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1980's Nightgown and Robe-Unmentionables Through The Decades Project 3



So, it has come to this. The 1980s. The decade of my birth (though I don't remember any of that decade). The decade of the WORST fashion in the whole 20th century. Especially for teen girls. Girls, what were you thinking? Perms and side ponytails? Oversize, boxy shirts and shapeless dresses in questionable color choices? But I digress.


I found McCall's 3474 at a thrift store, I assume. That's where most of my vintage patterns have come from, so far. The pattern is dated copyright 1987 on the envelope. It includes a camisole or long nightgown, shorts or pants, and a full length long sleeve robe. I do enjoy the glamour and sophistication of the pattern illustration on the cover. It's very classy.


I came up with this whole concept of “unmentionables thru the decades” years ago. From the beginning, I knew I wanted to include at least one matching long nightgown and robe set. It's just so stylish, classic, and sophisticated. 


So I started collecting some fabrics I thought might be suitable. This black polyester satin with a bold floral print was one such acquisition. It is very girly and elegant, but not too childish, sweet and saccharine. 


This fabric didn't iron as sharply and nicely as other fabrics I have used. I was very careful not to use the iron too hot. Maybe I didn't let it get hot enough? Who knows. I ran out of the print, so I used a black polyester satin from Joann Fabrics for the band of the robe and the belt. In the end, I like how the solid color breaks up the busy print.


I made a medium-length slip of some white (what I believe to be) charmeuse, just to test the fit. I didn't see that both front and back pattern pieces were to be cut on a fold. I had already cut out the front on the fold, but didn't have enough left over to cut the back on the fold also. So I had to add an extra seam allowance and sew up the back to make it one piece. Lesson to be learned here is READ THE INSTRUCTIONS! I added some lace on the top edge from my stash, and it is now a wonderful addition to my modern wardrobe.


The black insertion lace I bought on Etsy for a bit less than a dollar a yard. To do insertion, you sew the lace down on both edges on the right side of the fabric. You cut the main fabric down the middle behind the lace and iron it open. You then sew down once more along each side and trim the excess allowance. This leaves the lace free of the background fabric, and I find it a beautiful effect. I put 2 rows on the sleeve edges and 1 row on the top of the nightgown. It does take time and effort, but it's worth it.


Thanks for reading!

Yours in hard work, creativity, and a dash of pixie dust,
Sarah

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