04 Jun No. 15 – Little Black Dress
Greetings from Edisto Island! Hubby and I are on the grounds of the island’s historic Presbyterian Church now in its fourth century of worship, and which we found to be a perfect setting for photos.
I was on a mission to make brightly colored summer clothes when New Look 6429 leaped off of the catalogue page. It is one of those patterns I’ve been looking for since I returned to sewing nearly 5 years ago. Cut in shoulders, cut out neckline, simple and chic, I was smitten.
I also had a beautiful piece of black stretch viscose crepe from Mood Fabrics waiting to be sewn. Often sewing is about creativity, but not this time ~ recreating View D was my goal.
While the pattern doesn’t require a stretch fabric, I knew this crepe with its very slight stretch would make a lovely Little Black Dress (in addition to jackets, skirts and trousers).
The dress is shaped by French darts which disappear into the texture of the fabric.
To help the dress maintain its shape, I lined it with Mood Fabrics’ Antracite Black Acetate lining although the pattern does not require a lining. The neckline and tabs are faced with self fabric which left only the bodice to line. Here’s what it looked like before I assembled the neckband to the tabs and back shoulders.
Oddly enough the back seam and zipper are sewn last.
I understand why the instructions are ordered this way, but it is impossible to try the dress on before attaching the neckband. This means if you have any fitting issues a muslin is a must! The pattern is well drafted and my only change was removing 2 inches of length from the bodice. The back is shaped by darts giving the dress an overall flattering fit.
I can imagine this pattern again in every view as well as a variety of fabrics. Perhaps in this Geometric Riviera Pique which is in my stash, or tweed for the Fall, or View D in solid white.
As Nina Garcia says, “Often the perfect little black dress finds the girl when she is not looking.”
How true! While clothes finding sewers is a less direct route, my new LBD was well worth the gentle interruption to summer sewing and happy colors 🙂
Until soon!
Joyce Latham
Posted at 07:09h, 04 JuneA very flattering dress on you indeed! You look great in it. I love that it’s simple, but interesting and cool, (pun intended)
Well done and fsbulous photographs as always. Can’t wait to see the other views made, that’s a great pattern.
Joyce
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:56h, 05 JuneThank you so much, Joyce! I agree, the pattern is everything a simple dress should be 🙂
Becky Bagwell
Posted at 07:37h, 04 JuneGreat pics! Great dress!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:03h, 05 JuneThank you, Becky!
Julie Starr
Posted at 07:49h, 04 JuneIts always so nice to wake up on my favorite morning of the week and have one of your posts waiting in my inbox. This is a silhouette that I have always loved and the cut outs give it such a fun modern style. I love your version and will pick up this pattern post haste. PS-I’m having some serious shoe envy here!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:22h, 05 JuneThank you so much, Julie! It’s vintage and modern at the same time. Kind of reminds me of a That Girl dress 🙂 The shoes are a Tory Burch wedding splurge.
Laura Casey
Posted at 08:07h, 04 JuneOh I love this dress…..nothing like a LBD….but with some style! Great choice of fabric too.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:23h, 05 JuneThank you, Laura! I think it has great summer potential 🙂
Suzanne Landau
Posted at 08:10h, 04 JuneWhat a beautiful chic dress you have sewn. I love the pattern and have ordered it for myself. I love to make clothes from patterns for my clients and this one is definitely going to be a hit. I love the other styles as well. I really agree that if you are not sure about the fitting it’s best to make a toile. I am going to make it in a mock linen for myself as I live in Israel where it’s already 34 degrees and it’s only the beginning of June! Certainly it’s impossible here to wear lined clothes in the 6 months of summer unless it’s lined in a very thin cotton or silk. This dress wil see me through the summer right through till November. I also plan to make this dress with the insert piece using voile and a patterned cotton for the dress.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:24h, 05 JuneSuzanne ~ Thank you so much for your comment. Since the pattern does not call for a lining it will be perfect and I really like your idea of the voile insert – brilliant!
Judith Cortelloni
Posted at 08:17h, 04 JuneWhat a great choice for the black crepe! You look fantastic. How do you find such good fabric choices? When I look at Mood, I am overwhelmed by the selection of fabrics.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:26h, 05 JuneMany thanks Judith!
I think I will write a post about ordering online comfortably 🙂 I can see how it would be overwhelming, but I’ve done it for so long I’m now comfortable with the process.
Cindy Aymes
Posted at 08:24h, 04 JuneJust LOVE the fit on you! I’m always so impressed with your fitting expertise! And the cut in shoulders and cut out neckline is very chic and fun! Perfect marriage of fabric and pattern! And what girl doesn’t need an LBD for summer?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:27h, 05 JuneThank you, Cindy! The cut in shoulders and cut out neckline sold me immediately on the pattern. and the bonus was that I was pleased with the fit too 🙂
Jenny
Posted at 08:37h, 04 JuneVery pretty, classy, and flattering! This is one of those patterns I’ve been hemming and hawing about, but I think I should go for it.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:28h, 05 JuneThank you, Jenny! You should definitely go for it 😉
Cissie Wellons
Posted at 08:46h, 04 JunePerfect LBD! I think I “need” this pattern!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:29h, 05 JuneYou really need it, Cissie and I know you would wear it well 😉 Many thanks for the comment!
