Fabricista Challenge Week 5: Timeless Classics

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Timeless Classics
Vintage dresses are made up of clean lines, darts, pleats, buttons, and feminine shapes.
But most importantly, they are about a great fit!

Challenge: Sewing a garment from a vintage pattern is challenging. The pintucks, pleats, and precise fit can be difficult to master. Choose a vintage pattern and modernize the piece. You can modernize your piece with styling, embellishment, or fabric. 


We had two weeks for this challenge and that was a welcome change from the one week we usually have.  I spent my first week prepping my pattern and working out my muslin.  Once I got my fit down I knew the rest was smooth sailing so in true Shanni fashion I spent my second week eating bon bons, catching up on Breaking Bad (I'm finally on season 5, btw) and procrastinating until Friday evening.  I think I must work better under pressure. *sigh*
The vintage pattern I chose was one I already had in my stash, McCall's 2282.  This groovy pantdress pattern was released in 1970, before I was even a twinkle in my Daddy's eye.

pattern

My inspiration for chosing this pattern was this getup found on Pinterest...




I made myself a personal goal of sewing up a solid. Solids in my wardrobe are almost non existent except for the many black trouser pants I own. It was hard to stick with this plan as I tortured myself with this fabric as a muslin...

muslin

I seriously had to talk myself out of not finishing this and submitting it as my final project. Why might you ask? Well in keeping in line with the challenge rules I didn't think these vintage looking scissors was conducive with the word modern, mmkay?  Look for this to be turned into a Beignet.

To recreate my Pinterest inspiration I first modified my pattern by extending the button placket (you can see the original button placket stops at the crotch area as one version is a pant dress).  I also eliminated the side panels, altered the back piece to be cut on the fold because I didn't want a CB seam, narrowed the sleeves and added faux sleeve cuffs and self drafted sleeve tabs.  After a tissue fitting I also determined I needed to narrow the shoulders and shorten the waistline.  To get a slimmer fit I added back contour darts as well.  Here you can see the original pattern and the altered pattern side by side.

front alterations
Pattern Front
back alterations
Pattern Back
The fabric I used is a Donna Karan cotton from Mood that I snatched up when it was 50% off.  There is a very subtle tone on tone polka dot pattern in the fabric.  The website says it's a floral print but I'm not seeing it...

scissors

Oh yeah how bout' them scissor buttons on that self drafted sleeve tab, yeah?!  After staring at scissor print fabric for an entire week I had to incorporate scissors somewhere in the final peeps!
One final note about the fabric, it was really sheer.  Luckily I had bought enough of this fabric to fully line the dress.

I have a feeling this dress will be in heavy rotation from my closet.  It's very comfortable and can be styled so many ways.  Perfect for the changing temps.  In the Fall I can pair it with a chunky scarf and boots and in the Spring a statement necklace and flats.  Oh and I never forget a belt.

shannon pic2

shannon pic1

shannon pic3

Sorry for the heap of photos I'm about to unload but this was from two days of photo shoots. Sunday as per usual I was dealing with this..

windy

Out of 100 pics I only got a few good ones.. a lot of hair in the face, dress up over my head, and "screw you wind" looks on my face so I had to rush home after work Monday to get some decent pictures just in time for the deadline. But Sunday I did get some good ones of my loves...

vito

orlando
I think me and Orlando kinda look alike here. :)>

sitting

Voting is up on the Fabric Mart blog so go HERE to see all the other creations and vote for your favorite.  Voting ends Wednesday at midnight. 
Voting is closed. Check here to see who won this challenge!

What do you think about the blog makeover?  I got an itching for a change and I really like the fresh, clean look.  

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19 comments

  1. i LOVE your dress. It's super cute and I love that it can transition through the seasons. It's got my vote!

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  2. Very timeless!! I love the test one too! Wonderful Shanni! I'm going to go vote!

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  3. Vito! So cute! I love this-- it really looks great on you!

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  4. I have pinned that same dress too! Your version is very cute, I like the subtle fabric.

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  5. Omg stunning! I'm very impressed with all your pattern changes and drafting. Okay I admit it, totally jealous too! This is so pretty and versatile. I love it, well done!

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  6. Great dress! Love the whole outfit!

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  7. Oh my! This is just darling! I love the navy and brown combo hard! And Vito? He makes my heart melt!

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  8. Love it! It's so very wearable and versatile. And you can't go wrong with props of a fuzzy cat and a pug. :)

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  9. Ohhh, the scissor buttons are sensational! What a great dress that you can wear lots of ways.

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  10. I voted for you!! I think your dress best fits the purpose of the challenge. Awesome job :)

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  11. Ohhhh, you never cease to amaze Shannon!! This get-up is fabulous! The scissor buttons are such a fantastic touch. And, your kitty is SO handsome, Kitty says to say 'hi'. And, I'm SO happy you are not going to abandon the scissor fabric, I just love it!! I was so disappointed it was your muslin, but definitely see how it does not fit this particular challenge theme.

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  12. I love it! the shape of the skirt suits you really well.

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  13. You did very well with this dress! It is gorgeous on you, the buttons are ace, and your drafting is perfect :) Thanks for sharing!

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  14. Beautiful and very classy! I'm actually not a big fan of the 70s silhouette, but your version looks very contemporary, with the belt, scarf and boots! And I love the whimsy of the scissors buttons. :)

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  15. seekatsew.wordpress.comOctober 25, 2013 at 6:35 PM

    Ohhh I LOVE this dress! Everything about it.

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  16. Love it! this looks so good on you.. great colour for mixing :)

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  17. Just checking out your blog, you've made some pretty items, love this dress :)


    Hannah
    http://surfjewels.tumblr.com/

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  18. Thank you! Glad you stopped by hope you stay for awhile! :)

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