Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Wonderfully Simple Dresses to Make


70s Peasant Dress Pattern Style 1877 Size by allthepreciousthings-etsy


Spring and Summer!    Here we come with our easy to sew and great to wear dresses! 

I discussed the possibilities of making and wearing The Terrace Dress by Leisl +Co. and now we have another option in our easy dress patterns.   It is another perfectly easy dress to sew.  This inspiration came as I watched one of  the latest You Tube entries from Amy Barickman and she offered her easy Everyday Dress Pattern!  Check it out on her YouTube!  She has some cute ideas using her new pattern.  Wonderfully easy!



The style of dress I am referring to has an elastic neckline, raglan sleeves or set-in, with flaring after the waistline.  Below are many styles from years' past patterns; called  BoHo, 70s, hippies, etc., yet it is a classic style.  It is coming back but unfortunately with the neckline making dropped, bared, shoulders stylish.  I believe as modest ladies we can still have elements of this style of dress that will bring glory to God while we wear it.  I have mixed some past patterns with new ones for inspiration.


If you will note on these dresses  that some of the necklines are lower than others. It would be best to raise the neckline so that it comes just below your collarbone.  You can make it high as you want as in the Simplicity 9164. 

Butterick has a current pattern 6451 that would work with some neckline adjustments and making the hem longer on the short version.  Use an old sheet to make a muslin sample for how you want your neckline to fit.











The Burda pattern could be used with View B neckline, longer sleeves, making the waist elastic fit at the waist.and perhaps make the skirt A-line with a  longer length for hemline.

Simplicity View B would work but probably a raised neckline.  I would suggest perhaps making a nightie with the neckline to see how it fits especially when you compare your measurements to the pattern.


The Maker's Atelier
This dress offer sleeves that are cut-on, Kimono type, that can have an elastic band.  It is a very simple pattern which you will see on their site and to make it more usable for walking, being a Mom, etc., make the skirt flared and longer and I think you will have an excellent dress for summer wear.  Make it in a variety of colors and prints!  I would suggest staying away from knits as they tend to keep one warmer.






I like the comfortable look of this one in the middle and I would raise the neckline.  Similar to the one below in the middle.

Source: Google
New Look 6066

Simplicity 9154


Source
 Another example for sleeves.




Whimsy Couture
 This one I mentioned in a earlier blog.  It seems to be very simply constructed with color contrasting fabrics.




Whimsy Couture
I would put the elastic at the waist as worn this way calls attention to your mid -bodice area rather than your face.  These sleeves are shorter and can be lengthened by cutting them several inches longer.  Figure out where they come on your arm and adjust accordingly.



These styles below have added braid, trims,  and ruffles for interest.

McCalls 5888

Melly Sews  offers a peasant top for women for $2  which you could lengthen into a dress or use your favorite skirt pattern with it.

What ever you do wear do wear to the glory of God as a modest woman representing her Savior.

After all is said and done, Amy Barickman kindly offers a free Everyday Dress Pattern if you visit her YouTube to hear the details and see the examples.  Wonderful thoughtfulness of her!

2 comments:

Rozy Lass said...

We called them peasant dresses. And peasant blouses. Not sure where the new terms come from, but that's not what we called them when we wore them in the 70's. Whatever they are called, they are cool and comfortable to wear.

Janet said...

Thank you for your comment!