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:
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.
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:
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
