My Spring project for Fabricville has arrived! I was excited about this one -- this "vintage" 90s McCalls 8501 was so appealing, and then I found the perfect fabric option. This is a beautiful rayon-nylon blend, in my favourite blue and yellow colourway.
As part of being a Fabricville blogger, I can choose a pattern and fabric and only have to share it on their blog. But you know I'm going to tell you about it too!
This is called a "3 Hour Pattern". I find that was a thing I saw often on patterns from the 80s & 90s -- overpromising to get people to buy a pattern ;) That's 3 hours of sewing time, not the careful cutting part. And probably only 3 hours if you're a quick sewist, as I am not.
But it wasn't too complicated. A front, back and overlay, plus a little tie piece and a neck binding. I of course overcomplicated things by trying to add pockets! But I can't imagine a summer dress without any. It was a bit fiddly to figure out where to attach the pocket bags, somehow that overlay confused me a bit. But it was worth the time.
This fabric is 90% rayon, 10% nylon, and that makes the hand a little different; it's not a challis, it's easier to handle than that. And I really like the way it drapes, too. The front has an overlay that is sewn into the side seam and then ties at the side with another little tie that you sew into the opposite side. Quite secure.
The changes I made to the pattern:
- Shortened the body above the waist by 3/4"
- Lengthened the bottom hem by 1" (a bit tricky with those curves)
- Added side seam pockets
Isn't it strange to call something from the 90s vintage? I don't feel like it was that long ago. Maybe if you lived through the era, it's not vintage to you! In any case, this is a light summer dress that I know I'll wear this year, vintage or not :)
Hi, LinB here; from central NC, USA.
ReplyDeleteCute outfit! I think I made that pattern when it first came out. But that was so long ago that I don't trust the memory.
Around these parts, "vintage" is roughly defined as from 20-50 years old. Something has to be at least 50 years old before it can be defined as "antique."
So ... 1990s are definitely in the vintage range. I remember thinking how fresh and uncomplicated and easy-to-wear fashion became, in the 90s. Slip dresses and camisoles, and shrugs, and exceedingly few undergarments.
It's hard to feel vintage oneself when making these ;) I never got behind the slinky, skin-baring 90s fashions when I was young in the 90s; now I feel it's a bit late for that, lol! But this 90s pattern is just right for my style now.
DeleteHow cute!
ReplyDeleteI really love this fabric, and am glad it worked well with this pattern!
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