Another trip down New Look 6223 Avenue

In the words of OK Go, "Here we go, here we go, here we go again".  Some time ago I bought this wonderful fabric on line. It is probably one of the nicest fabrics I've used in the last 10 years.  It is a heavy style cotton which looks like a linen. Just perfect for my favourite pattern. This was one of those one day projects from cut out to the finished press on the ironing board. I lined the bodice for this version but didn't get around to lining the skirt. Ah well, I'll just have to pull out the half slip again.  

I wore this on my last day at work before the Christmas break.  I got plenty of really nice compliments. It really does say something about using a good quality material, people do seem to notice.  I think this material also came in a blue and yellow if I recall.  I have a terrible memory but I am pretty sure I bought it through Etsy. I really should branch out and try the other dress options for this pattern, particularly the version with a side gather. If I could find some good plain coloured fabric I surely would.

 

 

It's hard to tell, but if you look closely you can see the small black markings which would be little kitties. I even have the kitty earrings to match.   Did I mention that I like cats.....

New Look 2444

This was my first version of the New Look 2444.  I just used some super cheap 100% cotton fabrics. So far the material has aged relatively well as this will be my third summer wearing this outfit.  It is a light and cool dress for summer, though I did not line the skirt so always need to wear a half slip.  I could rectify this as I should with a lot of my outfits, but that's an extra job and more money to spend on fabric.  To jazzy up the bodice I included some covered buttons and I think the effect is quite a good one.

I had some issues with the armholes looking a bit puckered, so I went with an embroidery stitch in black to finish them off and make it look neater. I can't believe I hadn't used the embroidery stitching for yonks and then re-discovered it again recently. So fabulous for hiding flaws. 

Retro shift

I am not sure why, but some time in the 60's there appears to have been some pattern packets printed in black and white. I have maybe 3 or 4 in my pattern collection. 


When I went to make up this dress I just wanted to do something easy with some lightweight cotton I had lying around. This pattern was very straight forward and I didn't have to make any adjustments. Usually with vintage patterns the armholes are way too tight and same with the necklines. It has a back zipper but really if you have a material with a slight stretch I think you could pull it over your head.  This is such a comfortable and easy to wear frock. Has a whiff of old school uniforms about it. I think the placard worked out really well on the front too.

70's Sun Dress

Here is a more recent pattern purchase. One of my most popular styles in 2014 was the square neck line.  This feature seems to have been very popular in the 70's. This make turned out to be the perfect Christmas day frock. Though after a short while of stuffing my cakehole with festive treats I had to give the belt the flick.  I also went with a slightly more modest length, taking it to the below the knee. 

This is probably one of the few occasions that I've been able to match a retro style fabric with my retro pattern.