Thursday, April 02, 2015

Review: Vintage Simplicity 9704 | A Polka Dot Halter Wrap Dress!

Erica B's DIY Style: Vtg Simplicity 9704 Halter Wrap Dress made in Ralph Lauren Polka Dot Silk Crepe from Mood Fabrics.com
I've been really having an eye for vintage patterns lately.  I especially like the ones from the 1970s.  This one is dated 1980, so it still has that late 70s vibe.
Vintage Simplicity Patterns 9704  - Halter Wrap Dress -- Erica B's DIY Style
This pattern is Simplicity 9704 - Jonathan Hitchcock for Reuben Thomas front wrap dress with pleated front closing skirt and curved hemline. Tie neckline.
Erica B's DIY Style: Vtg Simplicity 9704 Halter Wrap Dress made in Ralph Lauren Polka Dot Silk Crepe from Mood Fabrics.com
I knew that I wanted to make this dress in a silk crepe, so when I started my search of fabrics I lucked up on this gorgeous Ralph Lauren Dark Blue (more like cobalt) Polka Dot Silk Crepe from MoodFabrics.com.  The hand of this fabric is incredible. 
Erica B's DIY Style: Vtg Simplicity 9704 Halter Wrap Dress made in Ralph Lauren Polka Dot Silk Crepe from Mood Fabrics.com
For my vintage pattern, I used the size 14 -- there is only a single size in the envelope.  The size seems to fall more in line with a modern size 12.  And I was glad of that because I didn't have to make a single alteration to the pattern.   
Erica B's DIY Style: Vtg Simplicity 9704 Halter Wrap Dress made in Ralph Lauren Polka Dot Silk Crepe from Mood Fabrics.com
Silk crepe is my favorite fabric and I live in silk pieces during the spring and summer.  And this fabric is exceptional.  The weight of it made it so easy to cut.  And I sewed it as usual with a Microtex needle. 
The bodice is self-lined and the skirt is not.  The skirt is sewn at the center back and I used a French seam.  The sides of the skirt are shaped with curved darts.  And I used small snaps for closures.  I also added one to the center front of the bodice to hold it together to prevent a major wardrobe malfunction.
Erica B's DIY Style: Vtg Simplicity 9704 Halter Wrap Dress made in Ralph Lauren Polka Dot Silk Crepe from Mood Fabrics.com
Since the inside shows, I'm glad I made a French seam.  And the curved hem is done with a narrow hem and creates a beautiful drape.  This pattern was so easy to make, I feel I will make another one before summer is over.

53 comments:

  1. You teased us with this on Instagram and I was wondering when it would show up here! This is so disco 70s cool! What a great dress! Definitely make another one.

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    1. Yes! It gave me Studio 54! Thanks Carolyn!

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  2. What a great pattern score! Your fabric is gorgeous too. Well done!

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  3. So pretty. I’ve got a RTW RL blouse made from that same (or very similar) fabric. And you’re right, the hand is incredible. I love RL silk, it’s always nice and heavy and washes like a dream.

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  4. Absolutely gorgeous! You did a fab job, love love the color on you.

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  5. Very beautiful. You look great in it.

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  6. Gorgeous. Gosh you have lost so much weight, looking svelte girlfriend.

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  7. why the microtex needle?

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    1. You should ALWAYS use sharp/Microtex needles when sewing silk. The silk fibers will dull a needle fast. And depending on how large and much sewing a silk project will require, you may need to change the needle.

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    2. Ooo thanks for that info.

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  8. Gorgeous dress, and the color looks great on you.

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  9. Jaw dropping gorgeous. Very, very elegant dress. I am trailing behind you on vintage pattern scores - Vogue 1023 and now scouting S9704.

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  10. Very lovely! And the color is so vibrant!

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  11. Beautiful! I love the gorgeous blue silk but I am really in love with that pattern. What a cool vintage look!

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  12. I love this silk fabric and that vintage pattern is so stylish for 2015. Thanks for the workout inspiration, I have been hitting the gym, pavement, Jillian Michaels DVD more.

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  13. You look sensational!! Funny to see this pattern made up, I still have it in my pattern stash!

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    1. It was a great find! Thanks Virginie!

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  14. I love the color and the style of this dress. Very pretty look on you.

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  15. Oh my god. You look/this is AMAZING! Would you mind my asking what style of bra worked with this pattern, if any? I mean, strapless, obviously, but it also looks quite low-cut. If you have found a good bra that works with this, I would love a recommendation! I'm always on the lookout.

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    1. I was good... I didn't worry about one! Thanks Genevieve!

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    2. Ah well thank you for the info!

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  16. The fabric is beautiful, perfect fit, great color and you look fabulous in it, you make vintage look very modern.

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  17. Anonymous8:52 PM

    Absolutely gorgeous! You are on fire!

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  18. You've hit it out of the park on this one. By the way, all of your hard work has not gone unnoticed...You look amazing!

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  19. Love that dress! Amazing colour!
    ♥♥♥
    Jeanne
    http://fashionmusingsdiary.com

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  20. Oooooh my gosh, this looks amazing! You go, girl!

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  21. Anonymous10:25 AM

    Wow, I love it! The fit, the color, the shape of the dress, everything! Yay, that you didn't need to make fitting adjustments. Great job!

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  22. Gorgeous dress! You and that pattern and that fabric were meant to be together!

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