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Tuesday, August 10, 2010

A new dress. A new baby. An old pattern.





I recently visited a friend of mine who happens to have a huge collection of patterns.  She offered to let me borrow a few baby patterns to make gifts for all of my many pregnant friends.  I, unlike her, do not have a large collection of patterns.  I love free online patterns, and I have recently attempted making my own patterns, but I just can't see spending the money on a pattern that costs as much as an item in a clothing store.  Isn't one of the ideas to save money by making things?  Now I realize that you can reuse patterns, and I am slowly being won over, but still $15 for a pattern seems a bit excessive.

One of the patterns that she lent me was this 30 year old Simplicity pattern.  She mentioned to me just how cute and simple it was, and convinced me to try it out.  I must admit it was super simple, really quick, and I think pretty cute.  I am not so sure that I want to return the pattern.  I am also saddened because I don't think that the pattern is still in print, although I am sure that it can be found online.  

If you decide that you want to find the pattern, or one like it, here is the information.  It is Simplicity pattern number 9513, printed in 1980. The pattern includes both the dress/tunic, and a bloomer pattern.  

I also recently read that whimsey couture has a similar pattern for sale if you are interested.  




I love the criss crossing straps
Jumbo RicRac trim


Here is a little bit more information about the dress.  The fabric I used was Monaco Circle Panes Yellow, with Del Hi Stones Blossom for the lining.  I love the pink and yellow together.  The pattern calls for embroidered eyelet edging, but I used a jumbo ric-rac trim that is attached at the seam rather than to the top of the dress.  

I might just have to cut out 5 more dress pieces before I return the pattern.  I really love the simple dress.  This would be the perfect project for a beginning sewer who is afraid to sew clothing.


15 comments:

  1. I remember this pattern! With three girls you can bet I made it at least half a dozen times. You are right, it is cute, clever and easy. Love your version, the fabric is pretty.

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  2. Did you know that some DI stores have tonz of patterns for like $1 or less. I went into a DI in Murray I think and I swear there was like 3 rows of patterns. You might try going to DI and checking.

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  3. Simplicity and McCalls have great sales. A couple of weeks ago, McCalls patterns were on sale for $1 each at Hancock Fabric. My mom just taught me how to trace patterns with a product called Pellon (http://www.shoppellon.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=224). You could trace your friend's patterns and photocopy the directions.

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  4. I actually wore dresses like this in the 60's and I bet my grandma made them, she made all of my dresses. I love it, maybe I should find one and make them for my two little granddaughters. :)

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  5. How cute!! I love the little bloomers! Thanks for linking @Creative Itch's "Sew Cute Tuesday"!

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  6. What an awesome dress! I love vintage dresses on babies. They will never go out of style! Your pregnant friends will LOVE putting this on their baby girls.

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  7. Very Cute! I've made this outfit so many times, but every time it looks different! Great job!

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  8. my oldest daughter who 1s now 23 years old had these sort of dresses as a newborn they were cool, easy to put on and I loved them thanks for bringing back memories

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  9. Very cute! Now I wish that I was having a girl so that you could make this for me!

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  10. Beautiful! I was given some vintage dress patterns from my Grandma. I just found them last night. May have to try them out :)

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  11. Very cute! Great job. I agree with the price of patterns being a concern thing...I only buy them when they go on sale every once in a while for a dollar. Otherwise I guess and make my own.

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  12. Hobby Lobby just had mccalls patters for $0.99, Joann's fabric has simplicity patters for $0.99 also, particularly around holidays like 4th of july. Hope you have these stores near you

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  13. See McCall pattern 6303 size osz. Exact criss-cross dress and bloomers and a hat pattern. Just bought pattern at Joann for $1.99

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  14. I had this pattern in 1967 and made it for my baby girl.

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