Becky Thompson
Posted at 08:59h, 04 JuneLove it! That pattern is now on my hunting list. Looks great!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:29h, 05 JuneThank you Becky!
Stylememary
Posted at 09:02h, 04 JuneLovely! Good job making a wardrobe staple with a personality of its own.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:31h, 05 JuneThank you so much, Stylememary! What I also love about the dress is that it requires very little accessorizing 🙂
Cheryl Lemmons
Posted at 09:12h, 04 JuneWhat a great dress! And the fit is spot on. Love the shoes as well.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:32h, 05 JuneHI Cheryl! Thank you so much ~ the Tory Burch shoes were a wedding splurge for my younger daughter’s wedding in January.
Gail PickensBarger
Posted at 09:34h, 04 JuneLovely dress. Curious to see your mock up of the dress too!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:35h, 05 JuneThank you, Gail! The mock up is not a pretty picture marked up, cut, restitched etc…… Thankfully I made the changes to the paper pattern because I left it behind in Charleston by accident. I might try one more muslin before making it again 🙂
Irene
Posted at 09:53h, 04 JuneGorgeous! Looks perfect on you.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:35h, 05 JuneThank you so much, Irene!
Gerhild
Posted at 10:17h, 04 JuneWhat a great choice for a Little Black Dress. I looks great on you. Thanks for sharing your talent.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:37h, 05 June………. and thank you for your feedback, Gerhild! I appreciate all comments including constructive criticism 🙂
Myra
Posted at 11:00h, 04 JuneGreat work! Nice choice of fabric and pattern!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:38h, 05 JuneThank you, Myra! I was pleased with the result 🙂
Beth (SunnyGal Studio)
Posted at 12:04h, 04 Junethat is so nice – perfect summer little black dress. I love that pattern – now I am tempted.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:39h, 05 JuneMany thanks, Beth! I believe you should make one for yourself 🙂
Alicia
Posted at 12:18h, 04 JuneYour LBD is fabulous! Perfect for the warmer months. I love the pattern, color and fabric.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:39h, 05 JuneThank you so much, Alicia! I see it as a 3 season dress 🙂
CarolinasCallin
Posted at 12:22h, 04 JuneOh, I love this one, Sarah! What a terrific pattern. I have one sort of like this in my pattern stash, but I like the darts on this one better. It looks terrific on you!
Noticing that the pattern sizes start at a 10…I would have thought that was huge on you – and the only change you made was taking a couple inches off the bodice length?! I haven’t sewn any Simplicity patterns in years…mainly because I just forget about them! I don’t think I’ve ever sewn a New Look pattern.
Another great post – and another pattern to add to my stash!
Enjoy your beach time!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:42h, 05 JuneMany thanks, Cheryl! I am usually a 10 through the hips, but before sewing the side seams to any dress I always baste and tailor the seam for a custom fit. I did use larger seams in the bust and upper back, but did not consider it to be a pattern adjustment. It would fit a true size 10 very nicely 🙂
Mary Lynn
Posted at 16:51h, 11 JuneWhat is tailoring a seam? Sounds interesting – real “grown up” type sewing!
Art Attack
Posted at 12:22h, 04 JuneSO, SO adorable!! Must have this pattern asap!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:43h, 05 JuneYes you must, Dorcas! Look forward to seeing yours 🙂
Creative Hormone Rush
Posted at 12:36h, 04 JuneYour second peek-a-boo garment! You’re singlehandedly starting a new summer trend here, you know. This is light, fun, and fabulous. I love the black for this, too — really makes those cutouts pop. Gawchuss!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:44h, 05 JuneLOL – I guess you’re right! No telling where the next peek-a-boo will be 😉 Many thanks for the comment.
Melissa
Posted at 13:20h, 04 JuneLove the Nina Garcia quote AND the dress!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:45h, 05 JuneNina Garcia rocks the house, doesn’t she ? Many thanks, Melissa!
Sheryll
Posted at 16:55h, 04 JuneSo much for your brightly coloured summer clothes! The Nina Garcia quote is so true in your case I really love this little black dress, and it looks fabulous on you! I might need one!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:46h, 05 JuneThank you so much, Sheryll! Yes, you definitely need one!
Karen Helm
Posted at 17:24h, 04 JuneAbsolutely lovely! Definitely worth the short detour from your planned summer sewing.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:00h, 05 JuneThank you, Karen! It was certainly the right decision!
twotoast
Posted at 20:39h, 04 JuneVery pretty, classy but with a bit of fun!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:01h, 05 JuneMany thanks, Two Toast! The cutouts certainly make it fun 🙂
Maggie Edger
Posted at 21:29h, 04 JuneSarah, I made this dress I think in the ’70’s. I always loved the pattern. I made several. The dress looks great on you!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:02h, 05 JuneThank you, Maggie! I just learned from a reader that this is a recreated Simplicity pattern. It reminds me of a Marlo Thomas dress 🙂
Joan
Posted at 01:57h, 05 JuneWonderful choice of pattern, lovely, FUN, LBD!
