One thing I love is trying out the styles of different areas as each has different things that describe them perfectly so I chose the 1970s.
The 70s seem like an era of smooth, clean lines and flowy garments and fabric patterns that are out of this world. I especially love the long, flowing, fitting designs of the dresses, that look like they should be worn at a beach or in a desert. The pattern that I chose did not disappoint in all of these accounts.
*Last year I actually uploaded a post on this dress but since it wasn’t well written, nor well pictured and got few views I decided to rewrite it with new pictures that fully show the dress and is ironed. Now I’m thinking of making a new one as well to compare and contrast. But once I have the time.
☹️Unfortunately, it was near impossible to get a picture of me wearing it. But since I hadn’t posted this month yet, I decided to post it and later update it with the pictures of me wearing it.
Style 1154 | Pink Paisley
The fabric I love, for it does have that 1970s look to it and it is so comfortable and I knew that if I didn’t use it I would regret it. I really liked how the top pieces are sewn in such a way so that there are no inside seams, making it look much better.
The pattern called for: single jersey, crepe and silk-like fabrics, but since I had none of those I decided to use some leftover fabric from when I made a 1940s-style shirt.
Because of my small bust I always double check the top measurements so I have an idea if I should take it in etc. When I measured it, I noticed that the pattern was about 3″ bigger than me, but since it was gathered it would look different I thought. Boy, was I wrong! When I tried the finished project, wow, it was big.
As in I could place in a couple of melons or balloons inside and there would still be space (slight exaggeration). But thankfully I was able to fix it and make it wearable.
Cost: I’m fairly sure that the pattern was either free or that I didn’t pay more than 50cents for it. It is surprising that when it came out it was $1.50! Nowadays it is impossible to find a pattern for that price, especially from Simplicity which owns Style patterns. As for the price of the fabrics the question is answered in the next point.
Fabric I Used: For the pink dress, I used a cotton-challis fabric that is paisley patterned with a blush-colored fabric for the top section. I bought the challis for $2 at a garage sale for 1.5 meters of 54-inch width.
The pink for about a $1 at my local Goodwill for 2 meters of fabric. The pattern called for 4.5 meters, which I did not have, and worked with what I had since I made some alterations.
Sometimes I find that the pattern always calls for 50% more than the amount used, which is at times a waste for it is not enough for another full garment.
Related post: Tubular 80s pattern reviews
Alterations made: The pattern is to make a maxi length dress, as seen in the picture, but since I didn’t have enough of the pink paisley fabric I made it just below the knee. Weirdly the original length is over 12inches (1foot) longer than I am!
I also used two color-coordinating fabrics instead of the one.
Issues? The biggest issue I had was that the bust pieces are huge! I have a small chest and so the top was just gaping and not looking like it was supposed to. What I finally did was that I took some fabric and made a ring(?) and sewed it to the front bust so it would help minimize the poofy-ness of the top.
Do I recommend it? Sew again? Yes, I recommend it since the simple design is easy to sew up. And since I hope to make another version I’ll be using it again and again.
What did you think? Have you ever used a dress pattern from the 1970s?
If you have any questions or concerns or just want to say ‘HI’ don’t hesitate to comment.
Arrivederci
Loren Camila
I absolutely love fashion from the 70s and 80s!
Lovely dress <3
Ann xx
https://love-english-by-ann.blogspot.com
Aww thanks Ann.
Ah I love the fabric! I have made a 70s skirt and vest outfit. I think I like the shorter look better than the pattern. I would like to make this!
astorydetective.blogspot.com
Lovely! So cute, perfect for a summer's day.
Thanks for sharing!
I think it looks great! You never know what to expect when you follow a pattern sometimes. I can't believe how inexpensive it was to make x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Thanks Rakayle! It does look more comfortable and wearable than the longer version.
Thanks, Sophie! sometimes there 'surprises' when following a pattern, making construction take forever. It was pretty inexpensive as it didn't take long to sew.
Aww thank you for commenting. And it is very light perfect for summer.
Hi! Beautiful idea and nice combination of fabrics.
Have a good day!
That is so cool that you are so knowledgable about the print and design of different American eras. I've always been so drawn to the aesthetic of the 70's and how fun and flirty clothes looked at this era.
BLOG | YOUTUBE | INSTAGRAM
What a gorgeous dress, i especially love the delicate design of a top part. Very feminine!
Lots of love ♥ January Girl
What an adorable dress! I love the Paisley pattern, it really looks like it came straight from the 70’s! Time for summer!!!
Patty x | https://www.pattycular.com
Thank you, Marianela. Have a good day,too!
Thanks Atsuna. I love vintage clothes and fabrics and so I try to be knowledgeable in that area.
The 70s are a fun, colourful era!
Thanks, Liz. That top was easy but big on me!
Thanks for the compliment Patty. Yes, time for summer, can't wait!
One of the things I love about the 70s and 80s dresses , is how classy they are!
Abir from Aztyle | https://byabz.blogspot.com/
These 70's patterns look interesting. I haven't seen them before but you did a great job with putting together the outfit! Oh wow, the price was really good! Low how the dress turned out!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
I agree with you, love the clean lines and the form fitting styles.
Thanks for commenting Abir!
Thanks for the comment, Nancy! The price was the thing that kept me going since I knew I wasn't going to be able to find something similar for that price.