I have rather a large collection of true vintage and retro patterns from the ‘30s through to the ‘80s and my interest in the ‘70s patterns has peaked by the amount of ‘70s inspired fashions filtering through onto the high street today. What a brilliant opportunity to be able to make and wear all those fab clothes my aunt used to wear, and embrace my bohemian spirit!

Having watched episode 3 of the Great British Sewing Bee highlighting seventies fashion, incorporating current fabrics with vintage styles, we thought that a friendly nudge in the right direction with pattern suggestions and fabric suitability (crossovers from then and now) you can create your own twenty first century '70s inspired clothing. Have you noticed any '70s styles on the high street in the last couple of years? We definitely have! Modern day practicality and classic styles.

Make in a flower power bohemian-inspired fabric such as Heirloom Stars Patchwork which is a lightweight drapey jersey, for an authentic but wearable style.

As well as the classic cheesecloth, in the fashion world of today and with access to more technologies and better quality fabrics, woven dress crepe fabrics are an alternative but not a replacement for cheesecloth. These alternatives don't necessarily do the same job, but are just as practical and produce differing styles such as the drape, feel, handle of the garment. As well as traditional dress crepes, fabrics such as lightweight floaty fabrics like Georgette, lightweight suitings, voiles, silks, woven jacquards and many 'occasion wear' fabrics. For a more sophisticated ‘70s style, choosing crepe type fabrics and drapey faux silks will give you endless possibilities.

How I followed the Royal Wedding Etiquette Rules for this Challenge:

Buy the 8013vintage 1970’s dress sewing pattern from Simplicity. It’s perfect for an advanced beginner dressmaker. These nostalgic faux wrap front dresses from the 1970’s are a must have. Dresses can be made in two lengths, and are lined with either bishop or bell sleeve, and sash. Vintage Simplicity sewing pattern.