1950's Monkey Dress ☆ Project Vlog and Pattern Review // Vouge V8789

[@marynapier2007]

I love the fabric and it makes a beautiful dress. I'm 68 years old and definitely grew up in the 50's and 60's. My mother made a lot of my clothes and I swear I had that very dress made in several different fabrics. I have been watching your channel for awhile now. You are a very talented and artistic young lady.

[@mightyaxolotl74]

Hello Mary :) I wonder how it feels to see young people more and more into 50-60's fashion and aesthetic ? I imagine it's a little strange but I wonder :) Have a nice day, kisses from France

[@traceymcintyre6265]

The dress is beautiful and it really suits you!!!! AND you are a very talented young lady!!

[@nurmihusa7780]

In the fifties, the New Look featured a very cinched waist compared to (ahem) upstairs and downstairs. Think of the 1850-1860s silhouette that inspired the 50s designers. I suspect the "extra" fabric in the back.might not seem so bulky with a more extreme approach to corsetting. Remember this is a VOGUE pattern so it was aimed at woman more committed to a more designer look than say, a Simplicity woman. Fifties design, although closer to today than an 1880s bustle, is still historical costuming. A fifties period woman's approach to corsets and underclothes is more informed by her grandmother's approach than you might imagine. After all the shortages of the war years, fifties design was all about lusciousness and exuberance.

[@charliesoutherton4249]

it was the romantic era of fashion, the innocent time and for the wealthy or people with enough money to enjoy life to the full without the feeling of guilt. also the reason why 50's styled dress patterns have so much ease is because women back then wore bullet shaped bras as well as girdles and corsets so the extra ease was filled in with the underwear

[@happyface4713]

I grew up in the 50s when women dressed as you do and love your videos

[@paigeh1670]

I think the odd shape of the dress is made to accommodate the underclothes of the 1950's. If a woman was already relatively hourglass shaped, and then wearing a girdle, long-line bullet bra (which means the boobs are going to stick out even further), then the dress would fall into a better shape. I find with my vintage clothing that I sometimes need to wear those sorts of foundation garments to get the right lines.

[@robynbieber4275]

Paige Huzyak good point!

[@queenconvertible]

First off, those monkeys are so silly they are absloutly adorable. I think they are COMPLETELY appropriate for this time period. I see alot of borderline, silly, ugly prints around 1959, 1960,1961. Now, about the pattern and fit. This is just my opinion mind you, and what I have noticed, but. now adays, we sew diffrent then people did back then, so I think it is very difficult to reproduce a patter like that with modern instructions, because not only do the economics not match up, but you endup doing alot more then stated by the pattern. But by the same token, if you were to read a sewing book from that era, or any technical manual, alot use to say to make a mock up in muslin for individual fit, or to just hand baste the ENTIRE garment together, and slip into it, before you machine sew, and finish the garmet. Which the way modern patterns are made, and the mindset people are in, makes that idea obsolete. I think you did a wonderful job, and despite the troubles, it turned out to be a very fun dress!

[@AngelaClaytonCostumery]

Thank you! I make mock ups for all my self drafted patterns, and should have made one for this too. I thought it would be easy to alter minor fit problems during construction, but I hadn't accounted for the darts/facing/zipper placement making that challenging. I will definitely will take a more cautious approach with the next one I make!

[@dedeshikaalabi-mensah9471]

Angela Clayton you can add back box pleats and gather about 2 inches from the side seam and regathering to the waistband this will make it more fitted. Commercial patterns can be tricky but I like use them a lot. When fitted shirt for my sewing class I was in between pattern sizes and so we made over four mock ups adding darts taking out darts. But Vogue Patterns are a lot better than simplicity patterns when it comes to fitting issues. But McCall's is the best for fit I have seen. And there are a lot of commercial powder reviews and tutorials here on KZbin you can look at if you like.😄

[@lestranged]

That's true. Many women would make the same pattern several times with variations in sleeves, collars, etc. So they did a mock up first and made their customized bodice, then made all the finished dresses based on that personalized pattern.

