Vintage Simplicity 7763

I love a versatile sewing pattern. So when I found this gem at a local op-shop, I quickly snaffled it up! Perfect for tank tops, shirts and dresses.

Vintage Simplicity 7763

Did you know that older patterns were all sold by size? Me neither (mental note for next time).  Luckily the pattern was the right size anyway. Phew.

If you haven’t done much sewing before, I highly recommend starting with following a pattern. You will learn lots of skills and techniques along the way that will bode well for future sewing.

If you want this look but can’t find the pattern, try Simplicity 1776:

Just skip the pockets and add a belt

If buying a pattern second hand, you can’t always guarantee that all the pieces will be there. It’s worth opening it all up to count the pieces before purchasing, if you’re able.

Fortunately, the pattern I got was only missing the front and back facings. Of all the pattern pieces, these are the easiest to draw up yourself, so it’s not a big deal.

Missing Pieces – How to Draw a Facing

I was missing the neck facings on both front and back panels. So I laid out the body pattern pieces (front and back) on top of some paper and traced around the neck edge and across the shoulder seam on each of them.

Then, I measured about 2 inches (10 cm) from the neck edge along the shoulder. Draw a line, the same distance away, following the neck line from this point all the way around to the centre edge.

That’s it! Cut it out and that’s your facing. It’s just an exact mirror of the main pattern (or at least a small portion of it) to be sewn onto the inside edge.

Total cost: $20 (polyester fabric – feels like silk! – from Spotlight and vintage pattern)

Difficulty: Easy. Especially because I skipped the zip and just sewed up the back seam.

Time: 3-4 hours

Notes: The arm facings don’t sit very flat and could be a problem with nowhere to tack them onto at the back. I’ll just be mindful of them when getting dressed.