UPDATE! I have now opened an Etsy store to sell this Swirl Dress Pattern PDF. You can find it here.
Now, for those that don't know, Swirl dresses are quite possibly the most wonderfully designed and comfortable dresses on the planet. I own several, and I live in them on the weekends.
This add basically says it all. You walk into it, do up the button, tie it around your waist and look fabulous and feel comfortable all day!
And what I really love about them is that they are all so different! They come in novelty prints:
This is a photo of Solanah from Vixen Vintage
And I'm pretty sure this dress she is wearing is now in my wardrobe!
(we have a vintage dealer friend in common - FabGabs)
All have pockets:
If they are in a plain fabric they are embellished:
They used different fabrics for the skirt and the bodice:
Basically, they are just all round fabulous!
This is Atomic Redhead
This same dress is also in my wardrobe I'm pretty sure
(via another friend in common with a shop - Simply Vintage)
So how is this sew-along going to work? I recently purchased this pattern on Etsy:
And I have just spent the last day and a bit turning that pattern into four different sized pdf patterns that I can send out to each of you that wish to participate. The sizes are as follows:
SMALL : Bust 32"-34", Waist 24"-26", Hips free
MEDIUM : Bust 36"-38", Waist 28"-30", Hips free
LARGE : Bust 40"-42", Waist 32"-34", Hips free
XLARGE : Bust 44"-46", Wasit 36"-38", Hips free
Please note that these measurements are your measurements, not the measurements of the garment, and the fit is quite adjustable given that it is a wrap dress. If you are between sizes its going to depend on how you like your fit - fitted? size down, blousey? size up.
By now I'm hoping that you are super excited and want to find out how to get yourself a copy of the pattern and join in the fun!!!
I am going to give everyone a couple of weeks to get organised, so the sew-along will start on the 29th of October. There is going to be a small charge of US$6 to get a copy of the pattern in an attempt to recover my time and materials in making the pattern. I hope everyone is ok with that...
To join in, comment below with your email address and I will send you an invoice for the US$6, or, send an email to sewretrorose(at)gmail.com with your email address. When you've paid I will email you the pattern. EASY!
I really REALLY hope that everyone joins in the fun. When all the instructions are posted (I think I'll do three posts a week) I'll give everyone a couple of weeks to finish and I'll do a blog post with photos of everyone's finished dresses. OH! And I'm going to make a facebook group for everyone that joins so that we can all talk and ask questions and post photos and make friends!
Please join in!!
Beccie
xxx
I am SO in! I will send you the $6 shortly. Cannot wait!
ReplyDeleteI totally want to try this! Trustme247520(at)gmail .com
ReplyDeleteEmailing tonite! So excited about this sewalong!
ReplyDeleteI was on the fence, but the more I look at the dress, the more I want to make it! This is going to be my first sewalong!
ReplyDeletegirliefrank(at)hotmail(dot)com
Thanks for hosting!!!
Angela Wicentowich
I've been pretty uninspired about the patterns in my stash. This might be the push I need!
ReplyDeleteI have a totally mature email address left over from my mid teen years...
miss.m.sparkles[at]gmail.com
Woo hoo! Let's do this. :D
M.
I love swirls so I'm in! joh_369@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteYes please!!! terryheth11@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteSorry if repeated said error 1st attempt?
Yes please. Email address is suzicharlie@btinternet.com. Thanks x
ReplyDeleteThird time lucky, my post keeps getting eaten. winter . Georgia at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteYes please! reloveddecor@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI own a few Swirl dresses too and am really looking forward to making one myself to join them. Thank you for all your hard work.
ReplyDeleteAnnabel
Vintage78DJ@hotmail.co.uk
Yes!! miss.zwatanika@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteLynn dot potts at gmail dot com trying again as I can't see my previous comment :)
ReplyDeleteI'd love to have a go! I own one original swirl dress which I love. My email is Tracy.holroyd-smith AT virgin.net
ReplyDeleteid love to give it a try though im nervous about it lol
ReplyDeleterebecca74 at club-internet dot fr
Absolutely in! magdalenesmuse@gmail.com This looks like a very exciting project. Must consult my vintage fabric dealer door supplies.
ReplyDeleteI have a most beautiful swirl dress (black with red roses, it's so sweet) but it doesn't fit me. It goes around me but the back doesn't sit flat. I am short bodied and i think this causes the back to "buckle" and gape quite bit. I also have a sway back, eg a very big dip in and out at the base of may back. It's annoying and it means the dress is for sale soon. I do wonder if I can actually make one that fits, what do you think?
ReplyDeleteYou definitely could Ladan. For a start, if you make one yourself you can shorten the bodice so the waist sits at your waist, which should help the buckling and gaping at the back. You could also investigate doing a sway back adjustment on the pattern to fix your second 'issue'. If decide you want to join in, just let me know :)
DeleteSounds great! dianahaslerum@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteOh I'd love to join it! I've been trying to work out how I might draft one for myself. But this makes it so much easier!