[@rosemarieroberts7814]

Jason Huber

[@Kathryn_60]

Dress is adorable! It suits you and is timeless. The pattern is so cute. Don't second guess yourself!

[@sewingdaddy1724]

I love the bold pattern on the fabric! The vintage dress is awesome too.

[@queennehelania836]

It's so cute how your lipstick matches your dress! ^_^ What a great project!

[@suewhelan7759]

You have a real talent (among others!) of choosing the right fabric for your patterns. If I'd seen the monkey fabric in a store, I would have immediately dismissed it as just for kids but the dress you made is gorgeous and the fabric comes off as amusing and quirky, very suitable for the style. Great job!

[@AllThePeppermint]

Yep. Definitely using THIS bodice for my wedding dress. Adding a half circle skirt with a train. Toying now with the idea of adding some kind of decorative sleeve, like a flutter or tulip sleeve.

[@india1422]

No matter how experienced we are, the seam ripper always gets a workout

[@debbieg321]

I started following you on youtube for about a month, and I love your enthusiasm for the garments you make. I love your fabric choice for this dress. I am a self-taught sewer who has never even thought of drafting a pattern of my own. You are truly a talented and artistic lady. After not sewing for more than 2years, you make me want to sew again. Thank you!

[@5ftLife]

The design of the dress always has been & always will be gorgeous! Plus, with that fabric? its amazing!!

[@TheAgeofFabulous]

I've found vogue patterns to be very easy to follow. I agree with with making muslin with a Vogue or higher end pattern because they can have odd sizing especially if it's an older pattern. PS I think the monkey fabric was quite charming.

[@dorothymcleod1]

I have used dental floss to turn tiny strips for loops with great success....sometimes the thread breaks but the floss is very strong. Good video and the dress looks wonderful on you . It is so nice to see young people wearing more modest clothes.

[@Catsface99]

I love that material the colors and the monkeys to me are very fun and happy like you said. The dress looks very flattering on you.

[@vickinoeske1711]

I LOVE the dress. It reminds me of dresses my mom wore in the 1950's-early 1960's. The fabric is great, it makes the dress.

[@debihaskey8291]

Here are my thoughts. I think that monkey fabric absolutely would have been around in the 50's ! It would have made a cute little weekend dress or a vacation ensemble. Think about orange buttons that would more match the orange fabric. Then change the color of your accessories. Yellow, green or aqua little flats, belt & cat eye sunglasses! Dangly fruit earrings & a straw purse. Cute Cute Cute! Can't wait to see what you do with it next.

[@mariansmith7694]

Cute dress. Love blue buttons. Orange is so pretty.

[@katherinewinkler8847]

I love your funky patterns on you the most , I think they totally suit you .

[@amethystsamia]

That fabric is great! It's "summery" enough to wear to outdoor functions and not worry so much about getting it dirty, etc. I like the way the top fit on you...loose enough to not be so revealing and to be comfortable. Good job!

[@charlenemcgill2961]

Nice review of the pattern and lovely dress. I agree with you about making a mock up of the dress before sewing it up. What I also found helpful is memorizing or keeping a list of my body measurements to look at so that I can compare them to the paper pattern and make adjustments to the pattern before cutting the fabric. You are very inspirational. Job Well Done ! Keep up the good work !

[@KayDubs77]

The dress is really cute! My issue with the majority of commercial pattern companies is that they don't tell you how much ease is built into the pattern, they just tell you what size to pick based on your body measurements. But ease is a personal preference. Some of us like more, some like less, and that all affects the finished garment measurements (and therefore affects the "size" we choose to make). There are a few independent companies that give you finished garment measurements, so I stick with those. However, they don't publish vintage patterns, so I guess you're stuck making a mockup to ensure the fit is how you like it. In any case, love the dress and love the fabric. I hope you make the other pattern in that envelope some day. :)

[@Celinap45]

I love the fabric with the shape of the dress. It just works. It's beautiful.

