Vogue 7053, c. 1987, Evening dress or top and skirt

Vogue 7053

c. 1987
Misses' Dress, Top & Skirt

Dress, or top has fitted, mock wrap bodice with pleated front, bias back tie ends, and back zipper. A, B flared, attached slip and petticoat and side pockets. Straight skirt with waistband.

When I think of late 80s evening fashion, I can't help but picture the ladies from Dynasty. You know, the huge oversize sleeves paired with football size shoulder pads and hair to match. Apparently not everything was exaggerated. Take for example this pattern for a gorgeous evening dress from 1987. I love the mock wrap bodice and deep v-neckline on this dress! It's for sale in my Etsy shop ... only because it's not my size and I'm too lazy to resize it. And if you buy it, please, please, please send me a photo of what you've sewn.

Simplicity 8874, c. 1970, zip front mini dress

Simplicity 8874 c. 1970 Misses' Jiffy Dress

The dress with front zipper closing and collar has flaps, short set in sleeves and optional top stitching. Purchased scarf and belt.

This pattern had two old newspaper ads tucked inside. One for an Anne Adams sewing pattern with the description "zip far ahead of everybody in a mobile, marvelous princess dress with ribbon trim or tunic with contrast trim same color as pants". The other for a "Karen Kane striped skimmer of easy-wear jersey." Available in my Etsy shop.

Butterick 3109, 1980s Painter Pants

Butterick 3109
c. late 1970s or early 1980s
Misses' Pants

Straight legged pants have shaped waistband with belt carriers, shaped pockets and change pocket, mock fly front zipper closing, shaped back patch pocket, loop trim, lower leg pockets.

Ah, the painter pants. In the early 1980s, every young fashionista was wearing them. Mine, sewn using this Butterick pattern, were bright red worn with a brightly colored tropical print button front shirt and brown huraches.

Butterick 6315, 1980s Knit Jumpsuit, Jayne Kennedy design

Butterick 6315
c. 1980s
Misses' Jumpsuit, Top, Vest, and Skirt
Jayne Kennedy design

Loose-fitting, tapered jumpsuit, rolled-up (wrong side shows) or vest has cutaway, dropped armholes. Jumpsuit: Pockets. Very loose-fitting, pullover top has cap sleeves or dropped shoulders with long sleeves pushed up. All have narrow hem. Straight skirt, below mid-knee, has elasticized waist and side pockets.

According to Lizz, the 80s influence is strong this season with a number of trends. Jumpsuits are one of those trends.

While this pattern does indeed feature a jumpsuit, that was not the item I sewed. Actually, this particular jumpsuit wasn't a very flattering look was it? I sewed the cutaway pullover vest, with the dropped armhole tee and straight skirt. All from knits. Worn just as shown on the envelope cover complete with the double-wrap belt.

Vogue 8380, Misses' Skirt, Bodysuit and Leggings, c. 1993

Vogue 8380

Misses' Skirt, Bodysuit and Leggings
C. 1993

Skirt with side front button waistband. Close fitting bodysuit with elastic neckline and legs and snap crotch closing. Close fitting leggings with elastic waist and no side seams.

I admit it. I wore leggings and bodysuits. Much like the woman holding the animal print bag. However, I did throw a big jacket over them.

Since I don't see myself wearing - much less sewing - bodysuits and leggings at this point in my life, you can find this pattern in my Etsy shop.

Butterick 3176, Bias cut halter or one shoulder dress, c. 1980s

Butterick 3176
c. 1980s
One shoulder or halter dress

Fitted and flared dresses are all cut on bias, have elasticized waistline and side seam pockets. View A & B have elasticized upper back edge and V-neckline. View B: knots at center front. View C: has asymmetrical upper edge that knots at left shoulder.

There is something s*xy about a one-shoulder dress. Demure, yet revealing all at the same time. I remember a one-shoulder dress I sewed and wore to the disco. I always enjoyed wearing that one...it was another Butterick pattern that I'm sure is in my stash somewhere.

What do I like about this pattern? Well, besides the great halter with the knotted front and the one shoulder? The dresses are all bias cut! Think about the way the fabric will move when wearing these.

This is one of those patterns that I half-heartedly listed in my Etsy shop. As much as I like these dresses, I don't wear halters any longer so I'm hoping whoever purchases the pattern loves it as much as I do.

Best dressed dolly - vintage 50s doll's wardrobe pattern

Look at these wonderful clothes designed for a doll!

This mail order pattern is number 4547, from Household pattern department in New York.

Some lucky little girl probably had a 22" doll with all of these lovely items in her wardrobe.

Just look at the dirndle skirt, a petticoat, a dress - with a netting overskirt for the dress, a shirt, slacks, , robe, blouse, coat and even a hat!

If you know someone with a vintage 22" doll looking to sew her some clothes, this pattern is in my Etsy shop.