70's Romance

We've added to our popular Gunne Sax pattern collection, adding four more vintage designs - Three come from the 70s and one from the early 80s.

In 1974, Gunne Sax partnered with Simplicity, making the brand’s signature styles accessible to home sewists everywhere. Makers could bring these designs to life on their own machines, learning new techniques while creating garments for milestone moments and everyday wear.

Following on from our first collection of Gunne Sax designs and our collection of Jessica McClintock formalwear patterns, we're returning to the romance of the 70s with four more designs.

Two pieces in one - As well as the high-waisted, fitted sundress with ruffled skirt and princess-seamed bodice, you also get a simple long sleeved quilted jacket.

The lace trim follows the lines of the dress' princess seams to make a bib style panel, and faux button placket is created with vertical trim. And the jacket instructions include steps for pre-quilting your fabric before you begin.

The off-the-shoulder bodice of this dress, uses an elastic casing at the upper edge to hold it in place, and delicate straps with tie ends to keep it on the shoulders. With a waistband, gathered skirt and hem ruffle to add the romance.

Beautiful ribbon and lace trim defines the waist and draws the eye to the ruffle edge. View 1, also recommends contrasting fabric on the bodice and upper ruffle to create the look of a top and skirt without making them as separate pieces.

Full of Edwardian inspiration, the dress is ribbon trimmed in two lengths, with the skirt stitched to a princess seamed bodice set above the natural waistline. Notice the front loop-and-button closures, gathers at the skirt front but not the back, shoulder straps, and back zipper.

The ties are inserted into the front and back princess seams and then tied into bows at the side. The bodice bands are placed on top of the bodice, basted with raw edges unfinished and then the ribbon trim encloses the edges when stitched in place.

Lovely lace and ribbon trims as you would expect from a Gunne Sax dress, a princess-seamed bodice, elasticized sleeve heads, a front only waistband with long tie ends, a panelled gathered skirt with a lower ruffle on both lengths.

It has a back zipper, but gives the illusion of a lace up front by using crochet lace trim on either side of the centre front. Cord is then threaded through the holes to mimic a lace up detail. This requires careful trim choice to achieve the look.