[@karensimonpeterson3574]

You can make your own shanks by twisting the thread for a few times under the button (between the button and fabric.) Cute dress!

[@mellie4174]

I have been sewing for myself for years and frankly this is the same problem i have all the time. I can tissue fit the pattern and it is perfect, then I sew it up and it is too big; It is very strange, so now i often make mock ups to save time. If i don't, then I just have to be creative like your were to fix the pattern. That is just how it is with commercial patterns. I think drafted patterns are beter because theya re drafted for you but I don't know how to do that :( I am going to learn someday though. As to the fabrick! i love it!: i would totally do up a vintage dress in that because it helps the 'vintage' dress feel young, fresh, and current. !

[@thewaltest]

blew my mind with the gathering trick, I can't wait to try it!

[@XxCUPPEYCAKExX098]

I don't want to be weird but I enjoy your voice! 😆 Also I really love this dress and I also really want to try to follow patterns but still end up backing out lol.

[@bobmag5058]

God bless Her. She really has a beautiful talking voice.

[@zenamorgan1754]

I agree, her voice has a great listening Quality to it.

[@jbello9398]

it does sound appealing 😄😄

[@DartmouthProductions]

The dress is gorgeous! I love the fabric. I really love 50's style so I will definitely consider getting this pattern.

[@oldsoulhomestead89]

Such a fun fabric. I'm making a dress with chickens, bikes, and books on it soon. I love quirky prints. Nice job on the dress

[@LookItsSani]

I've been wondering for SO LONG how they did that sort of skirt, I always thought it was a circle, for some reason. Thanks a lot for sharing, I wouldn't have figured it out without this video! (I've done a gathered skirt before, but it turned out so awkward that I can't even fix it as a skirt)

[@ladyhamilton5179]

You did well. I love vogue patterns. It make have giving you a bit of problem, but you found away to work it out, and one well. Have fun sewing. later

[@raraavis7782]

I was very curious what a 'monkey dress' is when I saw the title 😁 Gorgeous fabric, I'm totally into that kind of thing. I have a similar one with kittens and I can't wait to make it into a dress. Even though I might never actually wear it...it will look just so over the top! But who cares? I had to get the fabric...

[@hinatahyuuga120]

The fact the pattern was big is exactly my struggle. Often my measurements say I'm a 14 but when I go to make it I'm more of a 10 some times a 6 and it can totally suck. If I don't carefully transfer the pattern and hen make a mock up. It turned out lovely thou. The pattern on the works really well on the style of dress. It's very pretty.

[@maryhornsby8338]

The fit of this dress looked perfect on you! I'm glad you weren't afraid to it alter it some and not stick 100% to the pattern

[@KellyBeth]

I LOVE your fabric choice! I also choose a lot of fabrics that I have a love/hate relationship with due to having a love for the whimsical but also realizing I can't dress like I'm 12. I think pairing it with such an elegant dress pattern really makes it work! turned out lovely!

[@annalamb8135]

Haya Angela. Thank you for your video. The dress looks lovely on you & a really fun print. You are exceptionally talented & knowledgeable & therefore really appreciate your honesty on the difficulties you faced with the pattern. Look forward to your next video. Take care. X

[@lynn8307]

I love the 1950's style, and the dress and fabric are beautiful.

[@jamesarroyo5054]

I remember my older sisters making dresses similar to this when I was very small. One of my earliest memories is of one of them cutting out a pattern.

