This past year I was lucky enough to attend a showing of The Love Witch, which I then immediately
added to both my amazon cart and also my \”Allie\’s Favorite Movies\” list. While the more campy aspects of the movie may or may not be to your liking, I (unsuprisingly) loved loved loved the costumes worn by Samantha Robinson, who plays Elaine, the main character and titular Love Witch. They are mostly late-60s/70s and Anna Biller, the director, made some of them herself using vintage patterns! I even bought a similar pattern to one of the costumes and intended to make it but I couldn\’t figure out how I would wear it and not look like, well, costumey.
Although Vogue 1558 is not a vintage or retro pattern, and honestly doesn\’t look much like any single dress from the movie, I think the long, pleated sleeves, midi length, and high neck give it the same feel as a lot of the 60s/70s Edwardian-ish dresses–with none of the over-the-top frills. Streamlined seventies? Yes, please. And in a knit? Even better–this dress is a dream to wear and swishes around beautifully.
The sample for this Rachel Comey dress is made in a silk jersey with an all-over print in red and shades of blue, which is gorgeous, but doesn\’t show off the interesting pleating that really makes this dress unique–I think this pattern really shines in a solid. The details at front and back waist are so flattering and y\’all know I love a raglan sleeve! I was a little nervous going into this project, since I very rarely use Vogue patterns–for some reason they\’re intimidating to me–and I\’d never made a designer Vogue pattern. In fact, it was very simple to make; if you have made other knit dresses or tees before and are confident about pleats, you can make this dress without issue. This is a size 10, one size down from my \”body measurements\” size as usual, and made without alterations besides shortening the skirt by about 4 inches (I cut off 5\” but took a shallower hem than called for). Personally, I followed the instructions to the letter, but I heard from a couple of people who even left out the zipper… make sure you use a stretchy fabric with great recovery if you go that way since you want to be able to get it over your head!
Now that I\’m feeling more confident about Vogue patterns I have my eye on some of their holiday releases–view B of this one would be gorgeous work as a top paired with a full skirt, right??–so this dress won\’t be the last Vogue pattern you see on this site! Do you have a favorite McCall Pattern Company brand? I used to wonder why they had three brands under one umbrella but I do think that Vogue, Butterick, and McCall\’s have different aesthetics… which one do you like best?
xoxo,
VERY pretty! And the shoot location is a great compliment to this dress
I love the color but I must say I'm not fond of this dress pattern. To me, there is just too much fabric and it looks bulky. I don't think it does anything for you compared to other garments I have seen you in. I'd take it apart and perhaps make the bottom section into a skirt that is a little less full. could never wear this as it looks hot and scratchy. Sorry to be a downer.
Thank you! I love the fall colors 🙂
The colour is gorgeous! I love the photos too.
I was definitely hot since it was about 80 degrees on the day I took these pictures–fall in the south! I used a rayon and the sample is in silk so it's definitely not scratchy! I think the skirt alone would be beautiful, and I thought while making it that I would love to see the top hacked onto a knit pencil skirt. That's not my style but it could be really glam!
Opinions on making this with a woven, considering the zip? I have this fantasy of an emerald green sheer version of this dress in my head but I haven't seen enough reviews yet.
My original thought was to make a sheer black version! When I asked McCall's they said making it in a woven was a \”firm no\” but you could always try it out! I think if you sized up you could make a muslin and fiddle with it a little to make it work… and let me know how it goes! 😉
Thank you!
Although it would totally work if you could find a stretch mesh, and that would be sheer!
I love that this is vaguely retro but not overtly A COSTUME. As always, this color looks great on you and I agree that the solid fabric you chose really helps the details of this great pattern shine! I have ALSO been eyeing that view B of V9291, but I told myself it would be too difficult to fit/might feel rumpled and frumpy if I don't choose a satin or silk, which sound annoying to work with in this application. sigh. Maybe you can sew it on my behalf and I can live vicariously through you!
I just love this color on you! And way to tackle a knit and a Vogue pattern in one make
Very nice homage to the Love Witch – I haven't seen it, but your post about it was intriguing! I really gravitate towards Vogue patterns, I like the more \”designer\” elements and that they don't shy away from trickier finishings – although I do sometimes wonder if they are tricky for the sake of being tricky! And McCalls I like for basics, though I haven't sewn any in little while.
Pretty in pink! I happen to love the dress (in a solid color) and purchased the pattern in the last all-brand McCall's sale. Vogue is my favorite, but I've had great luck with McCall's and Butterick patterns, too. I fit most things out of the envelope, with only a length adjustment or two. Do give more of their patterns a try!
For some reason, I always buy mccalls. It feels more casual. I like the perfect fit / Palmer patterns. Never bought butterick.
Love this! very glam, and you got the perfect light for a vaguely 70s shoot, you look great 🙂