Mia’s Wedding Guest Dress

Mia had a wedding to go to, and needed something to wear. Since it would be a fall wedding she wanted something with fall colors, and of course, something vintage and home made! I chose this pattern from 1970, and got to work!

While in Oregon this summer I bought three different vintage fabrics. One I have used already, (See blog post “Mia Tyler Moore”.) I had this one that was the colors that Mia wanted, but I wasn’t sure if there was enough for this dress.

The previous dress that I made out of vintage fabric was from 1969. This one is from 1970, and style really hadn’t changed too drastically. When I think about 1970’s fashion it’s usually the late 70’s that comes to mind like leisure suits, plaid pantsuits, and anything I imagine would be at a disco. The early 1970’s, however, were very similar to the late 1960’s. Fashion changes, but not too quickly.

The first thing I did while making this dress was to make sure that all of the pattern pieces were there. I then, very sloppily laid out the pattern to make sure there was enough fabric. There was, BUT, I had to lay the sleeve pattern a little different. I figured it was following the grain of the fabric one way, and wasn’t on the bias, so it would be okay.

Yes, my work space is this messy during a project! HA!

I loved the graphics on the pattern directions for this one, so here they are for you to enjoy as well!

Laying out the pattern pieces for real! I always iron my fabric, and the pattern. This one still looks wrinkled, but it’s the best I could get it. This pattern has been folded up in an envelope for a long time!

The bust darts.

The back darts pinned and ready to be sewn.

Sewing in the zipper.

Hemming it up!

The thing about sewing for Mia, with her being so far away is, even with her measurements I don’t always get the fit right. I make the garments slightly bigger than they need to be, and send them off. Since Mia has a good knowledge of sewing herself, she then takes in the dresses for a better fit.

I am self taught, so maybe there’s a better way to do this? Who knows, this works for us so I’ll just carry on!

Off the dress went in the mail. Mia only had a few alterations to make, and then the dress, and Mia, were wedding guest ready!

But first, time for a selfie with Gabi!

Mia never would have found a dress that fits her style in a store, and certainly not in time for a wedding. Yes, it takes time to make a dress, but the effort put in is well worth it!

Gabi, Mia, Rachel, and Stephany, all looking stunning and ready to celebrate with friends!

Modeling/action shot!

Smile big for the camera! This is going on your mom’s blog! HA!

When you wear something that makes you happy, it shows!

Time to see this dress in action, or at least in a wedding guest photo booth!

Mia had a great time at the wedding, making memories with her new friends. As for her dress it can easily be worn again to work, or as a casual, everyday dress.

I was excited to again be sewing with vintage fabric. It’s so much fun to see a truly vintage piece come to life.

I still don’t know how to do everything “exactly” right when it comes to sewing. I turned the fabric on these sleeves the wrong way to make them work. I sent Mia a dress that was a little too big, but it worked!

Do your best and try not to focus on perfectionism.

As for me, onto the next!