ooobop! 70s dress blue: McCalls 2399
Well today was a wash out and so short of giving my new dress an outing in the park for some sunny outside photos, I used the meagre amount of sunlight that peeked through my kitchen window instead. Hence the dark ‘moody’ shots!
This is my first attempt at a vintage pattern – McCalls Pattern 2399 – and it was definitely worth doing the toile! Originally, I had chopped off 6 inches from the hem – as per pattern instructions – and this made a horrid sausage shape. For this version, I took 5 inches up from between the waist and the hem and allowed a hem of 2 inches et voilà… the A-shape remained!
This is the first time I have included a side zipper too. Well second time, including the toile! And I have to say I’m a fan, not only because they seem easier and neater to put in but I dont have to dislocate my arm to do a back zipper all the way up!
I took my time over the collars, grading the seams, clipping and pressing and it paid off to get really smooth curves.
And you may have noticed, I decided to ditch the sleeves (from the toile). Mr Ooobop not-so-kindly remarked that I looked like an inmate from Prisoner Cell Block H! Such a charmer! He insists he was referring to the colour of the fabric but it kind of put me off the sleeves anyhow!
70s dress blue
I am determined to get the stash pile busted somewhat and so I have begun with this cotton print which I picked up from Oxfam for £4. For that price and from the experience I have gained making this dress, I am a very happy bunny!
That is an amazing collar and bow. Bang on for £4! Very sultry!
Thanks Karen. I had such hatred of the 70s collar not so long ago but I have come round full circle!
I loved the toile- this is even better!
Thank you. It certainly feels good to wear
Fabulous dress! I love the collar! And fabulous find for the fabric!!
Thanks Debi. I’ve been quite lucky with charity shop finds lately. Just got to get making!
the inmate statement was hilarious.
love the collar details!
Thanks Fiona. Nothing like a bit of constructive criticism!
Oh that is so lovely. I love the colour, and I would perform a rain dance for that collar to see some sunshine
Oh thank you Miss Dibs! I haven’t worn it out yet. It doesn’t deserve to be rained on! But if you would do a sun dance for me it would be most appreciated! x
Ooh what a lovely print. I love raiding charity shops for bargain prints and making something fabulous out of them. The dress is lovely.
Thanks so much natasha
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