Dreaming in Pink (McCall\’s 7549 & Simplicity 7957)

 

I knew when I set out to make my leather jacket that I wanted to make a full practice garment (in addition to a muslin). I\’m not a quilter, and so I wanted to be able to practice quilting before I started in on leather, which shows every hole–no room for error! I wasn\’t sure what I should make, though, because a quilted cotton jacket is a little too handcraft-y for me generally and I couldn\’t think of a fabric I would love (besides leather, or course). I then stumbled across the idea of making a quilted bed jacket while re-watching a few beloved episodes of the Dick Van Dyke show in honor of Mary Tyler Moore\’s death. She always looks so put together in her little twin bed, and maybe, just maybe, I would look like that (minus, you know, the perfect hair, perfect makeup, and perfect comedic timing) if I had a sweet little jacket to slip on over my frilly nightgown… aaand all of a sudden I needed a nightgown pattern too!

My bed jacket is made with ballet slipper pink silk/cotton, the remnants from my wedding dress. You really only need about a yard and a half of fabric for this project (don\’t be fooled by the yardage on the envelope) and all the pieces are small because of the piecing, so I was able to squeeze it out of my larger scraps. I used the same construction order as I did for my leather jacket (details here) and learned how to use the seam guide for even quilting during this project, (knowledge which I used extensively in constructing my leather version). The only change to the pattern itself between this one and the leather one is the addition of two simple bow ties in front. Just goes to show what a difference fabric can make! (I\’m wearing it with a vintage nightgown I picked up at a local shop, not my handmade nightgown–because it really matches perfectly.)

Of all the sweet little 60s nightgowns on etsy, I chose Simplicity 5001 for two reasons: first, it seemed very easy to make (essential when you\’re thinking of making multiples). I love my menswear-style Carolyn pajamas but they are a real project. A simple a-line nightgown with a little bit of lace is an easy–and pretty!–alternative. Second, it has a few options, included sleeved and sleeveless versions of the nightgown and short or 3/4 options for the robe (which looks a LOT like the pattern for my pink bow coat, don\’t you think?).

Unfortunately, when it came in, the nightgown pieces were all missing! In all my years of purchasing patterns on etsy, this is the first time that has happened. (ps: I\’m working on a \”how to buy vintage patterns post\” that I hope to publish this month or in April.) The seller refunded me quickly, so it wasn\’t a big deal, but then I had to pick another pattern. I went with the very similar pattern Simplicity 7957; although 5001 is definitely early or mid 60s, and 7957 is from 1968, they\’re both v-neck, a-line nightgowns with lace trim. I actually love the robe that comes with this second one, it has a self-fabric or wide lace ruffle along the front and I\’d love to make it if I have enough fabric, I have to check. I actually ordered this seersucker to make a day dress, but wasn\’t 100% on the color–it\’s a bit dark/cool. Not exactly what I was looking for, but perfect for pajamas! So in the end, a second choice pattern and not-quite-perfect fabric, put together to make a lovely nightgown!

Do you order patterns on etsy? If so, has this ever happened to you? I think it must be pretty rare since I\’ve ordered so many patterns and never had an issue until now! Have you ever made a pattern with two totally different fabrics, like leather and silk, or do you stick to the suggested materials list? 🙂

xoxo,

allie