Cotton lawn dress from Givenchy 1970’s pattern

DressmakingSpringStyleSewing with vintage patterns
Written By Frances Lawrence

TOTAL TIME COMMITMENT: 20.5 hours

Cut out & transfer all pattern markings: 5 hours

Main construction: 10 hours

Lining construction: none

Finishings (buttons, hem): 5.5 hours

ADDITIONAL SEAM FINISHING, CONSTRUCTION NOTES & EXTRAS

  • 4x side seams, armscye & pocket bags – bias bind together

  • Pocket-to-dress seam – French seam

  • Underarm – French seam

  • Shoulder seam – bias bind each side separately

  • Sleeve seam – French seam

VERDICT & LESSONS LEARNT

I find this fabric a bit ‘busy’ for my liking though I can’t pinpoint why………..I also think it really needs to be made in a plain fabric to really see those beautiful released tucks down the bodice.

VARIATION IDEAS FOR ANOTHER MAKE

  • Add a collar, turning the original mandarin collar into a collar stand?

  • Make in teal single wool crepe

  • Turn the sleeve into a half sleeve

Similar Makes

First attempt making this pattern

Made December 2020

Herringbone wool

Frances Lawrence
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