For my birthday this coming weekend, we're having a 60's-themed party, and I finally decided what to wear.
This is by Yves Saint Laurent, from 1962. I've always loved this dress, and finally decided to try and tackle it.
The issue with this dress is its deceptive simplicity. The darts are cunningly rotated into the seams, so while it appears to be a series of flat rectangles, there's actually a fair bit of shaping going on.
Close analysis and a bit of playing around with Pattern Editor got me pretty far in designing the pattern:
These pieces don't show the black sashing between the sections; since those are just straight pieces, they didn't require pattern pieces. Also, there will be a lining, just to prevent the fabric from sticking to me.
And the fabric! The original is in a wool jersey. I thought for sure G Street Fabrics would have an outstanding collection from which to choose. I wish!! I was so disappointed. Even their cotton knits didn't have the range of colors I needed. So I resigned myself to going to JoAnns, which ended up having every color I needed.
The blue I found is a bit more royal than the original, and the yellow looks a bit orange-y, but I think it will all work. Right now, the biggest snag I'm encountering is that my wide-format printer seems to be on the fritz, so I'll have to print these on regular paper and tape them together. I've gotten so spoiled, not having to do that anymore.
I'm not going to do a real muslin; rather, I will cut out the pieces and baste them together and test the fit that way. My goal is to get the fit tweaked by Wednesday and get all the finishing work done by Thursday.
Now I need to find a pair of white Go-Go Boots to go with the dress, and I'll be all set!
The issue with this dress is its deceptive simplicity. The darts are cunningly rotated into the seams, so while it appears to be a series of flat rectangles, there's actually a fair bit of shaping going on.
Close analysis and a bit of playing around with Pattern Editor got me pretty far in designing the pattern:
And the fabric! The original is in a wool jersey. I thought for sure G Street Fabrics would have an outstanding collection from which to choose. I wish!! I was so disappointed. Even their cotton knits didn't have the range of colors I needed. So I resigned myself to going to JoAnns, which ended up having every color I needed.
The blue I found is a bit more royal than the original, and the yellow looks a bit orange-y, but I think it will all work. Right now, the biggest snag I'm encountering is that my wide-format printer seems to be on the fritz, so I'll have to print these on regular paper and tape them together. I've gotten so spoiled, not having to do that anymore.
I'm not going to do a real muslin; rather, I will cut out the pieces and baste them together and test the fit that way. My goal is to get the fit tweaked by Wednesday and get all the finishing work done by Thursday.
Now I need to find a pair of white Go-Go Boots to go with the dress, and I'll be all set!
I can't wait to see your finished dress. This is one of my favorite dresses of all times and I have been trying for at least a year to obtain an early Simplicity pattern that is very similar to this dress. How do you plan on doing the black bands?
ReplyDeleteEager to see this dress too. It is one of my all time favourites. I celebrate my 55 this weekend too....on Friday!!!!
ReplyDeleteAs for your hair style--a beehive? BJ
ReplyDeleteI think the colors are fine--after all, you can't really tell exact colors from a photo. Hair? That wasn't too far from the teased hair with bangs and flips, right?
ReplyDeletePhyllis Carlyle
Hello, I have made the original Vogue pattern, I am in awe that you would try to make this one from scratch. Can't wait to see it!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to get a copy of the original pattern. I'm not sure how to do it but could I buy a copy of it from you? I LOVE this dress.
DeleteNo that time has past, please show me the
ReplyDeletefinished product.
Tank you.
Amie
Amie, just look at this post:
ReplyDeletehttp://thereshesews.blogspot.com/2010/04/ysl-mondrian-dress-finished.html
What pattern is this?? Where did you get it??
ReplyDeleteJane, I drafted the pattern myself, starting with a sheath dress and slicing and dicing to get the color blocking. The trickiest thing was to rotate all the darts into the seams between the color blocks and the black sashing.
DeleteThanks!!! I am going to do it that way too!!!
ReplyDeleteeu tenho o original guardad a anos sonia
ReplyDeleteDo you really have the original? I would love to see pictures, especially how the inside is constructed.
DeleteI would love to get a pattern for this dress. Does anyone know how to find a vintage pattern?
ReplyDeleteSo nice. Where can I bye the pattern? I am from Denmark
ReplyDeleteRegards Elisa