[@terrijuanette486]

How to turn regular buttons into shank buttons: You can turn reg buttons into shank buttons with a button spacer** and sturdy thread. **I call it a 'button spacer'. I don't remember the technical name for it. I just call it that. You put it between the button and the material - while you're sewing on the button - to hold the button off the material and still be able to sew it securely. It makes all the thread a uniform length. (Today, it's usually used for sewing on buttons for wool coats when you need extra space between the fabric and the button because of the bulky fabric.) Once you've sewn the button on with the 'spacer', you remove the spacer, then - putting the needle through one of the eyes so it's under the button but not through the fabric (so your needle is where all that extra thread length is) - pulling the button taught, you wind your thread around and around the thread to make it one strong, and solid, unit, starting at the button and winding down to the fabric. You can even draw your needle through each loop you make around the thread to make a nice 'edge' (similar to a buttonhole stitch). Then once you've reached the fabric, to secure it, put the needle through the fabric and tie it off/secure it underneath the fabric (on the wrong side). Voila! You have a nice 'shank' button out of a regular one. Oh, one last thing, you can make your own spacer from a piece of cardboard. Choose a piece of cardboard (or glue a couple together and cut out when the glue dries) that is the thickness you want your 'shank' to be (which is determined by the total thickness of all the fabric the button is holding together but not making it loose). Make your DIY spacer large enough you can hold it in your hand easily but not so large that it's cumbersome. Cut about a 1/8 or 1/16" wide slid slit in it from the edge to where you want the button to 'rest' as you sew it so that you can sew THROUGH the cardboard without attaching the cardboard to your fabric. (Gosh it's hard to explain in writing!) I learned this years ago, when I was a teenager, I think. I learned to sew in the 3rd grade and now I'm closer to 60 than 55, so it was a while ago. :-) Hope this helps!!

[@colettebramwell-colyer]

Commercial patterns give lots of ease. So I would recommend that you check what the finished garment measurements are when picking your size. According to most patterns I would be a size 12 but the fit is too big I usually end up making a size 10 with a few fit adjustments. Hope that helps

[@krokobille]

Love the shape of the dress, I think it turned out very well :) Suits you.

[@penneyburgess5431]

Something to remember when ordering vintage patterns; if your upper chest ( over the top of your breasts) is 2 inches less the apex order one size down. It adjusts for having a narrow back.

[@DeathByFashion1]

Penney Burgess i try to go by finished measurement and wing it but this makes sense! Everytime I make my suggested size its huge since I'm so petite. Thanks for the tip!

[@ldg2655]

I love the fabric!!! I would’ve scooped the neck a bit more, but it is still lovely.

[@lisathomas9744]

I love the fabric and never thought of making a dress out of it

[@maureencullen1008]

This dress is stunning.Have you thought the problem at the back is the length not the width.Smooth the excess fabric down to the waist seam(as if your making a horizontal dart).Then ,if it works,open the back waist seam and reduce the excess fabric.Cut,restitch the waist seam and,hopefully,the problem will be solved.

[@margaritamaldonado7032]

Loved the fabric and the dress design

[@happycamperkid5306]

Great Video. I love looking for older patterns at thrift stores and making the clothes from them. Maybe I'll try to do it as a video series. Thanks for the insporation.

[@tinafisher]

very classy, love the choice in material, thanks for the video, your great!

[@blackfawn1340]

OMG I have that same fabric!! I made a skirt with pleats and huge pockets out of it, and it's such a great material! It looks absolutely lovely as that dress 💖 great job!!

[@stareye8]

I absolutely love your channel! I wonder if you could give us an update on if you are closer to your dream of making costumes for film or tv or if you have skyrocketed in commissions. Which in my opinion, you should be in extremely high demand for! You're amazingly talented!

[@raeperonneau4941]

Such a lovely silhouette! I so wish we could buy these commercially.

[@AGNESC68]

I like the gathered skirt pattern hopefully the 1950s fashion will come back in fashion soon.

[@JubeeBijou]

Gorgeous dress! And, yes, the fabric is charming! I love the way you did the gathers. I've never seen that before. I made a 1950's dress from Advance Pattern Company, and I found the same issue with the back.

[@whossoul]

I do the same thing when using a conventional pattern I say "That's a dumb way to cut out the skirt!" and just do it my way. Most dress patterns the bodice can just be attached to any type of bottom, especially if it's a gathered skirt, you can just gather it to exactly what you need!

