Vintage (Pre)Guts...

Sunday 24 August 2014


Hey Guys,

I've been getting ready for the next in the Vintage guts series, but this was so special to me that I couldn't wait to talk about it.


And it's just over 51 years old :)


I found this little gem online, and debated about whether to get it or not - I wasn't sure if there was discolouration in places or if it would be as good as it looked in the pictures, but I was extremely lucky and it is pristine!


So, I guess you are wondering whats in the package?

 I'm sure most of you have seen the odd vintage pattern from Woman's Weekly magazine. And I know that you guys have seen dress kits for sale from different modern pattern companies to facilitate you getting started with your garment, with the right amount of fabric and notions included in the kit

Well what I found was a dress kit, not in the way we know them - but a mail order 'Cut-Out Dress'.



The dress comes already cutout in a specific size, with everything ready to go. All pattern pieces cut out, notched. It comes with the matching buttons in a little pack. It even came with a self fabric belt already made!


I have only found one other person who has found them, and hers had interfacing and ribbon included. It looks like they gave you everything but thread.



It even has the buttonholes made, cut and ready to go! Who wouldn't kill for that?!


I'm really excited to make this up, and the instructions look pretty good for a vintage pattern.

I was seriously tempted to get stuck in today but I think maybe I should trace the pieces and give them a trial first. It'll be tricky enough with the fact I can't change the side bust dart much if needed - as it was cut straight out. 


And the waist darts are supposed to be indicated by drilled holes, but I haven't looked closely enough to see if they are still visible. There may be some guestimating. The way that they indicate them to be sewn, the front one will probably be easy enough to guess, but there are double back ones to decide on positioning.


The dress has pleated side vents instead of a back vent which is an awesome detail I haven't seen before.




Facings were included, but no interfacing. I don't think it was mentioned in the pattern either.



Just some close ups of the illustration :)

Anyways, I'm pretty excited by the whole concept. I know that it wouldn't work out a perfect fit for a lot of people, as we are all different shapes within a measured size. And of course it leave no room for grading between sizes on a paper pattern, but it's still an awesome concept to be able to order a dress ready to be sewn if you so wish (I know Kathryn would!)

Oh, and is it a bit weird that I have got more or less the same fabric in a different shade of blue??


Emmie xx

5 comments :

  1. I've never heard of this before. Can't wait to see how it comes out. Don't think it would work for me due to need for lengthening but yaay for no cutting!

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  2. I like the sound of this - no cutting and button holes, yes please! I hope it works out and you don't have too many fitting issues.

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  3. That is very cool, and to find it in the original packaging! Be still my vintage-sewing-nerd heart! I have a number of Australian Womens Weekly patterns from my Mum's stash (thanks Mum!). Lots of very cute dresses, of which I have made a couple up. The instructions certainly have an assumed level of knowledge.......

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  4. Fascinating! I def. reckon that you should trace off a copy and try it out in calico first perhaps? Keen so see your results :-)

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  5. Oh my - so jealous! Can't wait to see this made up!

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