Saturday, February 16, 2013

Simplicity 5385

Normally I am not a fan of patterns from the 1960s.  Oh don't get me wrong, I think many of the 60s fashions are beautiful, but I prefer those from the late 30s through the 50s, much more my thing.
So when I found some vintage patterns in an antique shop for $1 a piece, I wasn't about to turn down the patterns even though they were not all from my favourite eras.

And this was one of the patterns I found.

Simplicity 5385- from 1964.  The notation says "This skirt really fits".

I found the annotation on the envelope especially fun :)  The pattern is from 1964, and features a shift tunic/dress and an a-line WRAP skirt.  Yes, a wrap skirt.  It immediately went on my 'to-make' list.

It is a fairly quick make.  It is a two-piece pattern, seamed down the front.  Two large patch pockets are placed on the front, and the skirt is fastened with a snap and ties that come round and are tied in the front.

The back of Simplicity 5385
You can see the fun design, here, on the back of the pattern envelope. 

So, when I decided to make it, I chose a poly-cotton blend, twill, bottom-weight fabric.  I wanted it to be sturdy and casual, and this seemed like a good choice.  I finished it last week, just before starting my Sew For Victory Challenge!

The front of my skirt.
The added advantage of a heavier weight fabric, is that it helped it to maintain it's a-line shape, which is always nice.  Please excuse the awkward pose, it was pretty cold out ;)  And please excuse the wrinkles, I had already sat down in the skirt.

And the back.  I find this one rather flattering!
The back allows you to see the 'wrap' of the skirt.  I *did* learn a few things with this. 
1.  When making a back wrap skirt, you need to make sure the fastener at the waist is far enough over that the skirt won't flash people as you walk along.  A petticoat is also a good idea ;)
2.  Watch the scissors.  They will manage to mysteriously cut a hole in your skirt if you don't watch.
3.  When enlarging the pattern, you might like to add length to the wrap ends to prevent the fastener placement being as much of an issue ;)

The large pockets are also awesome.  Not that I have used them for much except putting my hands in and for holding the fabric for my 1940's blouse when I went to choose buttons (more on that later... I'm almost finished!).
Yes, you'll have noticed that I once again chose blue, which is one of my staple wardrobe colours - it goes with a lot!
You can find a great post about vintage wrap skirt patterns at the Midvale Cottage Post.  I love the linings in the skirts featured, and would definitely consider making this one again, only with a lining!

Back soon with an update to my sew for victory challenge!

4 comments:

  1. I love the color! I really like it with the boots. I can see how the color will help you to span seasons with it because while it's nice with the boots it would also be nice with bare legs and cute shoes in spring. Great job!

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    1. I love the colour too- but then, like you, blue matches my blue eyes, so it is a wardrobe staple!
      I had on my boots because it was supposed to snow, and get slick (though not settle)!

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  2. I can see why this pattern was so popular in the mid-to-late 1960s - that A-line shape looks great! And I agree, that blue is beautiful, the pockets totally work well, it's an all-around winner. Such wonderful results - I have to go share your post on my blog right away!

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    1. Thank you Kathleen :) It certainly makes more of an impact when you see it on a person ;)

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