[@Dakota.Piyesis]

I made view A from this pattern and it turned out huge too! I even used a size with a waist measurement an inch smaller than mine and it's still humongous. I can't take it in so I think I'm just going to make the cummerbund to fit snugly around so that it looks more form fitting

[@nvaranavage]

Just a thought.....I would love to see you do a tutorial from beginning to end using either your own patterns or the store bought, only because I am horrible at understanding a lot of the language on the patterns and always somehow screw up. It would help me a lot in that it would make everything make more sense. Like a Sew Along. I love how you talk about the problems you dealt with and the sewing issues you had too.

[@dorel2625]

It's cute and fun! You are young - you can pull it off 😘

[@orangefanta6567]

I've never seen someone gather as they machine sew, may you do a tutorial on that?

[@alexandrafokine3227]

I had the same thought! I'm making a civil-war era dress and the cartridge pleating is driving me crazy! A tutorial on gathering and pleating would be awesome, especially cartridge pleating!

[@jessiharm528]

I think it's pretty common practice now for modern bodies to expect some type of alterations will be needed on almost all commercial patterns and less you have a very commercial body type and I tried making a mock up of this a couple times at least on the bodice part as I always have to add a little bit to the waist and do a full bust adjustment and I still ended up getting a very gaping at neckline in the front and I didnt like it so I i'm able to keep the skirt portion of the dress that I've already put together but I am going to be draping my own V-neck similar to the style and the pattern because boat necks don't look good On me and the one in the pattern didn't work at all. I originally started with the v neck trying to get the fitting right and I wasn't having any luck and running out of time so I switch to the boat neck thinking it would be simpler but I still had a whole set of different problems with that

[@hedwighedgehog4364]

Vogue patterns are notoriously difficult, you did a great job!

[@AllThePeppermint]

Thank you for this video! I'm torn with what kind of bodice I'd like for my wedding dress. I really like this neckline and shape, but I also like another one you did with the darts making a deep V towards the waistline. I like having these options for making mock ups, to figure out what shape would be most flattering on me for my wedding day. I do LOVE the button detail on top of the shoulders! This might win out...

[@freetosewandcraft1]

I love the dress. I to would have hemmed the facing even though it wasn't called for. I have a serger and I use it for seams, armholes and necklines ( for me it seems to make it easier to get the bias tape in), I like to use bias tape when I don't have a facing like you had in this dress. It makes the inside of the dress a lot nicer. I also like to use bias tape for hemming the skirt part of the dress. I go by a pattern if I am unfamiliar with the outfit, but a lot of times I use my own judgement. Anyhow, love the monkeys. That was a great pick of fabric. I watch all your videos and I really enjoy the gowns you draft and sew. Looking forward to more.

[@spunkymunky11]

I have this pattern. I made the other version but now I have to super inspired to try to boat neckline.

[@glittervajayjay6881]

you should try pointy bras with 1950's dresses, they will emphasize the darts

[@AllThePeppermint]

glittervajayjay, they're called bullet bras.

[@Cee1505]

I love you in that fun fabric and color. Thank you for your insight.

[@UlfMonet]

I have a dress that my grandma made in the late 50s that look almost exactly like this! It even has the darts in the back :)

[@pamelathompson9164]

the monkey fabric is adorable and you did a really good job

[@aubreyvictoria320]

YASSS ANOTHER VIDEO FINALLY :D i live for Angela's videos and blog posts....

[@louiselill1528]

I love the pattern and the colours and yet again it suits you

[@designed_by_danita]

Thank you for sharing this video and wonderful pattern! I really enjoyed your presentation and review of this vintage style! Your skills are remarkable and I will be following your adventures from now on! Well done!!!

[@Eva-World23]

The video is beautiful and the dress is wonderful. Thank you so I will try it😍

[@yungzubass9648]

Beautiful dress, it's lovely on you and the color looks good on you too.

[@sarenacal]

Omg I just got this pattern not knowing you did a video on it! I've been watching your videos for a year or so and completely forgot you did this!

