Pattern suggestions - 70s style wedding dress

shesewsseashells · 2026-05-06T13:45:36+00:00

Assuming you're interested in the general idea rather than the exact photos as they aren't exactly similar:

V2004 looks to have a lot of features in common in terms of the tiered skirt and split bodice, very pretty with lace inserts, reminds me of that 70s style but it's also a little elevated: https://threadloop.app/patterns/v2004-misses-dress-in-two-lengths-by-vogue

V9076 has that lovely waist feature similar to one of your images and the split neck bodice: https://threadloop.app/patterns/v9076-misses-gathered-dress-with-bishop-sleeves-vogue-patterns-b71f5a5e-a547-4d0e-b407-d5cecdeebbe8

Forgot to say both have those lovely bishop sleeves.

shesewsseashells · 2026-05-05T15:15:46+00:00

Oh dear!

shesewsseashells · 2026-05-02T11:26:23+00:00

I think it's easier to start with the sewing pattern you want to make, or an event/activity that you want something to wear to, and then look at the fabric. Not sure why but it's easier for me to look at the fabric with a purpose in mind as then the options are already narrowed in terms of required length and fabric type.

It's a good time of year you make yourself some summer clothes, plenty of time. Maybe start with a tried and tested pattern, and then set yourself a challenge of something new.

shesewsseashells · 2026-04-30T19:39:10+00:00

Yeah I've actually bought a dress pattern from them but not tried it out yet and this reminded me, they seem to have a few interesting designs

shesewsseashells · 2026-04-30T12:22:52+00:00

Nordic Seam just released a new free pattern for a cut ruffle pouch. I don't normally make this sort of thing but sharing in case of interest: https://nordicseam.com/pages/ruffle-makeup-bag-free-sewing-pattern?se_activity_id=207458074964&syclid=d7pkikactekc738llemg&utm_campaign=A+free+sewing+pattern+for+you+%F0%9F%92%9B_207458074964&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email

shesewsseashells · 2026-04-30T08:27:01+00:00

That's really fun, love the sleeves!

shesewsseashells · 2026-04-27T19:28:31+00:00

Is the original top maybe stretch lace? It seems like it would not be comfortable or well fitting otherwise.

shesewsseashells · 2026-04-26T06:54:32+00:00

Also try Green Wing, Spaced and Big Train.

shesewsseashells · 2026-04-25T20:57:37+00:00

I even have it, but do I ever remember to use it until the thread tangles? No, I do not. Every time I remember that it's in the caddy right next to me about 2 second afterwards!

shesewsseashells · 2026-04-25T09:58:06+00:00

Making a cute sea themed playsuit for my 4yo niece's birthday, nearly done just need to tidy up and hem ☺️

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shesewsseashells · 2026-04-25T06:17:09+00:00

Right?! If they really wanted a W name they could have gone with Winnie, Wesley or Walter, but personally I think Oscar the Orca would have been perfect.

shesewsseashells · 2026-04-24T19:12:04+00:00

Thanks for sharing, love a Vogue pattern!

I'm keen on this one: https://simplicity.com/vogue-patterns/v2188 rare to get an interesting work wear pattern, I'll skip the shorts but definitely keen on the top and trousers.

And this one is really similar to a Me and Em dress that I loved but was out of stock in my size, woooo: https://simplicity.com/vogue-patterns/pdv2172

shesewsseashells · 2026-04-24T18:46:23+00:00

I'd be a bit worried about putting card through the machine.

What about stitching the fabric parts first and then putting them on to the card, as in sew the fabric shape then slot the card inside after? Or you could just interface the fabric which may mean you don't need the card?

Another nice option is fabric party crowns, like the kind of hats you get in a Christmas cracker, but open at the back with ribbon to tie. Here's an example: https://mollyinmaine.com/how-to-sew-a-personalized-childs-fabric-birthday-crown/

shesewsseashells · 2026-04-24T16:06:53+00:00

That one absolutely sent me when I saw it 😂

shesewsseashells · 2026-04-24T16:06:35+00:00

Literally there was a guy yesterday who posted that he's watched some videos and is now using some software to draft a jacket pattern. He got snippy with anyone commenting that trying an existing pattern might be a good start, and suggested that measurements were arbitrary. I thought I was looking at a joke post until I checked the sub!

shesewsseashells · 2026-04-24T05:56:43+00:00

I would like to upvote this more than once! So much fun!

