 1950s/60s Simplicity 2959 |
Here are some links to web pages
relating to this pattern (these links open in new windows): Simplicity 2959 made up by other people: Sew Retro blog Simplicity 2959 pattern wanted: danvillegirl wants this pattern Pattern made up on "frock and roll": Simplicity 2959 pattern made up on "frock and roll" New project for Sewing Lab: New project for Sewing Lab Copy of this pattern sold on Etsy: Simplicity 2959 sold on Etsy |
I've made up view 2 of this pattern before in a blue patterned cotton lawn and that dress has become a favourite summer dress of mine. This time (March 2014) I chose a double border-print Turkish viscose woven fabric from the Textile Centre with a plain white woven viscose lining. The pure viscose fabic is breathable and feels very comfortable on. It also drapes beautifully making the soft pleats at the neckline work well.
Apart from a few small fitting changes at the side seams and a
fairly large shortening at the hem , the pattern was unchanged.
I made up the two layers of fabric as one, which required careful cutting and handling and I really hope they don't shrink by different amounts! I did wash both fabrics before cutting, so neither should shrink too much more and both fabrics are similar weight and weave and both are 100% viscose, so it seemed reasonable to work with them together. Without the lining fabric, the light grey non-patterned part of the top fabric was a little transluscent. By working with the fabrics together, I figured that the seam allowances were less likely to show through.
It wasn't easy to decide which way to lay the front bodice pieces on the border print. There were lots of options -- out of the border altogether or up, down, or sideways either way to the pattern. In the end, I decided to have the border coming in from the top sleeve and shoulder edges and joining at an angle at the centre front. The angled join at the centre front is very much softened by the pleating at the neckline. The result is a sort of arch around the top with the tulips coming across from the sleeves, down from the shoulders and the angle into the centre front being tilted down by the pleating at the neckline. I'm happy with the result.
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