ReplyDeletemy email is imogheena at gmail :-)
Am so excited about this niki.brailsford@yahoo.co.uk
ReplyDeleteYes please! nay_11@yahoo.com.au
ReplyDeleteI've just emailed you- look forward to starting
ReplyDeleteI would love to join in boobookittyflick@live.com.au
ReplyDeleteEmailed you
ReplyDelete*wild muppet arms*
ReplyDeleteYES! Yes, please!!! This sounds like such fun!
crashsite3@juno.com
I lol'd at the wild muppet arms comment Lauren... hahahaha
DeleteLauren, it made me happy to see *wild muppet arms*. I use this phrase every time it's appropriate!
DeleteI'm excited! My email address is creationsbycarm@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteYay! Mine is shermy (@) shangrilash.com
ReplyDeleteMinus the brackets!
I can't believe I'm applying ! Such a commitment ! Never participated in a sew along (although I follow them avidly) but it might be the kick in the tush I need to actually stop just hoarding fabric and patterns and actually get on with sewing ! (especially now my step-father has tuned my good old Singer Starlet to tickety boo !) I would be a medium at queenosaba@hotmail.com -----how exciting !
ReplyDeleteHot dang!
ReplyDeleteI am sew in. Think . . . to sew with Beccie L.; girl, I feel honored. lovinlocks@cheerful.com
Cheers,
Lyric
http://www.sewlyicallyvintage.wordpress.com
Hi everyone! I have just sent out the first round of invoices (59 people! I am blown away!!). If you haven't got yours it means I made a typo, so please send me an email or comment here :)
ReplyDeleteooh can't resist a wrap. dyan.reaveley@yahoo.com thanks
ReplyDeleteI love my Swirls, I'm in. kathrynehodges@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to try this, looks so cute!
ReplyDeletespiritkitten@yahoo.com
I am in! Ladydeguerre at gmail.com
ReplyDeleteSign me in iriskapet@hotmail.com
ReplyDeletePetra
Please include me in the second round of invoices! I'm excited to join in. jeanniewrites @ gmail .com
ReplyDeleteLet's do it! sandracox67@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThank you, sounds like fun! Dottiesclothesline@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI'm interested!
ReplyDeleteMiss.susiem@hotmail.com
I'm in as well! sob7@optusnet.com.au
ReplyDeleteYes please.
ReplyDeleteSandyiels@hotmail.com
Second round of invoices has gone out - I am up to 80 people!!!
ReplyDeleteOnce again, if you haven't got your invoice, please let me know - it means I've made a typo :)
I'm in! Littleredwrites@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteME ME ME ME MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
ReplyDeletehifallutin72@yahoo.com
Yes please :) I've never sewn anything before so will be getting mum to help me. Is it okay that I am in the UK?
ReplyDeletedreximgirl@yahoo.co.uk
yes please.... little.bluefrog@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteOoh, would love to join in! Mine is morgana.bailey@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of these dresses before, they look great! Would love to try one! :D
Me either, Ms. Bailey. I had never heard of them. At first I thought Beccie was talking about that dress that is one piece but wraps around the front then wraps around the back (can't think of the name); however, people were blogging about how bad many gals looked in it.
DeleteI'm excited!
I'm excited too! :D
DeleteHmm, is the other dress you're talking about that "one hour dress" that was a 50s pattern, possibly from Vogue? (Can't remember). It sort of wrapped around and looked great in the picture, but rather shapeless in real life when most people tried it!
I believe so, Morgana. And 'tween you and me, the hard-headed gal that I am . . . I still want to make one. I have this notion that I'm sorta, kinda cute.
DeleteCan't wait :D
ReplyDeletejust in time for summer!
melly@internode.on.net
Excuse me whilst I froth at the mouth!
ReplyDeleteHow long does an invoice last for? I'm down to my last few pennies until payday Friday - would I be able to pay the invoice then?
melodymae[at]me[dot]com
I'm so in and so excited! kacyburchfield(at)gmail(dot)com!!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like fun! Email me at loranwatkins(at)gmail(dot)com.
ReplyDeleteHurrah, just got my invoice! :D
ReplyDeleteOne question though: will you be including in the pattern PDF that little test square of 1 inch (or bit of a tape measure, or whatever) to check that the pattern printed out correctly at the right size? I ask because some PDF patterns don't include them, and I've had problems in the past with my printer saying it's printing something out at 100%, when it actually isn't - that little square is really helpful to double check it's worked!
Hi Morgana - no I didn't do that, although that is a brilliant idea. My patterns weren't done electronically, they were done by me and some textas.... so possibly not as professional as you are used to!
DeleteNever mind, I'm sure it will be fine! It's a really helpful thing to include for future reference though - as printers can be weird that way!
DeleteI was wondering the same question and figured I'd better come and check versus running ahead and asking. I'm at the library right now with the pattern in another window to be printed. I'm nervous to hit the "print" button because I'm using the last of my lil spending monies to print this out and I'm nervous that the library's printers won't be configured correctly. Yikes!!, LOL.