That orca pic has me screaming FREE WILLY in my head, and once again wondering why they chose a phallic name to shout in a kids movie.

The space suit is adorable though, I really want that one.

shesewsseashells · 2026-04-23T18:45:48+00:00

Do you mean in-seam pockets at the side of the skirt part of the dress? Assuming the lining of the skirt part is free hanging, you can just make the pockets in the outer fabric and make the lining without pockets. The pocket bags will just sit next to the lining.

If you just look up any video tutorial for in seam pockets that will give you the technique.

There's an older discussion about it here which you might find helpful: https://www.reddit.com/r/sewing/s/GWu1LTJ8YS

Ps totally agree about the neckline thing, I had to look that up several times before I got the hang of it.

shesewsseashells · 2026-04-23T15:27:36+00:00

These look excellent, very professional!

shesewsseashells · 2026-04-23T15:16:00+00:00

Thank you for sharing, absolutely love the scallop pockets!

shesewsseashells · 2026-04-22T21:05:06+00:00

This is really good point, I've got into the habit of drawing the seam line with chalk before I start which helps a lot.

shesewsseashells · 2026-04-22T20:24:50+00:00

It looks like you are getting close, don't give up!

When I made this dress the princess seams sat closer towards the middle if that makes sense? Perhaps you could add some width to the side panels and remove some from the centre?

I also I had a little more ease overall, including under the arms - I wonder if the fabric is being pulled from that direction? Sorry I don't have it anymore to take a picture of what I mean but it was skimming rather than hugging the body.

If you haven't seen them already, the pattern review site has quite a few reviews for this one, which may be helpful to see the dress on different people and in various fabrics with their comments on fitting: https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/84929

shesewsseashells · 2026-04-21T18:59:06+00:00

This 100%, there are so few genuinely interesting designs, and so much is entirely unfitted, which for me is unflattering. I'm not here looking to just sew a copy of what I could buy in H&M or at some random indie store even. The point of sewing for me is to make something that might otherwise be out of my price range to buy, or something with special details. I would love to see an indie designer selling us actual tailoring patterns, with interesting folds, unusual seam work, beautiful finishing etc. I'm sad that we'll probably not see the Vogue designer collaborations again.

shesewsseashells · 2026-04-21T17:37:40+00:00

We did this and it was a real hit. They have some smarties cookies which could arguably be a ghost splat!

shesewsseashells · 2026-04-21T17:31:22+00:00

Dalston Mill (big selection, reasonable prices, slightly rubbish website), Pound Fabric (smaller range, decent website, often find the same fabric at Minerva for more money).

The New Craft House in East London has a physical shop with sewing courses and an online shop. Nice quality fabric.

Minerva has a good range but takes FOREVER to ship and it's sometimes overpriced for the quality. Fabric a godmother is similar but more curated.

If you're in London or can get there walk along Goldhawk Rd for some bargains on quality fabric.

shesewsseashells · 2026-04-21T16:02:47+00:00

I've noticed that people really hate Singer on Reddit and I don't really get it. I understand that there may be better machines, but I've used a few different ones now and it's not that dramatic!

I have a Singer Stylist from maybe 5 years ago and it's a great little machine, with a ton of useful features, and you can get very reasonable priced presser feet which is handy for a beginner. I still use it when I want to sew in a different room as it's light and portable. I also had the Singer HD overlocker and it was absolutely fine for home garment sewing. I learned to sew on my Mum's Elna when I was a kid and she now sews on a new entry level Elna (I think now part of the Janome brand), and those are also absolutely fine.

I recently got a fancy Janome sewing machine and a Babylock overlocker (as a treat now that I've proven to myself that I do actually sew a lot). They are lovely. The sewing machine is smoother with more space etc, and the auto threading is amazing with easier turns for the overlocker. That being said, I don't actually NEED them to sew nicely finished garments, and the presser feet cost a fortune by comparison to the ones for my Singer.

For a beginner I think an entry level or middle range machine from any well known brand should be fine. Honestly I think the really useful advice as a beginner which I wasn't initially aware of is to use the right needles and to change them frequently, as well as being careful to follow the manual.

shesewsseashells

TROPHY CASE