Review: Vintage Simplicity 9704 | A Polka Dot Halter Wrap Dress!

12:00 AM

Erica B's DIY Style: Vtg Simplicity 9704 Halter Wrap Dress made in Ralph Lauren Polka Dot Silk Crepe from Mood Fabrics.com
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.
Vintage Simplicity Patterns 9704  - Halter Wrap Dress -- Erica B's DIY Style
This pattern is Simplicity 9704 - Jonathan Hitchcock for Reuben Thomas front wrap dress with pleated front closing skirt and curved hemline. Tie neckline.
Erica B's DIY Style: Vtg Simplicity 9704 Halter Wrap Dress made in Ralph Lauren Polka Dot Silk Crepe from Mood Fabrics.com
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. 
Erica B's DIY Style: Vtg Simplicity 9704 Halter Wrap Dress made in Ralph Lauren Polka Dot Silk Crepe from Mood Fabrics.com
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.   
Erica B's DIY Style: Vtg Simplicity 9704 Halter Wrap Dress made in Ralph Lauren Polka Dot Silk Crepe from Mood Fabrics.com
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.
Erica B's DIY Style: Vtg Simplicity 9704 Halter Wrap Dress made in Ralph Lauren Polka Dot Silk Crepe from Mood Fabrics.com
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.

You Might Also Like

53 comments

  1. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes! It gave me Studio 54! Thanks Carolyn!

      Delete
  2. What a great pattern score! Your fabric is gorgeous too. Well done!

    ReplyDelete
  3. So 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.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Absolutely gorgeous! You did a fab job, love love the color on you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Very beautiful. You look great in it.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Gorgeous. Gosh you have lost so much weight, looking svelte girlfriend.

    ReplyDelete
  7. why the microtex needle?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You 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.

      Delete
    2. Ooo thanks for that info.

      Delete
  8. Gorgeous dress, and the color looks great on you.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Jaw dropping gorgeous. Very, very elegant dress. I am trailing behind you on vintage pattern scores - Vogue 1023 and now scouting S9704.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Very lovely! And the color is so vibrant!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Beautiful! I love the gorgeous blue silk but I am really in love with that pattern. What a cool vintage look!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I 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.

    ReplyDelete
  13. You look sensational!! Funny to see this pattern made up, I still have it in my pattern stash!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was a great find! Thanks Virginie!

      Delete
  14. I love the color and the style of this dress. Very pretty look on you.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was good... I didn't worry about one! Thanks Genevieve!

      Delete
    2. Ah well thank you for the info!

      Delete
  16. The fabric is beautiful, perfect fit, great color and you look fabulous in it, you make vintage look very modern.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Anonymous8:52 PM

    Absolutely gorgeous! You are on fire!

    ReplyDelete
  18. You'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!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Love that dress! Amazing colour!
    ♥♥♥
    Jeanne
    http://fashionmusingsdiary.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oooooh my gosh, this looks amazing! You go, girl!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Anonymous10:25 AM

    Wow, 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!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Gorgeous dress! You and that pattern and that fabric were meant to be together!

    ReplyDelete

Popular Posts