The Miss Dixie O’Dare Australian Home Journal sew along, Sun Frock 7448, was such a fun learning experience.
This project was a first for me, sewing from a real vintage pattern and not a modern reproduction. I really must congratulate Miss Dixie O’Dare for the fantastic work she did in pattern grading this vintage design, which is from the Australian Home Journal October 1949 issue. Not going to lie, reading the directions for this pattern took me a beat to understand. Without the additional diagrams modern seamstresses have become accustomed to, Dixie did a great job through her blog to shepherd everyone to an amazing frock!
I decided to sew with an acetate satin which really called to me when I spotted it at Britex Fabrics. The satin has a wonderful hand and the drape is lovely, but I decided to sew with the non-glossy, muted side. Most seams have been pinked, with the hem being finished off with seam binding. The bodice trimming is made with bias binding made using the glossy, satin side of the fabric.
Changes I initially made were minimal, but for the next iteration of this dress I’ll have to go back to the drafting stage, big time. Changes will include:
- Dropping the front bodice dart point by at least 2 inches
- Shortening the front bodice by 3/4 inch
- Adding more ease to the bodice
- Attaching pockets; I didn’t think they would go with this particular fabric
My primary challenge came in the form of the buttonholes– which I practiced and made a ton of, but for some reason still look awful. Needlessly said, I’ll be practicing bound button holes until I can perfect them. Also, I placed the button holes too close to the back seam. This project definitely allowed me to learn a lot about the space bound button holes require, as well as the bulk they add.
Regardless, I’m really happy to have finally tried the Miss Dixie O’Dare Australian Home Journal sew along considering how widely popular the publication is and how beautiful the patterns are. This magazine seems to be in the vein of required vintage sewing, so this was a fun first try. I can’t wait to get this pattern to where it needs to be in the future and to try more designs from this legendary magazine. Thanks again, Dixie!
Discover More Vintage Sewing
Hello Bianca:
That fabric looks yummy; so dressy/classy. As for bound buttonholes . . . . ay yi yi. It’s on my “to do” list. Beccie of Sew Retro Rose had a sew-a-long with one of Decades of Style’s 40s top and she taught BB step one to end. I was over projected at the time but sure wish I would have paid attention. I am of the opinion that they get better with practice and as one with an ancient hand crank sewing machine I would do well to learn them and learn them well.
I too was going to attempt them with this frock and decided to not tax myself and simply put in an invisible zipper.
By 2016 end I am claiming expert status at applying bound buttonholes though. Yep; I’m a gonna do it.
Cheers,
Lyric
Thanks!
I absolutely agree that the bound button holes will eventually get better with time- but it’s definitely hard to see them all wonky in the meantime! If you’re rocking a hand crank machine, I’m sure the completed button holes will look amazing! Are you doing the button holes by hand currently?
Either way, being pro at bound buttonholes by the end of 2016 is an excellent goal! I might join you in it as well!!