Style 2685: fitted, finished and just fine

Style 2685 finished modelled 1

The yellow dress I started for my favourite 10 year old last weekend is now officially finished. She likes it. The pattern is from 1979, which she considers “olden days”.

Style 2685 pattern envelope View 3


I thought when I was sewing it, the gathering didn’t seem very full. Although my fabric is a bit crisper than the dress is designed for, the gathering doesn’t seem as full as the drawing. The sleeve looks more like a cap sleeve than the fluttery sleeve in the envelope illustration.

Style 2685 finished sleeve gathers

I had to manufacture a collar pattern because the pattern piece was missing, but this didn’t turn out to be a big deal at all.


The waist elastic is threaded through a casing made of bias binding.

Style 2685 finished interior casing


We had a pink patent plaited belt from the op shop which suited the fabric perfectly.

Style 2685 finished modelled 2 with belt

Would I make this pattern again? Yes, with a small change: I would make the bodice and skirt both a bit longer so I could take a bigger hem.

Style 2685 finished modelled 4 back view
Style 2685 finished modelled 6

As I shared last week, I don’t sew many things for my children, but Book Week is looming at the end of this month and I think my sewing services will be required.

Cheers!

4 Comments

  1. Adele on August 12, 2019 at 4:18 pm

    I love it when I find Style patterns in the op shops. Ahh, the memories :-). They disappeared sometime in the 80s or 90s, didn’t they?

    The poplin fabric suits the pattern well. It brings out the flare of the skirt and sleeves beautifully. By contrast, the pattern illustrations look a little droopy.

    • lizhaywood on August 12, 2019 at 9:05 pm

      Yes, many people including me have a soft spot for Style patterns. Were they part of Simplicity?
      I thought the pattern reflected the 1930’s trend that appeared the 1970’s – fluid fabrics, flutter sleeves, flared skirts etc. Mine doesn’t look much like the illustration but I’m happy with it. I like the poplin too; it’s a good fabric for a girl’s dress.

  2. Lisa on August 12, 2019 at 10:14 pm

    I like the elastic waist casing idea- I’ll have to try that next time for an elasticated skirt!

    • lizhaywood on August 13, 2019 at 8:45 am

      Cheers Lisa. Hot tip: check the position before sewing the casing on.

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