So, judging from the response, it sounds like people maybe didn’t like this 1981 Burda outfit so much? Maybe a faint distaste? An inkling that it perhaps wasn’t the most flattering? A commenter or two may have even implied that no one actually wore such things back in 1981?
Well, I just received the most delightful message from the beautiful Idunna on Pattern Review. Guess what she told me. Guess. Guess. Guessguessguessguessguess. Okay, I’ll just tell you.
Idunna made this outfit.
Yup- saw that in Burda 1981 and decided she just had to have it! I am squealing with joy right now. And I have to say, knickers though they may be, this outfit is pretty awesome on her. I mean, I’m not going to run out and buy my own knicker fabric, but isn’t she adorable in this? And I’m not sure what caused her to hold back on the sleeve ruffles, collar ruffle, and *gulp* coordinating giant floppy bow, not to mention tone down the major bodice-and-shoulder ruffle, but I can only conclude that it had something to do with serious fashion foresight and a highly developed hideousness-avoidance instinct. Her version of the blouse could almost work today. And she probably doesn’t have to hide her head in shame when flipping through her photo albums.
Idunna, thanks so much for sharing- this totally made my day!
22 comments
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April 10, 2010 at 10:01 am
lin3arossa
OMG, what are the odds? You made my day too and hut ab, Idunna!
April 10, 2010 at 11:10 am
Whitney
Awesome. Simply awesome!
April 10, 2010 at 11:50 am
Deborah
Loving this!
Would also love to have you come by our shop and play with us–as part of a Celebrity Sewing Weekend in the coming months. You game? Please email deborah (at) whipstitchfabrics.com and check out our site–would love to introduce you around to our customers and the public (plus, half the staff have a total crush on you…).
Hooray for selfishness!
April 10, 2010 at 12:01 pm
kathleen
Oh I know someone who had a blouse almost like that one – my sister in 1981 – when I find the picture I will post it. The 80’s were for Brave Fashionistas ONLY. Wear your ruffles proudly or they will wear you!
April 10, 2010 at 12:45 pm
Helen
OK. OK I take it back. People wore those things (not me, though I did make a pink gingham cowgirl dress – but I trashed it before I wore it out of the house!).
April 10, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Jo
Lovely! I actually think that Idunna pulled it off. Perhaps not today, but I guess that she was pretty hot at the party in 1981! Thank you very much for sharing!
April 10, 2010 at 1:07 pm
Jacqui
Oh I definitely wore blouses not unlike that one in the 80s! No sleeve ruffles true, but I rather suspect I’d have been very much into the other ones. My favourite one was a light blue check/plaid fabric with ruffles down the front and neck, and there was another one with a ruffle across the back like that. And I loved ’em! They do say that you didn’t live through the 80s if you didn’t have a haircut that you now look at and say “what was I THINKING??” I think the same applies to the clothes.
April 10, 2010 at 1:16 pm
Carmencitab
I actually bought one. Iduna rocks!
April 10, 2010 at 1:45 pm
Idunna/Annette
I made the outfit on an old sewing machine in my dorm. I called this my “pirate” outfit and the pants were velvet and the blouse was satin. Yes, there is a ruffle over the princess seamed shoulder of the blouse. I sure wish I could see my feet as I have no clue what I wore for shoes. This has been a fun memory.
April 10, 2010 at 4:39 pm
The Cupcake Goddess
Yeah, that just made mine too! I also squealed with joy! Ha ha ha! Now that is bravery! Idunna, you are seriously THE woman, THE seamstress! I love it!
April 10, 2010 at 5:02 pm
nancy K
Yep, I had a pair of knickers back then, just like Idunna’s I even wore them with a white ruffled blouse. so yeah we did wear stuff like that. I am very happy that I don’t have a picture in them.
April 10, 2010 at 5:35 pm
Mikhaela Reid
Idunna, you are too fabulous! What a great story!
April 10, 2010 at 6:32 pm
Stephanie
! I’m on a Knickerbocker inspiration kick at the moment. Selfish Seamstress and Idunna just clinched my burning desire to buy Past Patterns 9883 and make them up. !
April 10, 2010 at 6:59 pm
Kyle
Awwww…she looks totally adorable! Thank you both for sharing!!!
April 10, 2010 at 8:40 pm
Constance
You can buy the Mohair version on Ebay right now! http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-IRKA-II-Saks-Fifth-Avenue-Mohair-Sweater-Size-S_W0QQitemZ380222347392
April 10, 2010 at 9:43 pm
K-Line
Honestly, she redeems this outfit!
April 10, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Henriette
Thanks for making my day…
April 11, 2010 at 12:49 am
Vicki
I remember making similar types of blouses back in the 80’s (before I was born..how clever was I?). Big and blousy with bows and full sleeves.
April 11, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Noile
Idunna does look marvelous in this! What fun that she saw your post and reported in. I’m beginning to like this outfit — after all, what good is sewing if you can’t create fantastical clothing you wouldn’t necessarily buy?
April 14, 2010 at 8:16 am
amber
Love it!!
July 7, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Bloggy fun: Fill in the blanks! « The Selfish Seamstress
[…] Yes, all the usual suspects are there like “selfish seamstress,” “gargamel,” “baby bunny“, and “coffee date dress.” Then there’s the new and unexpected but totally explainable “fashion knickers 1981.” […]
March 1, 2011 at 5:41 pm
Melita
I would like to know if there is someone out there who can make that blouse for me or tell me whre i can find the pattern to that blouse. please let me know.