Pattern: Vintage vogue 7617, circa 1967
Fabric: Stretch wool crepe from Gorgeous fabrics, underlined in purple silk
Notes: Self-stitched September day 3 – another new garment! I’m pretty sure I won’t be keeping up this pace… and actually, this has been finished except for a hem all week. Anyway, I’m pretty pleased with this dress. It looks remarkably like the pattern envelope, which is funny since I remember thinking it was the least accurate looking illustration I’d seen!
It went together easily, but I did make a few alterations. I removed a full 2 inches of ease from the sleevecaps, and again – no issues with the fit, and I can move my arms fine with zero ease. I added an inch to the bodice, since the skirt would have begun in the middle of my chest, and I wanted a true empire waist. I shortened the skirt by an additional 2 inches, which is probably right – mine is shorter than the illustration, but I find it important for an a-line skirt to clear my knees, or the proportions don’t work. I also did not interface the hem, because I didn’t really want it to stand out as much as the illustration. Due to the weight of the fabric, mine stands out pretty well anyway.
I underlined the entire dress in purple silk twill. I had some in my stash, and I hated the finish (sort of sueded) so I’m glad I got to use it up on this project. It added structure to the dress, and since the crepe was drapey this was necessary! It does tend to bag a bit on the skirt pieces, but since it isn’t noticeable on the outside I don’t care. The pockets are made of the silk. The pockets, incidentally, are tiny. I can only fit my fingers in there, and I know I do have giant man hands, but it seems a bit much. I would leave them out if I made the dress again.
The fit is good overall (I didn’t get any photos of the back, but there aren’t any issues back there. Vogue patterns seem to fit me really well. The only thing I wish I could fix is the bust… it fit fine in my muslin, but in the finished fabric the weight of the skirt tends to pull down on the center front of the bust (the fabric is gathered there, so it’s extra heavy.) It doesn’t lay flat against my body. Because of that I have to wear it with a camisole, lest I accidentally expose anything, but I’m ok with that – I sort of like the look of the extra straps, since the neckline is so wide.
I decided to go totally 60s in styling, with flipped hair and (though you can’t see it) winged eyeliner. I love the polka-dot tights, which are from H&M, but they are terrible quality. I’ve only worn them once, and they came out of the package with snags! I was really concerned about this dress before I hemmed it, which is why it took me a week to get to the hem, but I’m pleased now that it’s done. This outfit is great for a nice dinner out!
Self-stitched September details:
Dress: Vogue 7617
Tights: H&M, current season
Shoes: Gianni Bini wing-tip mary janes
Necklace: Target, last fall
Green apples - Stitchywitch Creates 
I would have thought the same thing about the pattern drawing, but you’re right it looks quite like it! Vogue patterns are also my favourite for fit.
Love the dotted tights although too bad about the quality, so frustrating! I usually buy a couple pairs from different stores at the start of the season, and then when I know which pairs held up, I’ll buy those ones again.
Okay. First of all, most intriguing blog post title EVER. I was laughing at the song reference and impatiently waiting for the first photo to download. Then it downloads and I see a) a globe map of the world and b) a wooden pig. What more can a blog reader ask for, other than a fabulous dress? Brilliant! SSS is inspiring so many great blog posts.
Wow, gorgeous dress!
I really was surprised when reading those nice tights were by H&M and I briefly thought their quality has been improving. But the text proved they still have those nice ideas for tights but use bad material for them. I once had a pair, that actually broke when I tried to get into them. That was a first time for me and the last time I bought tights there… 😉 If you have seen my legs you know why.
Oh my. That is one fantastic dress.
Super cute! I especially love the colour! 🙂
The dress is gorgeous and great photos.
Very cute! Polka-spotted tights are perfect.
This look is so beautifully pulled together. Love the color and style of the dress and the tights are a perfect compliment. Gorgeous!
Beautifu1!
Very Marlo Thomas! You look terrific. I like this dress very much.
Very nice, I’m partial to that color, myself. I like that you used real silk to line it.
Wonderful dress! And I love vintage styles that look this fresh today. Well done!
I love it! Polka-dot tights make me happy, too.
It is a lovely dress and I think it looks better then the envelope photo!!
It’s lovely! I love the color and the picture against the blue wall.
I love it! The purple lining is heavenly! 🙂 Simplicity and McCall’s are my best-fitting patterns. Vogue shows me no love at all – LOL!
Love the polka dot tights, too!
This is one of my faves of your handmade outifts so far!
(No, I don’t comment much, but I’ve subscribed since this was primarily a knitting blog and recently inherited a sewing machine so this is all kinds of inspiration!)
This is a fabulous dress. 🙂
Wowzers. I LOVE this dress. Can you make one for me, please? 😉
You made exactly the right pattern adjustments, since the dress came out so beautiful! And the color is great!
Great dress. What is it with those patterns wanting to let the skirt start halfway your chest? Or were bodies a lot shorter years ago?
Anyway, the dress looks great on you. Love the colour!
I love, love love it! Mod is such a great period for fashion! The dress looks great on you, and I love your polka dot-y tights 😉
I love that dress on you! And your nylons are so chic with it. You are a very talented woman and give the rest of us the gumption to utilize our own talents to the fullest. I finally (it took 5 years) got out my sewing machine and put it on my desk. Thank you for giving me the incentive to start sewing again.