[@mollymay8998]

I think some of the fit issues could be resolved if you cut a smaller size. I have read that using your high bust measurement as the bust measurement in big 4 patterns is what will give you the best fit. You may have to do a full bust adjustment if the difference between your high and regular bust measurements is maybe 2 or more inches (not sure on that part). Using your high bust measurement will also give you the best fit for the neck and shoulders and you may need to grade between sizes from the bust to the waist. I personally cut a 10 bust and often grade to a 12 at the waist if it's a fitted garment.

[@Sindyred]

I love the dress and I truly enjoy watching your videos.

[@robincrean]

Really made my day you posted a video! LOVE YOUR VIDEOS! Missed you. lol 😃 Ironically I just bought this pattern. Your points are really appreciated. Keep your videos coming. Love sewing & I sew very similar projects to you. ☺

[@BrooklynBabeee]

I actually love the pattern, really suits the 1950's era. The silhouette is beautiful & it suits you very well. I've actually been thinking of making a dress like this, maybe with an open back... Hmm :)

[@GraceWillow]

I love your dress Angela!!! Amazing job!

[@LazyLimaDIY]

I adore that fabric! And the dress looks great on you!

[@tonietteify]

Love this dress, I'll have to try the pattern! I get so excited when you upload new videos haha.

[@joannevroon3607]

Hi! I just wanna say once again you made such a fabelous fabric choice! You have great taste and quirkyness :)

[@sukie6758]

You can get a tool called a loop turner it will make turning thin strips of fabric the right way out much easier.

[@Irishgirl41]

The pattern and fabric gives a feel of a vintage tiki dress

[@anakenaperez1749]

I love the color and dress came out really pretty!

[@mcomeslast]

I just bought this pattern! Nice!

[@duck1590]

Actually, I love the fabric and the dress looks really flattering!

[@onesonglory33]

Fit on commercial patterns is a serious problem I run into all the time. My measurements are exactly what is stated as a size 16 in patterns yet to use a pattern of that size I have to take in sometimes up to 4 inches at my waist.

[@GenericFruitLoops]

onesonglory33 I measure a size 16 too, I always cut a size 12

[@doordep]

Vouge patterns are so hard omg u did it

[@wildflowerwind6941]

That dress is gorgeous on you. Love it.

[@Ellaodi]

It just occurred to me that the shaping of the tops in this era are for waist cinchers or corselets with BULLETbras, hence the extra space. And summers were HOT and not everywhere was as cold as were used to

[@diegocabrera5765]

This fabric is so cute!! 😍

[@amberong3934]

I’m in love with this dress 😍😱

[@madebywera5048]

Congratulations on the final version of your dress! I really love the monkey pattern :) It really fits the 50s style. Personally, I don't like those modern reprints of the old patterns. There seem to be something generally wrong with the sizes and fitting... They are baggy and as you say - unflattering. I really love the original printed patterns from the 50s. I find them really well constructed and the sewing process is really well described. I have similar height as you have, but probably some extra pounds in weight and the only alterations that I need is to add about an inch in the waistline. Plus the patterns go cheap on ebay or etsy ;) I'd love to see you working with one of those one day! ;)

[@joniibryant6462]

It came out really cute! I love how the buttons looked on the shoulder. Will you attempt the view with the bias front?

[@AngelaClaytonCostumery]

I want to! I have a bright striped fabric that would suit it really well.

[@joniibryant6462]

Angela Clayton That would be really cute! I hope you'll share the process for that as well. 😊

[@katerbean]

Love the fabric!! 🐒🌴💛

[@Stupidtacocatstuffgrr]

Love to see you posting again.

[@DiegoHooper]

I loooooooooveeee so much your videos

[@wowowowoowiwwowowo2322]

It's very interesting that this pattern was larger than it was supposed to be because not long ago I made a V8811 (which was released around the same time as your pattern) and it came out tiny. I don't remember what size I made but I did read the sizing instructions yet it still didn't work.