The film Rosemary's Baby is a solid favourite of mine -- Mia Farrow is awesome -- and I love her maternity clothing in it. How about this one?
She rocks the pregnant 60's look so well. So, inspired by her cute tent dresses, I decided to sew 'The Turnabout Dress'.
It is from 1966. I love the names and descriptions given to vintage garments - "The Turnabout Dress - Back to front ... front to back ... wear it either way" - how cute is that?
I wanted this to be a nice breezy summer dress that would accommodate my bump, so I chose a lovely light 100% Japanese cotton from Tessuti Fabrics. I tell you, Japanese cottons are divine to work with and wear. Granted they are not overly cheap, but they are soooo worth it. I wore this dress yesterday in 40 degree heat and it was very comfortable and light. Very important when sporting a bump that adds extra kilos you're not used to to your frame.
The front comes together on the bias, and the back goes across the grain (does that make sense?)
I added about 2cm each side of the centre front seam from the bust line down to accommodate my bump, and made it longer in the front than in the back. I also used self-made bias binding to finish the arm holes and the neckline - the pattern called for you to turn these edges under in a narrow hem. I also finished the centre front seams using the Hong Kong finish with a satin bias binding to make it more pretty (there is only one seam so it seemed worth it to use a more complicated technique):
It was an easy sew - there is just one pattern piece, and really only the CF seam and the shoulder seams. And it is so comfortable. One of my next sewing project is another tent dress, but from the 80s. Tent dresses are such great maternity garments.
I'm hoping I'll be able to wear them post-giving birth - what do you think?
You look lovely! I would wear that dress now. It looks as if it could be belted post too. Happy New year.
ReplyDeleteVery Mia Farrow - especially with the cute haircut! 40 degrees? Yowsa!
ReplyDelete:)Alana
You do look lovely Rachel - pretty dress. Yes you could absolutely wear it after your baby (although maybe not for breastfeeding).
ReplyDeleteIt is STILL raining up here; more towns being evacuated.
Mmm...in my experience, you won't want to wear anything maternity post birth - I was so sick of mine!
ReplyDeleteI think it is really neat how the front is bias cut - even though it is fairly roomy at the moment, the bias will stretch when necessary and never get too tight.
There seems to be quite a lot of vintage maternity patterns online doesn't there? I was thinking most women must have made them themselves, as the maternity RTW market was probably very limited compared to now.
You know what, it's really interesting to see pregnancy fashion that doesn't involve leggings and stretchy T-shirts. Love the dress and the fabric choice and, of course, that fabulous hair cut.
ReplyDeleteI said it in the shop, and I'll say it again...GORGEOUS! You're so right about the Japaneses cottons. They are very worth the money we spend on them. Lady, you're doing maternity VERY well.
ReplyDeletePS yeah, I'll do the dress in black ponte, one day.
I love vintage tent dresses, they're so cute! This one came together really nicely. Hope your new year will be amazing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute dress, you can totally wear it post-pregnancy with a skinny or wide belt. I must try using Japanese cotton...you've totally sold it to me ;o)
ReplyDeleteLovely! I think your decision to finish the arm and neck opening with bias instead of just turning a hem was a good one. Much more polished. I wandered over from Sew Retro and look forward to reading more of your sewing adventures!
ReplyDeleteWow - that's fab. I think it's great that you are attempting maternity clothes too, and with such good results. Happy New Year. x
ReplyDeleteThis is gorgeous! Fingers crossed you don't give birth to Satan...
ReplyDeleteThanks Tilly. I too am hoping that doesn't happen. Though I don't recall having any odd dreams or waking up with scratches all over me, so I should be safe on that one.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone else too - a belt sounds like a good idea. I hope I want to wear all my frocks afterwards, I've certainly put enough effort into them!
It was hot hey? I reckon you can totally wear tent dresses without being pregs, since I wear a few at the moment and no one says anything to me! They're also tres chic with really tall high heels, so I bet you'll wear this one again! The fabric is gorgeous!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Oh and HAPPY NEW YEAR TOO!!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dress Rachel! When its hot this time next year, it will be fab.
ReplyDeleteCould you possible put up a subscribe fuction on your blog, as I'm sure there are loads of people who would like to subsribe to your blog too. Happy New Year.
Oh you look so lovely in this dress! I like the green houndstooth in the last post too, very lovely. I have been eyeing off those japanese cottons for a long time... now I'm convinced. Hope all is going well, so glad the weather is being nicer this week... well so far... :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks again everyone! Kat - I added a subscribe function - let me know if it doesn't work.
ReplyDeleteLove me some Roasemary's Baby! And what a great job with the plaid on the bias!!
ReplyDelete