This luscious fabric, given to me by Minerva Crafts, is a wool blend jersey. I originally had visions of making the world’s comfiest harem pants (Don’t laugh! Every other tourist was wearing them on our trip in SE Asia and they got into my psyche. Okay, go ahead and laugh.) to wear around the house, but the fabric was just too nice to never be worn in public. Then I had visions of a wrap dress, but I hemmed and hawed about buying a pattern or drafting one and I’ve always felt that wrap dresses were hit or miss on me. So finally I ended up on a vintage Simplicity pattern from my stash – Simplicity 6934 from 1975.
The pattern is written for wovens, but I knew that it would look lovely in a knit. The only thing that gets lost in the knit is the slight gathers above the bust (very visible in the fashion illustration, but not a necessary design element). I also left off the topstitching. The weight and drape of this fabric fit the pattern just perfectly – drapey enough that the dress can cling, but heavy enough that some lumps and bumps are camouflaged.
I was initially a tiny bit worried that I would be an overwhelmingly solid block of color in this dress, so I shortened the sleeves to 3/4 length so that some skin shows without sacrificing warmth. I think the slit on the chest and the dimension of the bow also do a lot to help the dress not overwhelm.
It may seem a bit odd to be posting a long wool dress just as spring has declared itself with sunshine and flowers all around (at least where I live!), but I actually made the dress several weeks ago and have enjoyed getting some wear out of it. I think it’s actually a great weight for the Pacific Northwest as it’s quite comfortable for fall and early spring but will also go through the winter with tights, boots, and a slip.
Despite the fact that the pattern is from 1975 and, in all honesty, most 1970’s patterns scream “1970’s”, I think this dress is timeless and classy. And as I said, it’s ridiculously comfortable, so I can be elegant and cozy at the same time!
Comments 14
It’s lovely!
I love this dress!
That is ADORABLE. Good job :)
Lovely color, and what a pretty dress to have in your closet!
looks great on you, fabulous colour ;o)
The tie is really a fun element. Sweater dresses are absurdly comfortable and always look great. This seems like it’ll be the perfect dress for your climate!
It’s very pretty. That fabric looks awesome!
Love it and it looks great on you as well.
I love the pattern! You are right — it is timeless and classy. Purple looks great on you too!
That’s SO pretty. I love the cut and the colour and just… everything about it.
Beautiful dress and the color is to die for!
what a great dress, love the color and yes, that pattern is timeless. perfect for seasonal transitions.
love this! i’m always on the hunt for mid-weight wool jersey. it really does seem to be some of the best wearing, coziest fabric out there; fun and easy to sew too! this dress and that fabric are the perfect combo! love the collar detail & that color.
I have that same pattern! I can’t wait to sew it up now