Minerva Meet-Up Dress and a fifth of my #vintagepledge


Yikes! It's been over three weeks since the Minerva Meet-Up and I'm only just getting around to blogging about my dress for the occasion! It was a truly fabulous event which I was busy having too much fun at to photograph, but the hyperlink above hosts plenty of photographic evidence.

 


I'm doubly happy with this dress, because not only is it pretty, it also counts as one of my five fruit a day Vintage Sewing Pattern Pledge garments! I used the very chic Vogue 5671 from my stash, but put my own spin on it by swapping the pencil skirt with the pleated Lilou skirt. I must admit that as soon as I finished this dress I had a massive panic about it looking ridiculously 90s due to the fabric print, and although I still think it does, it fits so well that I just don't care! Also, the fabric is a very lovely cotton sateen from Minerva, which was awesome to work with...so really mustn't complain!


Vintage patterns are known for their unique details and interesting construction techniques, so I'm going to follow up this post with a closer look inside Vogue 5671. I also didn't have time for a muslin, but I did have to make some substantial adjustments, so I'll share them in the same post as well.

Vogue 5671 has a lovely curved front neckline and pleated sleeves, which perhaps would be more visible in a solid fabric! I didn't attempt to pattern match at all, yet accidentally almost managed to at the waistline...couldn't have planned that better! 


I faithfully followed the instructions on finishing the sleeves and neckline with hand-picked facings and I also stitched the hem by hand. I'm usually far too lazy for that kind of thing, but I always feel the need to do justice to vintage patterns.




This is the third time I've used the Lilou pleated skirt and I really love it! I'm tempted to use it for all my dresses, but I guess that might become a bit boring!



Vogue 5671's piece de resistance is the back of course! I find this extra, little back detail quite adorable really...but again, a little 90s in this fabric. I'm seriously considering making this dress again in a solid fabric, just so all the interesting details are a little more visible.


 

So, do you think I've started my #vintagepledge with a bang? I've still got a way to go before I finish, but I'm pretty relieved to have made a start! How are you getting on with yours? There's still plenty of time to join in!

43 comments:

  1. This is lovely, I can completely see why you love that skirt it looks lovely and really suits this bodice. I have joined your vintage pledge and blogged about it here: http://seamsoddlouise.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/simplicity-6842.html Thank you so much for the inspiration to actually sew these patterns up.

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  2. It's a stunner! I absolutely love this pattern! It's really wonderful to have a little element of fun or a special detail in a garment. I think vintage patterns are exceptional at incorporating these things! You're doing really well with your vintage pledge. I've finally got a first dress (two if you count the muslin) to toss in the ring. But, I have yet to formally photograph it.

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  3. I love this dress and the print! Very good accidental pattern matching and the back detail is so lovely. Well done for completing your first vintage pledge pattern!

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  4. Fab dress. Love the fabric! I'm looking forward to your detailed post on the intricacies of the pattern :)

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  5. You look so beautiful, Marie! I love all the details, especially the back!

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  6. I don't think this looks particularly 90's. The back detail, and neckline are lovely, and I think it would absolutely be worth making in a solid. The fit looks perfect too so it would be interesting to see what you changed. Beautiful dress!

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  7. I love the fabric, and what a great neckline!

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  8. It's lovely! Both vintage and fashion-forward at the same time. I love the Lilou skirt with the bodice & the back detail is fantastic. Well-done - you're off to a smashing start on your pledge! :)

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  9. Love the print and the detailing at the back!

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  10. This is a gorgeous start to your vintage pledge. You chose a flattering bodice, nicely detailed, finished professionally and fits you to a tee. The Lilou skirt compliments you so well too.
    I think I'll dive into my vintage patterns and see what pops up next. You're very inspiring.

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  11. This is so lovely! What great details and the hand finishing is gorgeous!

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  12. That back detail is amazing!

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  13. Oo it's lovely and not too 90s at all. My 90s were leggings with huge spots and fruits of the loom t-shirts and I can assure you, this is a far cry from those!

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  14. what a smashing dress! the fit looks spot on, and all the details are so lovely. i think you did the right move by swapping out the skirt to something fuller, although I am totally partial to full swishy skirts!

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  15. Oh this is so pretty! The pleats are lovely and the crossed-opened back is so cute!

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  16. Gorgeous! I didn't think it looked 90s until you mentioned it. I do see what you mean, but I still think it looks lovely. Lets just say 90s in a good way :)

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  17. This dress looks so good on you! I love it :D

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  18. it's lovely. i don't think it looks 90s - where are the sunflowers? i've made one of my vintage patterns and tracing the second tonight!

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  19. Not 90s at all- or only in the best possible way. It's lovely and I want to copy!

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  20. It's really pretty, I love the back detail. I understand what you mean about your fear of it looking 90s but I don't think it does as I think the length prevents this. If it was 90s then the skirt would be a bit longer that unflattering mid-calf length) and maybe even the sleeves would be a bit longer. As it is, it looks fantastic!

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  21. Ooo that neckline! Well done for having the patience to handpick the facings as well. I'm a fan of hand sewing but I've never ventured into doing facings by hand

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  22. Wow! Truly gorgeous details!

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  23. I can see why this dress says 90s to you, but in a good way - I like the print a lot, and it was a good call to sub in a pleated skirt!

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  24. Marie, I'm absolutely stunned! I like all of your makes, but this dress is the best thing I've seen around for quite a lot of time! :)

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  25. Lovely! You're right about the back details...

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  26. wow... the back on that dress is just incredible! The colours in the fabric are just perfect on you!

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  27. This fabric is lovely! What a beautiful share early this morning.

    Cheers,

    Lyric
    http://www.sewcroandquilt.wordpress.com

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  28. Beautiful dress! The bright colors look so good on you.
    I have another dress for my blog - except my computer died. Darn technology.

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  29. love it .... the back of the dress is wonderful

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  30. So pretty! The fabric is gorgeous and I love the back detail! Lovely dress!

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  31. I just love this, the pleats at the back of the skirt are fabulous. Making another in a block colour is a great idea, it will show off all those unique bits :)

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  32. Oh my goodness! This is just too good!! Such a fun party frock! I, personally, love this dress in this floral fabric! It might feel slightly 90's, but it's also SUPER flattering and bright and happy (three things that I don't usually associate with 90's fashions, ha!) That back detail is gorgeous - I would definitely use it again, just cuz it's so good!! And you, as always, are a total babe! Love your bright lippy!!

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  33. That's GORGEOUS! Love Love LOVE that cheeky back detail, and awed at how spot-on it all looks, you're so good at getting all those little details just perfect. Give yourself 1 million sparklepoints I'd say :-)

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  34. So pretty! Love that fabric :)

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  35. Gorgeous dress and the fabric is wonderful. I keep looking at these flowery patterns in the shops and thinking I'm really not sure about them but you look stunning in this design. I am so impressed with your attention to detail and altering the skirt design. I'm not that brave and just do as the pattern tells me :)
    Ali xx

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  36. The dress looks fabulous and definitely starts your vintage pledge off with a bang! The back detail is unusual and the pleats sit nicely.
    By the way, I've noted the Pinterest board - is it possible to pin to this - I remember with Me Made May pinners had to be granted access?

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  37. I absolutely love the back on that bodice Marie! Gorgeous fabric choice and it looks so beautifully finished too!

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  38. Another lovely dress, Marie! Beautiful fabric and it doesn't look 90s at all. The back bodice is fantastic.

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  39. This is so gorgeous! Love the back!

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  40. OH! this is sooooooo lovely, how did i miss this?! just divine!

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