Sunday, May 29, 2011

A new dress! Butterick Retro B5209

After the gigantic fabric score, I got a major jones to sew again. I go through these stages where I want to sit for like a week and just be left alone to sew, and then other times I get all over something else. I’ve sewing for over 20 years, and I grew up with my mom sewing. My great-grandmother, who was named Sadie, was a dressmaker/alterations lady for dress shops for years and years. It’s in my blood. I know that if I had the time, I could get really good and make some great stuff! Just takes time…sigh!

Anyway, I found two precious yards of this darling 40s cotton:

MexDress3

I knew I wouldn’t have enough for a whole dress, so I decided to make the top of the Butterick pattern out of it. There was some staining in the middle that just would not come out, so I had to cut around the icky parts.

S5001825

I cut the bodice lining out of the skirt fabric to save the vintage fabric. I used a black broadcloth for the skirt. I had about 3/4 yard of the vintage fabric left over, so back in the stash it went.

Here is the pattern:

MexDress2

I made the version on the right, and it went together so fast! VERY easy and fun. If I had had the time, I could have made this in a day, from start to finish. (I will get a shot of the dress soon.) I need some more simple cotton or rayon dresses that will be cool for our horrible Phoenix summer, that cover the annoying bit of fat under my arms and also I can swing dance freely in. This dress runs true to size and fits pretty well. I have found that the retro Butterick patterns run large most of the time, but I love this one. I want to make it a few more times!

I might make the skirt more “swingy” next time because when I am dancing, I love having my skirt swish around. But for a nice basic summery dress that is easy to make, I highly recommend this one!

Happy sewing!

Jenny

4 comments:

  1. Hey Sis,

    I'm so glad you found time to sew. I can't wait to see the other dress we talked about though. I'm sorry I didn't respond sooner, but thank you so much for the lovely visit. Your home is truly sweet and comfy and I had such a great time. It is truly a pleasure to know someone with your spirit and sense of style. Thank you for being you.

    Big Hugs,
    Meri

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  2. LOVE THE FABRIC! Love the style. Could live in dresses and skirts ALL summer.

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  3. I'm your newest follower (Meri sent me!). LOVE the name of your blog ~ super cute:)

    Hope you'll give me a visit at http://retrorevivalbiz.blogspot.com/. Tomorrow I'm launching a FABU giveaway that you might be interested in entering!

    Happy 4th of July!

    Cindy

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  4. Hello! I've just got this pattern to make 5 bridesmaid dresses! - Did you finish it in the end and can we see a picture??? Did you have to alter the pattern to your measurements at all or did you just cut out your normal dress size? Anyway I love your blog and your style!! I'm a redhead too! - My Grandmother who is 90 this year gave it to me with her fantastic genes!! hehe! Gotta love redhead grandma's!! - It's faded into a beautiful apricot colour now as she's aged. Not a grey hair on her head!! x

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