A Dress for Elizabeth

It's amazing just how a sewing machine can make  you "want" to sew; this has been the case since getting my other computerized machine.

Elizabeth loves dresses and she especially loves vintage style dresses. I've been buying vintage reproduction patterns when the store runs them on sale.

This dress is Simplicity 8591; a vintage reproduction style from the 1960's. It has a very full skirt and zips up the back. I made the dress using a fabric that was purchased at Walmart; on clearance $1.50 yard. I bought this fabric over a year ago with the intention of using it for a muslin and am so glad my muslin was good enough to keep.

 I love how the dress turned out, but there were a few problems along the way. The first problem was the bust darts. The pattern has four on the front of the bodice; two on the sides and two at the waist. I ended up removing the waist darts because the pattern is designed for a full bust.

The bodice of the dress was too long on Elizabeth, so I ended up having to remove the skirt, cut down the bodice by 2-inches and then reattaching the skirt. What a difference that change made.

The final problem was the size; according to the pattern envelope and the measurements I took of Elizabeth I chose size 14, but the dress turned out too big. A simple belt that ties around the waist solved this problem. (The pattern calls for a belt, but it's more for an accent than to help the dress fit).

I really love how the dress turned out and am anxious to make a second one in the future; after I try out a few more vintage patterns first!