May 25, 2014

THE 70'S - A GREAT PATTERN YEAR...

...yet another post about my pattern love.   Butterick 3533 took up resident on my inspiration board for what seemed like forever.  I purchased it at a thrift store for $.49 at least two years ago, maybe three.  Printed circa 1970 I guess I just really liked the illustrations on the pattern envelope.  In the 70's patterns were not multi-sized; this one is size 14.
 
Following Nancy Zieman's information (chatted about in this post) my measurements equate to a size 14 through the neck, shoulders and bust area, but requires increasing the pattern in the side seams, which is an easy alteration (I added 1").  I was a little hesitant about using the pattern because of it's raglan sleeve.  I thought it might be a little tight, and had no idea how to go about increasing it.   The pattern was missing the back facing, pants, skirt pieces, and one page of the instructions but I was able to construct the top without it.

I finally decided to just go ahead and make a wearable muslin - you probably recognize this fabric as I made a cowl neck top from it a few weeks ago.
 Just a simple knit wrap top but I really like it.  I'm planning on making a pink knit pencil skirt soon that will match this perfectly.

Do you have any great patterns from the '70's???

30 comments:

  1. Looks great. Love it in that fabric. Can't wait to see the whole outfit.

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  2. I'm glad to see your post - I love the pattern above and in fact I'm having a love affair with 70s patterns especially since I saw 'American Hustle'. The fashion of that era is so groovy! I'm currently building a little collection and I hunt them down on Ebay - now I have to find the time to sew them!!

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  3. We are the same size and I have to make the same alterations! I'm stumped about the raglan sleeve issue, too. A couple of things I've made with raglan sleeves have ended too tight in the shoulders/armpits and I'm not sure the best way to fix it. Should I deepen the armholes or just add fabric to the sleeves? Or both? Let me know if you find out.

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    1. Yes, my alterations are usually not too hard that is as long as I can find some helpful internet sources on how to do them. I posted some raglan sleeve information on your blog that was given by Robin below.

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  4. I love the pattern. The 70's were my coming of age years and the pattern picture takes me back. Great work on the top. A few pattern alterations I've seen recommend making perpendicular slashes within the center of the pattern pieces. Hope this helps.
    http://repository.tamu.edu/bitstream/handle/1969.1/87755/pdf_696.pdf

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    1. Thank you so much Robin. I'll make sure I read this information so I can use it to alter the pattern for the real top. Thanks again!

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  5. Your "muslin" looks great. Love the colors. I hope the it worked out well for you in the end.

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  6. What a great top! Are you going to make the dress? It would look fabulous on you!

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    1. Thanks Carolyn. No I won't be making the entire pattern up because so many of the pieces were missing. That is one problem that does occur from time to time when you purchase used patterns.

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  7. Very nice top. I've been to busy to sew and I miss it. I still enjoy seeing what my blog buddies are up too.

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    1. Thank you for commenting Tanya! Oooooo, I've really been missing you! I know you are enjoying your growing grandbabies!

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  8. Love you top and pattern. I have so many 70s and 60s patterns love them....and you don't have a size issue or at least I don't. I have two 70s patterns out of my stash to cut and sew up now.

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    1. Thank you Diane! I'd really like to see some of your great patterns.

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  9. It looks lovely and I think that is a really good pattern!

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  10. I have that same pattern!

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    1. I hope all your pieces are there - mine weren't.

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  11. What a cute top Faye! I may have a few 70's patterns in my arsenal...do you think that dates me or am I a collector of great things sewing??!!

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    1. Thank you. You are just a collector hunnty! There's no dating you!

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  12. I'm with you...great patterns in the 70's. Wish I had kept some! I've purchased one or two online, that I remember and love. Your top is great!

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    1. I would like to see the two great ones you just purchased!

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  13. It's funny but I really love 70's patterns now, yet if you'd asked me 10 years or so ago they would have been a no no! Probably would have been too close to the decade itself then....

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  14. Funny but I feel that way about patterns from the '80's. The use of oversized shoulder pads turns me off.

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  15. Snap - I just found a couple of 70's patterns last week as well. How did you find the fit compared to today's patterns?

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    1. The fit was actually pretty good Sarah. I was initially concerned that the sleeves might be too tight, but it turned out just right.

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  16. The pattern may be from the 70s but the style is timeless!

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  17. Cute top. .. you know I love
    a cross over top.

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