In my previous post I shared my happy news that I have decided to attend The Dressmaker’s Ball later this year. Naturally, one of the most fun aspects of the sewing creative process is the initial brainstorm of what a seamstress wants the dress to look like. While some sewists can use the pattern draping method, I have not learned that, so I rely on sewing patterns. Thankfully there are hundreds of them to choose from (I prefer the vintage styles) , and of course our creative licenses allow for mixing and matching different components such as skirts, bodice styles, sleeves, and embellishments.
What goes into consideration is often the ladies sewing skills level, budget for fabric and materials, desired aesthetic, figure, etc. I was absolutely dedicated to the idea of sewing myself the M7885 Rococo-style ball gown with panniers at first. I had my mind set on it (yes it is actually a costume – think Marie Antoinette)! But after realizing how much fabric it would require (13 + yards), how my husband did not love it, and how poorly a dress that voluminous would do for traveling internationally in a single suitcase…I did in fact, change my mind completely to a different dress I plan to make.
The dress I am planning to sew is going to be a secret until the end, and the pattern for it is not shown here. I discovered my sewing pattern at the wonderful Vint’illage in Bowling Green, Ohio. Without giving away too many obvious details, this dress is going to be inspired by 1950’s Richard Avedon photos of chic fashion models like Dovima and Sunny Harnett. So rather than a full princess ball gown, it will be more lean and fitted, with dramatic contrast details, and hopefully a matching accessory or two. It will be featuring my favorite color!
I can only wear one dress to the ball, so here are some very nice dress patterns I think are beautiful, and I would have considered. These span over many decades and range in difficulty level and style. I think there is something for everyone. I find my vintage sewing patterns on etsy, ebay, and in local antique malls mainly. Also, many modern sewing pattern books contain reprinted vintage patterns which can be bought in the store such as at JoAnn Fabrics). There is one other sewing pattern on this page, apart from M7885, that I did buy on ebay when I saw it! Can you guess? Scroll to the bottom of this post to find out which one.
The modern-day dress pattern below, McCalls 8037 is an excellent dress pattern to sew if you want a very easy dress, and you want to use stretch material. I made two of these dresses (views B & C) for a Cunard crossing, and the turquoise version of the dress is the one that I’m wearing in my photo that was selected by photographer Mary McCartney for the 100 years at Sea Views Exhibit. I have a special fondness for this pattern!
The answer of which pattern I bought on ebay after making this collage is… The Bellville Sassoon V1471! That floor length gown is fabulous!! I very well might have to make it for a future event. In the meantime, I look forward to making my special, top secret, evening dress for September!
