Have I told you before that my mum is a legend? My mum is a legend. Last week I received a very excited phone call from her because she found a few things at an op shop that she knew I’d love. Two of them were these barkcloth (I think) table cloths. Both in excellent nick and around 1m x 1m. One looked like it had never been used, one slightly used. Not a huge difference in colour between them both though.
My ma knows me well, so of course they became mine. I had planned on making a full gathered skirt with them, but decided to see if I could stretch it to a dress instead. It was time to make something a bit different. I dug through that lovely vintage stash that was given to me a while back and came up with McCalls 9083, a dress pattern from 1967.
I did make some pretty significant changes to the pattern. First and foremost, my bust is nowhere in the vicinity of 34 inches, so some grading up had to happen. Then a 2 inch full bust adjustment on top of that. I am so glad I did too, because it fits like a glove. FBAs are magic, 10/10 do recommend. I use this tutorial to do mine. I lowered the neckline slightly too, because that sucker is high.
I slashed and spread the skirt, eliminating the darts and making it more A line in shape. It’s a bit of a weird feeling for me because I am so used to wearing very full skirts. I feel a little bit naked, which is ridiculous.
I decided on patch pockets because I had a feeling side seam pockets might stick out a bit on this style of skirt.
I had planned to use an invisible zip, but it turned out I didn’t have one long enough in my stash. Then I remembered I had a pretty long thrifted metal one hiding somewhere, so I dug it out. I think the metal is way cooler and gives all that floral a little bit of an edge.
The bodice is lined in black lawn and yeah, I probably should have used black thread but I wasn’t sure whether to match the lining or the zip. So the zip it was.
Peace, love and tablecloth dresses.
Oh! That fabric! So cheerful and happy. I feel warm and delighted just looking at it. Your mum is ACE.
I feel the same about full skirts – it’s been hot so I’ve been wearing my Dorothy Lara dresses which have gathered, comparatively slim skirts, that hit just on the knee. I’m used to fuller and longer and I feel very weird in them! But a few hours into the day I get used to it.
Man. I just love that whole dress though. And FBAs for life!
Also I’ve been meaning to ask, when I first found your blog I went through the archives like a creep (I promise I’m not a creep!) and you had mentioned maybe doing a photographing yourself tips post. If that was something you had the time and inclination to do I would love to read it. Your photos are just so wonderful, and i have so much trouble finding backgrounds that aren’t boring or terrible, or even just… getting the stupid camera to focus on my face reliably. I have an ok DSLR, it’s me and my skill level that’s the problem! I’m working on it… but I’m hungry for tips from the experts!
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Thank you! And yes, I’ve been meaning to do the photo thing for ages. Just need to get my act together. Your photos are good! Exposed properly and in focus 🙂 I will get onto it though. A job for next year.
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Thank you for the validation! I always feel they are so boring and don’t show the details of my makes well but probably I am also more critical of them than I need to be. ❤
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Love this dress and the fabric! I love the 60’s look, i really like most vintage but something about 60’s i just love.
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I had my feet firmly in the 50s for ages, but I’m loving branching out to the 60s and 70s lately!
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That fabric is glorious – just perfect for the style of dress.
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This is fabulous! All the heart eyes for that fabric, it’s right up my street.
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