Pattern Review – Vintage Style 1652
July 6, 2016
Vintage Pattern Hunting…that’s a legitimate hobby, right? These days, I buy more of those than of the currently-in-print variety. It may be a throwback to my former occupation as a picture researcher but I really do love the whole vintage pattern finding journey – the online browsing, the journey through all the eras and endless styles, the artwork and – ultimately – the thrill of the find.
I’d long been thinking about making a v-neck, bell sleeved dress and when I found this – Style 1652 – late last year, it was my pattern wish come true. I’ve made more than a few Style patterns over the years so I’m pretty comfortable with the sizing, but I still decided to toile the bodice just to be on the safe side. During that process, I stretched out the fabric along the v-neck so when it came to making my final version I used Vilene tearaway along the neckline and around the waistband. Worked a treat.
The fabric I chose was our silk crepe de chine, Walking the Jungle which sadly sold out just after I Instagrammed it three weeks ago.
To give the fabric a bit more life and body, I block fused all the pieces using our lightweight interfacing – BVM 40. The very merit of doing this can be seen in just how nicely the skirt and sleeves fall.
One of the great side benefits of a busy print like this one is that it does actually hide a multitude of sewing sins. Like so many vintage patterns, there was a ridiculous amount of sleeve ease so there are a couple of little gathers in that sleeve head. The apex of that shaped waistband should really be pointed but mine’s more curved and, due to over-fitting, there’s a bit of pull across the front shoulders.
Nothing I’m going to stress or un-pick over and a few sewing lessons learnt for the next one I make.
I love your dress, this shape looks amazing on you. Great choice of fabric!
This is lovely, Lisa! Perfect combo of pattern, fabric and model! You can be proud of this!
looks lovely yes you should be proud of the outcome.
Lovely dress
Hi, I can’t find this pattern, and I love it, would you sell it? Aloha
Hi there! I´m in a hurry to sew a dress for a wedidng cause I had 2 babies 2 weeks ago and nothing fits me!!!!!!!Would you tell me how can I get this patterns please?
Hi Julia. I found this one by luck through an online vintage pattern seller. Try eBay or Etsy