DeleteStill excited! Been hoping last four days to shop my stash but stuff keeps getting in the way, grrrr. Really, I don't believe I have an "extra" 4.5 yards of fabric lying around truth be told. Darn, guess I'll have to purchase new, huh! ;-)
It printed just fine!!! Now, to find some fabric, yippppeeeee!!!!
DeleteI can't resist this! alexandrabryant@hotmail.com x
ReplyDeletecount me in! carlyndal@hotmail.com. Also i dont have paypal, can you do direct deposit?
ReplyDeleteIt depends if you are in Australia or not honey - PM me. But, you can pay a paypal invoice without a paypal account, you just need a credit card :)
DeleteI'd love to join in! I'll need to go through my fabric stash to see what I have that will work. Please send the pattern invoice here durhamlass1758@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThanks a bunch!
-Emily
I would love to be included! More than happy to pay $6 for the pattern!
ReplyDeletePlease invoice me at peacefulinsanity@gmail.com
Hi Beccie, please include me too, my email address Janeinness@hotmail.com, thank you.
ReplyDeleteA vintage dress in my size with NO zippers or buttons?! Count me in, please! cs_bicheler@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI can't join in the sew along, as I am working on packing up my home to sell, but I would love a copy of the pattern! Stmedeiros@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteHi Beccie
ReplyDeleteCount me in.
alenesmum@btinternet.com
thanks for doing this. Natalie. x
I would like to be apart of the sew along too! Sounds Fun! Also would like a PDF copy in Large! mrsnathancompton@Gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThanks! <3
I'd like to take part also. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteMelissa
mborromeo@comcast.net
I forgot to tell you - size medium.
DeleteI don't see an invoice in my inbox. Can you please send again?
DeleteJust sent again :)
DeleteGot it and paid it...and forgot to include the note on PayPal asking for a size medium.
DeleteI'd like to join the sew-along too. Thanks for your effort!
ReplyDeleteI think I take a size M will still be OK, even after my Tuscan holiday it might be a wee bit snug around the waist… ;-)
Could you kindly invoice me? I think you still have my e-mail, otherwise just let me know.
xxx Doris
The Facebook link: am I to be waiting for one or go on over there and hunt around? Thought we were going to be dialoguing about the sew-a-long?
ReplyDeleteIts a secret group - so I don't think you can find it. Once you've paid your invoice and received your pattern, you should have got a link to your email address.... Let me know if you haven't got it
DeleteI would love to join in! Size medium to
ReplyDeletemeghan_redmile@hotmail.com for Paypal ;)
I'd love to join in to if it's not too late! jocelyn.lynch1@gmail.com, size XL please and thank you!
ReplyDeleteI would love to join in on the sew-a-long. immalooney@msn.com
ReplyDeleteI know I am very late to the sew-a-long party, but can I still get a copy of the pdf pattern in small please? Fingers crossed, thank you e.schmitz@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI know I am late but I'd love to join! andrea.leathley (at) gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI'm very late bout would love to join in blacklace81@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHi, I just found this blog.. I know your sew along is over..But, I love,love this dress. are you still selling the pdf pattern? I would love to buy one, if possible. My email is kennycoke@ripleycable.net
ReplyDeleteThank you, Judy
Hi
ReplyDeleteI have also just found this site and adore this pattern, would love to get a copy, my email address is paula.fwdburr@gmail.com
Merry Christmas
Psula
Oh my goodness! Just found your site and would love to grab a copy of this dress pattern if still available. Email is muggs_diva(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHi! Would love a copy of the XL PDF and happy to pay for your time and trouble ! So sorry I'm so late but I just at found your blog and I love it!
ReplyDeleteAre you still selling the pattern? I would love one in XL! I'm at girlgeek80(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHi Beccie, I would love to purchase your beautiful swirl dress pattern in XL if you are still selling them. kateinness11@ gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHi Beccie! If you're still doing this, I'd love to buy patterns (likely two sizes). Email is liseah@hotmail.com. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteOh, just found your blog! Are you still offering this pattern to buy? Would love to make myself one. My email is cate@vintagegal.co.uk. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLove this pattern! If you're still sellin', I'm buyin'! XL please.
ReplyDeleteMy email is mitzi.melville@yahoo.com
Dear Beccie,
ReplyDeleteI would love to purchase your beautiful swirl dress pattern in M or L if you are still selling them. My bust is something between 38" and 40"
dianimini@googlemail.com
I really do love your ideas and tutorials
Love
Diana
Super hoping you're still selling this pattern-- I have been wanting to make myself a Swirl for ages! My email:
ReplyDeletehollimichele@gmail.com
Like Nona, I'm hoping that you're still doing this, because I would love to make a Swirl! My email is aspiring.star@gmail.com.
ReplyDeleteI would love to make this dress. is there anyway I can get a copy of the pattern? I have been looking for one and can not find anything. Please let me know immalooney@msn.com
ReplyDeleteAny way I could get this pattern still for a Large? My email address is Dottie@modernkiddo.com
ReplyDeleteHas anyone gotten the pattern??
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIs it possible to do this challenge still? Are directions available?
ReplyDelete