Here is the odd tale of the pattern that got away and then came back. A few years ago this pattern, McCall 2014 was for sale on Ebay. I bid on it but lost by a landslide which left me heart broken. I wanted this pattern to badly! In fact, I liked it so much I saved all the images of the pattern from that Ebay listing and printed them out and pinned them to my wall in my sewing room. Fast forward almost two years later. I am randomly surfing Ebay for vintage patterns and BANG, there it is again. Not just another copy of the pattern, but the same pattern! I recognized it right away by the name penciled all over it, Miss Mary Kline. This time the ball was in my court because I won! Finally the pattern would be mine.
As simple as the dress looks on the cover, this was one of the most complicated patterns I've ever sewn. The sewing instructions are printed right on the pattern prices instead of an instruction sheet.
Many 1920s dresses have the openings hidden in a princess seam instead of the side seam. This was the case with this dress. I opted to add zipper to the back instead of hand sewing 1001 tiny snaps onto a tiny princess seam placket.
The pattern is a size 18 which is large for me but was easy to size down. One thing I forgot about when grading it was the 20s flattened bust fit! Yea, not such a good look for me being a curvy hourglass figure. As much as I wanted to stick to the original design I ended up adding waist darts.
Another change I made was after sewing in the waist ties I picked them right off after trying the dress on. Bulky bows don't do me any favors placed over my belly pooch.
The beautiful drape of the skirt from the sides is one of the reasons I love this dress so much. The one seen here is just a mock up I did out of cotton twill and chintz I had on hand which is probably too thick for this design. Next time I will make it out of what it was suggested to use, either silk crepe or wool crepe.
PS- I know it's been over 9 months since my last post. No reason for my absence other then I just have not felt like blogging. I've been sewing from vintage patterns a lot the past few months so I'll be posting more often now.
4 comments:
Sometimes things are meant to be!
P.S. glad to have you back :-)
That is a great pattern, and lucky you for finding it again!
I love the colors you used for this dress. Very soft and perfect for spring.
The closure in the princess line sounds very interesting.
THAT is a stunning pattern, and I love how you've made it up!
Nice to see you back.:)
We missed you! It's so great that you're still sewing and I'm eternally envious of your being able to put these old patterns to use and give those dresses life. What a great story this one had in particular.
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