#jiffy patterns

Simplifying Design in the Sixties: Simplicity 7677

This re-issued sewing pattern dates to the 1960s and is meant to meant to satisfy the desire for quick results: done in a Jiffy. Especially impatient girls and young women, one suspects from the pattern illustration which has very young women in low heels with their hair in a ponytail or an up-do with loose locks below. Both mini and lower hemline were included, and a bare majority of young women wore minis in the 1960s while most over-thirty women opted for a lower hemline. 

The pattern is “easy cut * easy sew” the front of the envelope tells us and there are only two main pattern pieces it assures us. But I am struck by how much sewing is still needed. Those two main pattern pieces have darts at the bust and the waistline to make its A-line shape. A zipper closes the back. Interfacing is called for, so facings for the neckline and the armholes must be included. And then straps must be cut out and attached. Plus the two dressier versions require hand-sewing to attach the trim along the strips.

One trim is daisies, a very common motif of the 1960s, and one that is childish or youthful, perfect for the teenage Baby Boomers, the other trim is rhinestones which would was more sophisticated. The dress fabrics recommended came in the everyday, washable cottons or the fancy silks like shantung, brocade, damask, or satin, so this was a flexible pattern for all its simplicity.

This pattern was clearly more simple than average dress before the 1960s which often had both a detailed bodice with collar, sleeves an cuffs, and a pieced skirt with pleats or godets. On the other hand, it is far more complicated than some easy patterns of the 1970s which dumbed down garment design to an amazing degree.