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Stretch & Sew "Cowl Neck Blouson #305" |
I finished a dress! Yes, the first make of the New Year. I've been slow at getting back to my sewing after the holiday break, so I'm glad I had such a good pattern to start with.
I came across this vintage Stretch and Sew pattern in my thrift store travels, and thought it actually looked quite modern. Since I also found a couple of metres of knit which combined an oversize houndstooth print and a purple colourway, two of my favourite things, I thought I'd buy them both and use them together.
I wasn't familiar with Stretch and Sew patterns previously, so did a little research (I am a librarian, after all!) I discovered that Ann Person was a very successful businesswoman ahead of her time. I've included some other links at the bottom of this post if you'd like to learn more about her.
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Catching some natural light at lunchtime on this snowy day |
This pattern was printed very efficiently: double sided on one sheet of paper. You trace the size you need and add any length on that you need to change top to dress -- it was suggested that you add 25 inches to the bottom of the bodice piece for the skirt, but I took an inch out as I am short. I left enough length for a deeper hem, to keep the skirt falling nicely. And in the end I left the hem just below the knee as I thought it looked really good with this style.
While making it, I was thinking that it would just be a nice cozy winter dress, and since it was made from thrifted fabric I wasn't overly worried about how it was going to turn out. But when I tried it on once it was nearly done...wow! I absolutely love it!
I'm really delighted with the fit and the shaping on this dress. I felt extremely comfortable and natural in it right away, and I love the elegance of it as well, something I hadn't expected it to have. The drafting is interesting, nothing too elaborate really, with the same piece for front and back. I did use the cuffed sleeves from View B instead of the elasticated ones from the dress view, to modernize the look a little bit.
The only change I'd make next time would be to add a bit more length in the bodice -- I took 2 inches out but I'd put 1/2 inch back in the front bodice only. The cowl is a bit different from others I've made; it has four darts in it , which gives it some nice shaping -- it falls much more evenly and doesn't slither around when you're wearing it. That could have to do with my knit though - it the fabric was a bit more slippery it still might slide around. Mine doesn't though.
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Caught brushing all the snow off after these photos! |
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A wonderful obituary of Ann Person, who died at 90 years old, in August of 2015.
A little more about her, and a nice piece at Threads celebrating her life, with photos -- there's also a link to an article about sewing with knits that Person wrote for Threads in the past.
Thank you for the in-depth review. Your dress is lovely. Looks warm & cozy yet very dressy. Great job. You look lovely!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It's a perfect cozy work dress
DeleteOh I can see why you are pleased with this one. It looks great on you. You should make more.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I just might...and want to try to top version too
DeleteWhat a lovely tribute to Ann, your post as well as your dress :)
ReplyDeleteI loved reading so much about her - how inspiring she was!
DeleteLove it! You even found matching tights! I have a big collection of Stretch and Sew patterns from the 90's that I need to look at more often, as they are such great timeless styles. Thanks for reminding me of them, and letting us know about Ann Person.
ReplyDeleteWhen I bought this fabric I was actually thinking about these tights that I already owned... ;)
DeleteI have a couple of other Stretch & Sew patterns that I picked up at the same time so we'll see what I make next
That's a great dress - a real classic. I agree, the classic knee length looks good. And a real win as well - it's always wonderful to find a Thrift Shop fabric, and pattern as well, and always a perfect price :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, it is a win when the price and the coolness of the find are both equal :)
DeleteThis is really stunning on you. I suppose you will be using this pattern again and again!
ReplyDeleteI think so - it is such a comfortable dress but so dressy for work as well. Fits just great
DeleteAmazing thrift find that turned into perfection! Yay! Everything about this is so cute, I just love it.
ReplyDeleteIt was a lucky chance to find them together - just serendipity!
DeleteThat style looks absolutely fabulous on you...the belt really adds the final touch & shows off your waistline beautifully. You should make a couple more of these!
ReplyDelete