Hello, friends!
I’m continuing to fulfill my Vintage Pattern Pledge and have sewn another of my vintage patterns! This one is Simplicity 4667, a design from 1954 that also happens to be in my size! Plus, I found this pattern uncut and for a steal on eBay. Double win!
I made the scalloped neckline of View 2 and paired it with a gathered skirt. I wanted a fuller “cupcake” but not too “cupcake” look for this dress, so I skipped the gored skirt. I also threw caution to the wind and didn’t trace this pattern, cutting the bodice out directly from the pattern piece. This pattern is in such good condition, it’s like I just went down to JoAnn’s and purchased it. I aim to keep it that way, so I took care while using it and and neatly folded and put it away in an acid-free archival sleeve when I was finished. I’d love to make a pretty exact copy of View 1 — the red dress in the upper right corner — next time, using the sweetheart neckline, bias tape, and the gored skirt with scalloped pockets.
I made my dress out of a stretch cotton sateen that I picked up at Fabric Outlet in San Francisco several months ago. It’s perfect for this dress and exactly what I was on the look for to make a 1950’s style frock. It’s a mid-weight sateen and holds it’s shape beautifully, which works well for the structure of the scalloped neckline.
I did a swayback adjustment to the bodice, added some width to the sleeves and sewed with a narrower seam allowance at the waist. There is probably a little more ease than I need in this dress, so next time I think I might make it a little more fitted. I need to remember to add gussets to dolman sleeves as I don’t get a lot of movement with them. Hence the need for the ease. My dress is unlined and I’m wearing a light cotton petticoat with it. I need to add some thread belt loops to keep a belt in place.
I’m carrying my new sheep purse with this, if you can see it amidst the sea of pink. It’s McCall’s 7334, view B, without the contrast overlay. It’s made of some awesome Japanese cotton linen (Cosmo textiles) that I purchased several months ago from Harts Fabric in Santa Cruz. I believe it’s long sold out, but I’m sure you can find it elsewhere.
When I finished making this dress, I thought it looked like a church or special occasion dress and figured that I would relegate it to such events. I also thought it resembled curtains or a bedspread, and wasn’t sure about it. I decided to wear it to the Alameda Point Antiques Faire a few weeks ago and received many compliments. It was also fun and comfortable to wear, so it won’t be subject to the back of my closet. I do plan to make pillows with the remaining fabric for my boudoir. 🙂
*Yes, I cut my hair a few weeks ago. 🙂
Happy Sewing!
- Dress: Vintage Simplicity 4667 in cotton sateen, made by me
- Purse: McCall’s 7334 in cotton linen, made by me
- Earrings: Vintage mid-century from my grandma’s jewelry box
- Belt: Macy’s
- Shoes: Re-mix Vintage
You really look stunning in this vintage dress and i loved the way you styled
Very pretty fabric and dress 🙂
Tanya, You look fabulous in this dress. I love the scalloped pockets and sweetheart neckline.
Thank you, Regina! I look forward to sewing another, although it may not be until spring.
Ohhh this is super lovely! The fabric is delightful and the skirt floofiness level is perfect. I never thought of a gusset for dolmain sleeves – such a good idea.
Thanks, Amanda! I think those gussets make dolman sleeves on a bodice like this bearable!
Super dress, the scallops are lovely and you need to wear it lots, you look fab
Thanks, Lynsey! Yes, my opinion of it definitely has changed.
You look incredible as always!
Thank you, Camila!
I love it. The neckline is fabulous. I love the fabric choice. Your hair cut is so cute! I cut my hair earlier this year and I love it. It’s like a huge weight lifted, right?! You are always such an inspiration.
Thanks, Natasha! Yes, it felt like a lost 10 lbs! Still a little hot though as I still have a lot of hair. I’m not going to maintain this length, but it was a nice change.
So pretty. Dont save it for special occasions, I would wear it weekly. Your new hair cut is cute too.
Thanks, Ginger! Yes, it will be a dress I wear more often!
Oh man this is just gorgeous! I love those scallops on the neckline, and I love the print! I probably would have had the same hesitations if I saw the fabric just as fabric but I think it’s really working in that dress, looks perfect and not too church dress or curtainy at all!
The red version would look so fantastic. I hope you make it!
I find the same thing with those sleeves – I want to make a shirt our of one of my cut-on sleeve dresses but I need to figure out how to add a gusset first. Totally within my skill set but I just need to sit down and do it.
Thanks, Kate! I was looking for a 50’s floral print when I went in the store and got exactly what I wanted. 🙂 I do want to make that red version, but it will probably wait until next spring as we’re going into fall and someday it will be cold (I keep telling myself!).
You can definitely do the gussets! I always forget about them until after I finish something that would have worked better with them.
TANYA look how effing cute you look I can’t even handle it blghtoubwaiugeowigbpagr (Translation: The dress is adorable and the styling is adorable and you should definitely consider keeping you hair this length for a while)
Thanks, Carlee! 🙂 It’s probably a bit twee, but who cares, right?!
This dress looks so sweetly vintage in both pattern and fabric. I love it. You look fantastic!
Thank you! I need to have a tea party or go to one and wear white gloves with this. lol 🙂
This is so cute! It is pretty girly but I’m sure there will be plenty of occassions where that is exactly what you need. Love the hair, look so good!
Thanks, Megan! It’s so ladies-who-lunch 1950’s, isn’t it? I like an array of looks to choose from. 🙂
Love the dress, especially the scalloped neckline. The fabric is perfect, and you look “pretty in pink”!
Thanks, Barbara! It is very pink! If I had myself a pink cardigan out of the merino in my stash, it would have been even more! lol 🙂
I love this dress! So pretty, not cupcakey! And your hair looks fab!
Thanks, Lety! 🙂
So Cute!! And, no, it does NOT look like a bedspread or curtains!
Thank you! I’m glad to hear that I don’t look too much like home dec. 🙂
Love your hair, love your dress and the purse…the fabric is dainty but does not look like a bedspread…ha ha. Amazing pattern find…thanks for sharing!
Thank you! I would totally buy a bedspread if it was in this print though. 🙂