(I also feel I MUST purchase that New Look pattern; great classic style with nice design options.)
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:03h, 05 JuneOh you MUST purchase the pattern! I love everything about it!
Ally - Design Rewind Fashions
Posted at 02:56h, 05 JuneSuch a perfect summer dress and you look stunning in it! This is the exact same pattern as Simplicity 6838 from the 1960s. If some of you are having difficulty finding the New Look version you may want to check out the Simplicity one.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:05h, 05 JuneThank you, Ally! It reminds me of a 60s dress – something Marlo Thomas would have worn in That Girl.
Nice to know there is an opition 🙂
Renee Gibson
Posted at 10:49h, 05 JuneBeautiful dress Sarah! It reminds me of a vintage pattern that I’ve been modifying and just now finishing the muslin stage. The pattern is Simplicity 6838 and was featured in a past edition of Threads. The Simplicity pattern had a higher neckline, but I find that a slightly lower neckline, like the one you made, is more flattering.
You have inspired me to move along and get that dress made!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:44h, 06 JuneThank you, Renee! I look forward to reading the Threads article 🙂 I’m delighted to see some of the ‘Vintage’ patterns being restyled and printed ~ good luck with your dress 🙂
Marguerite
Posted at 23:06h, 05 JuneGorgeous! There’s a vintage 60s pattern that has this same neckline! Not sure but think it was a Simplicity. I’m a big fan of the cut in armholes. As Nina also said, the A line silhouette is a flattering one! You continue to know exactly what styles are flattering to you! Just a great winner all the way around!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:41h, 06 JuneThank you, Marguerite! It is a Simplicity as I have learned from other readers. I’m glad this pattern was resurrected 🙂
Denny Kenny
Posted at 00:27h, 06 JuneJust a “discrete” question of modesty………are you wearing a strapless bra (I detest wearing one myself) or are your bra straps cleverly covered by the brilliant drafting of the pattern?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:40h, 06 JuneDenny ~ Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m wearing a strapless. I wish I was brilliant enough to draft the pattern otherwise 😉
Vanessa
Posted at 11:40h, 06 JuneYou made a beautiful little black dress!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:20h, 06 JuneThank you, Vanessa!
Susan
Posted at 12:02h, 06 JuneMighty chic!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:21h, 06 JuneYa think? 😉
Cindy Happel`
Posted at 12:51h, 06 JuneBeautiful job – and you look fabulous in it!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:21h, 06 JuneMany thanks, Cindy!
Janice Delahunty
Posted at 21:22h, 06 JuneEverything about the dress is absolutely beautiful! It’s sort of retro, but still quite modern. Love it! Inspirational…….
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:19h, 08 JuneThank you, Janice! It is definitely retro as I have learned that it is a remake from a 1960s Simplicity pattern 🙂
Wednesday Weekly #40 | Helen's Closet
Posted at 09:01h, 08 June[…] cut-out details in this little black dress are […]
Anya
Posted at 10:50h, 08 JuneWow! You certainly nailed view D! And those shoes…! I love this kind of neckband. I can recommend New Look 6263. It’s a very similar dress. There is a 2-button closure at the back of the neckband instead of a delicate zipper, and it has a bit more room in it’s A-line, which I think makes it perfect as beach dress. I already made 2 of those, but now that I see your dress, I’m going to try my luck on view B! Happy sewing!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:47h, 11 JuneThank you, Anya! The shoes were a splurge for my daughter’s wedding.
I too LOVE this type of neckband and checked out NL 6263 – very cute and would be lovely in a lightweight fabric. 🙂
Deborah
Posted at 13:46h, 09 JuneI was debating that very pattern just yesterday. Looks like I’m going back to get tired!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:31h, 10 JuneSo glad you’re giving it a try, Deborah!
Francine Boynton
Posted at 16:33h, 10 JuneI think I just heard the Marlo Tomas theme song! Crepe was my fabric of choice in the late 60’s through the 70’s. Always dependable. Can you wait a bra with this dress? A must at this point of my life, however, an option during the late 60! Thanks for your fantastic photos and blog! Franny
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:47h, 11 JuneMany thanks for your nice comment, Francine! Yes, I wear a strapless with this dress 🙂
Lyndle
Posted at 18:53h, 11 JuneGorgeous dress. Really beautiful on you. And that location is stunning too!
Terri Baker
Posted at 13:47h, 28 JuneI love everything you post! Thank you!! My big question is this – how do you track your fabrics?
Thank you
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:11h, 28 JuneThank you, Terri! I’m not sure I understand your question ~ what do you mean by track my fabrics?
Terri
Posted at 17:37h, 28 JuneI”m sorry!! You just always know where your fabrics came from! I just thought you had a tracking system to keep up with where, when and how much each fabric costed?
Margie
Posted at 18:01h, 20 JulyI love this dress perfect for all ages. I have the perfect blue silk pique, thanks for your tips.