly inspired by this pattern. Perhaps this will be my grooviest summer ever!

A Mod Shift?

Do you ever surprise yourself by buying a pattern that's out of your usual comfort zone? On a trip to Joann's yesterday, I completely gravitated toward Simplicity 1609, a reissue of a 60s shift dress. It was a "Jiffy" pattern, one of their quick and easy designs. I don't usually go for 6os Mod, or even shift dresses. But this one has some really promising design features.

First: darts! I really can't wear a shift dress that doesn't have any sort of shaping (unless it's a nightgown). This design has both bust darts and French darts for shaping, giving waist emphasis. Secondly, they give you two neckline variations: a bow and a scalloped Peter Pan collar. Adorable.

I plan to make up the bow version in this black and white plaid. Very Peggy Olsen, don't you think?

I'm going to eliminate the center front seam and cut it on the fold, so I don't have to worry about matching the plaid there.

If you're usually a 40s or 50s girl, the shift (ha!) to mod style can be perplexing. But no reason not to try it, right? If it works out, it could be the perfect "throw on" summer dress!

P.S. The 10% sale in my fabric shop ends at the end of the day today. Enter code ROSESGALORE to get your discount!