Review: Vintage Simplicity 9704 | A Polka Dot Halter Wrap Dress!
12:00 AM
I've been really having an eye for vintage patterns lately. I especially like the ones from the 1970s. This one is dated 1980, so it still has that late 70s vibe.
This pattern is Simplicity 9704 - Jonathan Hitchcock for Reuben Thomas front wrap dress with pleated front closing skirt and curved hemline. Tie neckline.
I knew that I wanted to make this dress in a silk crepe, so when I started my search of fabrics I lucked up on this gorgeous Ralph Lauren Dark Blue (more like cobalt) Polka Dot Silk Crepe from MoodFabrics.com. The hand of this fabric is incredible.
For my vintage pattern, I used the size 14 -- there is only a single size in the envelope. The size seems to fall more in line with a modern size 12. And I was glad of that because I didn't have to make a single alteration to the pattern.
Silk crepe is my favorite fabric and I live in silk pieces during the spring and summer. And this fabric is exceptional. The weight of it made it so easy to cut. And I sewed it as usual with a Microtex needle.
The bodice is self-lined and the skirt is not. The skirt is sewn at the center back and I used a French seam. The sides of the skirt are shaped with curved darts. And I used small snaps for closures. I also added one to the center front of the bodice to hold it together to prevent a major wardrobe malfunction.
Since the inside shows, I'm glad I made a French seam. And the curved hem is done with a narrow hem and creates a beautiful drape. This pattern was so easy to make, I feel I will make another one before summer is over.
53 comments
You teased us with this on Instagram and I was wondering when it would show up here! This is so disco 70s cool! What a great dress! Definitely make another one.
ReplyDeleteYes! It gave me Studio 54! Thanks Carolyn!
DeleteWhat a great pattern score! Your fabric is gorgeous too. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThanks Graca!
DeleteSo pretty. I’ve got a RTW RL blouse made from that same (or very similar) fabric. And you’re right, the hand is incredible. I love RL silk, it’s always nice and heavy and washes like a dream.
ReplyDeleteThanks Roslyn!
DeleteAbsolutely gorgeous! You did a fab job, love love the color on you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Raliat!
DeleteVery beautiful. You look great in it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dk's Wife!
DeleteGorgeous. Gosh you have lost so much weight, looking svelte girlfriend.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sassy T!
Deletewhy the microtex needle?
ReplyDeleteYou should ALWAYS use sharp/Microtex needles when sewing silk. The silk fibers will dull a needle fast. And depending on how large and much sewing a silk project will require, you may need to change the needle.
DeleteOoo thanks for that info.
DeleteWelcome!
DeleteGorgeous dress, and the color looks great on you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sheila!
DeleteJaw dropping gorgeous. Very, very elegant dress. I am trailing behind you on vintage pattern scores - Vogue 1023 and now scouting S9704.
ReplyDeleteThanks Hillary!
DeleteVery lovely! And the color is so vibrant!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mrs. Smith!
DeleteBeautiful! I love the gorgeous blue silk but I am really in love with that pattern. What a cool vintage look!
ReplyDeleteThanks Liza Jane!
DeleteI love this silk fabric and that vintage pattern is so stylish for 2015. Thanks for the workout inspiration, I have been hitting the gym, pavement, Jillian Michaels DVD more.
ReplyDeleteThat's great Lori! Thanks!
DeleteYou look sensational!! Funny to see this pattern made up, I still have it in my pattern stash!
ReplyDeleteIt was a great find! Thanks Virginie!
DeleteI love the color and the style of this dress. Very pretty look on you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Styling Me!
DeleteOh my god. You look/this is AMAZING! Would you mind my asking what style of bra worked with this pattern, if any? I mean, strapless, obviously, but it also looks quite low-cut. If you have found a good bra that works with this, I would love a recommendation! I'm always on the lookout.
ReplyDeleteI was good... I didn't worry about one! Thanks Genevieve!
DeleteAh well thank you for the info!
DeleteWelcome!
DeleteThe fabric is beautiful, perfect fit, great color and you look fabulous in it, you make vintage look very modern.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharon!
DeleteAbsolutely gorgeous! You are on fire!
ReplyDeleteThanks sewplaysew!
DeleteStunning dress!
ReplyDeleteThanks Levone!
DeleteYou've hit it out of the park on this one. By the way, all of your hard work has not gone unnoticed...You look amazing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Donne'!
DeleteLove that dress! Amazing colour!
ReplyDelete♥♥♥
Jeanne
http://fashionmusingsdiary.com
Thanks Jeanne!
DeleteOooooh my gosh, this looks amazing! You go, girl!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sewing Faille!
DeleteWow, I love it! The fit, the color, the shape of the dress, everything! Yay, that you didn't need to make fitting adjustments. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThanks Eryn!
DeleteWonderful job!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tanielle!
DeleteGorgeous dress! You and that pattern and that fabric were meant to be together!
ReplyDeleteThanks LaLa!
DeleteWow! So nice
ReplyDelete