Simplicity 3039 - a full-skirted shirtdress from 1959

I recently finished a 1959 Shirtdress with a full skirt that has darling little pleats in clusters of four.  This is my first full-skirted number, and as you can see I am a little afraid of an underskirt at this stage - give me a few days!

Here is the pattern - Simplicity 3039:

I'm calling it my Coal-Miner's Daughter dress, and I have posted the story behind the name and additional construction details on my blog if you'd like to read more.

Happy New Year to you all!

~a sixties shift - butterick 4598~

Hi all!  I recently finished Butterick 4598, a rectangular shift dress from the late 60's.

If you like angles and squares, you'll like this!  It has square armholes, a triangular keyhole with buttoned tab fastening, and slot pockets in the side front seams.  It is remarkably flattering considering it has little shape, and I love the pockets which I cannot keep my hands out of!

I have posted more pictures and details on my blog pattern~scissors~cloth if you want to see more!

I thought it was interesting that the pattern was not as mini as I expected it to be - despite being depicted above the knee, it sits on the knee on me and I am average height at 5'6".  I found this with my last 60's pattern too - is it a myth that everything was short back then?  What have others experienced?

Tweed 60's Shift Dress

Hi Everyone - I'm Sherry and I've just joined Sew Retro after being inspired by all your marvellous vintage creations! 

I love the styles of the 1960's and have a few retro patterns that I am working my way through.  I've just completed Style 3109 shift dress in a wool/silk tweed fabric.  Although the pattern is dated 1971, it still has a definite sixties influence, don't you think?

I have posted more pictures and some of my process on my blog: pattern ~ scissors ~ cloth

Happy sewing!