Butterick 3495, Size 10 - 1970's

Sometimes I enjoy making girls' clothing more than anything else because it leaves a lot of room for creative flow. This pattern should be a perfect example of that as I turned the vest and trousers into a sleepwear set. I had an idea for that since the very first time I held this pattern in my hands.

---

Dress with Tiebelt

I always feel the best way to turn an old pattern into a modern creation is to use a dark colour or, at the very least, a fabric with an attractive print.

I was primarily looking for a bright coral red fabric, so it felt like hitting the jackpot when I found this coral red with a blue/purple/green floral print on it, especially since this was the very last piece of this roll just tossed back onto the shelf. The exact amount of fabric I needed for the dress. If that wasn't a sign that the sewing fairies were with me, I don't know what is.

Because the fabric is in a red shade I thought that choosing red buttons should be OK to use, but something about that just put me off. I then decided to go with one of the contrast colours of the fabric. Since blue is the most prominent contrast colour of the fabric I looked for that colour. The first interesting blue button I picked up I held against the fabric and it was like a match made in heaven happening right before me. I love these buttons with the fabric. Just love it!!

---

I really liked the look of the vest with the trousers. But, let's face it, it's just not a look girls the age of 10 wear.

Plan B; It's a perfect look for a pajama set. I had some off-white stretch satin in the cupboard the exact amount needed for the vest. All I needed to get was fabric for the trousers and the tie belt. And the best way to make it look like a set is to use a contrast colour for not only the trousers, but also for the buttons and tie belt.

It came out rather good looking, if I say so myself.