Put That In Your Piping

I decided it was time for a new dress for myself. With warmer weather rapidly approaching I figured I could add a new spring/summer dress into rotation. I chose this pattern from 1968, and this “dress form” fabric from my stash.

The pattern seemed easy enough. I opened this vintage pattern to find it had never been cut! I thought for a second about not cutting it. I eventually decided to cut it though. Things, even vintage ones, are meant to be used.

I had a vintage zipper that matched the fabric.

Sewing up the side seams.

Now here’s where things got interesting. This pattern had a neck piece, and a hem piece that was piped. I was going to have to make piping! The pattern called for the use of “cotton cord”. Well, I didn’t have cotton cord, but I did have this nylon cord! I thought it would work better since it was lighter than cotton cord, and would dry out better after the dress was washed. Plus, I already had it and didn’t have to buy anything!

I pinned the cord into place. I used my zipper foot to sew the fabric down tight along the cord.

Time to hem the sleeves. I was going for the short sleeve version of the dress.

Getting the sleeve pinned into place.

I made the piping for the hem the same way as the neck piping. Here I am sewing it into place.

The dress was done and it was time to take pictures. After work I took these real quick to show the “after” of my dress. I paired the dress with some vintage flats I found at a second hand store in Oregon, while shopping with Rhonda.

In my sewing room, showing off the piped collar.

Taking pictures of yourself is hard. Especially when you’re feeling tired, and just got off work. These photos represent how I feel taking blog pictures. I can’t take myself seriously! HA!

The dress did turn out nice though, and I’ll be wearing it lots in warmer weather.

Sometimes when writing my blog, I can tie a sew into family history, or history in general. Sometimes it just is what it is, another outfit along the way. However, with each sew that I do I gain a little insight into the fashion history of the past. With each thing I sew I get a little better, and sometimes try something new, like piping.

Since starting my blog I’ve asked Mia, Elizabeth, and Michelle to pay attention to what people say when they wear homemade clothes. All of them have been complimented on outfits before, but not nearly as much as when they’re wearing a homemade garment. What does this mean? I think it means that people are drawn to the fashion of the past. The vintage fashion, although simple at times, was much more classy than things people wear out today. I can tell you from first hand experience that when you wear a vintage styled piece, and are “dressed up” a little, you feel better about yourself. That’s what fashion is all about, having the wearer feel confident.

Let me know in the comments what you think about vintage fashion, I’d love to hear it. And please, feel free to share my blog with others, I’d love to hear from them too!

As for me, onto the next!