Have you ever thought long and hard about how many hours a week you spend at work (and the percentage of waking hours)? I had a moment last week, realising that I need more vintage clothing for work thats easy to wear and clean – the vintage handwashing is getting overwhelming.
Recently, I was lucky enough to grab some cheap but gorgeous rusty bengaline at my local fabric store and realised how perfect it would be for Butterick 6308, a repro from 1952.
The pattern itself was super easy to sew – I didn’t even need a zip as the fabric was so stretchy.
The faux chest pockets and button detailing were directly inspired from a 1950’s dress I had seen online.
Probably my favourite detail is the pointed cuffs – I didn’t interface anything on the dress except these as I needed them to stick out slightly.
The back has some lovely double kick pleats, which I admit are painful to press into bengaline. I may try starching them to see if they’ll stay put.
Mods:
- Cut a size smaller all over to allow for the stretch fabric
- Lengthened the hem by an inch
- Shortened the bodice by half an inch (short waist)
- Lowered the under bust darts so they wern’t so pointy.
Overall, very happy and super comfortable for work. I’m not sure I would make this again, as it’s so distinctive, but maybe use it as a base for another dress.
Outfit:
- Shoes – Miss L Fire Lanai
- Hair Clip – Mimco
- Belt – my own
- 1940’s sweetheart necklace – gift from Jakk
Enjpy your weekend, and don’t forget, Curvy Month starts on 1 July!
14 Comments
Ellie Morris
June 26, 2016 at 9:15 amThis dress is gorgeous, and I love the colour you used!
Sandra
June 26, 2016 at 1:11 pmLove the dress and how the color matches your hair
PepperReed
June 26, 2016 at 3:24 pmGorgeousness! Love the color, those buttons and it looks great on you. Good Job!
tracker
June 26, 2016 at 4:42 pmIt looks like it should be a Tatyana dress! What a perfect make!
Zola Spud
June 26, 2016 at 6:02 pmSo lovely! Love your mods xx
Tanith
June 27, 2016 at 5:45 amThis is stunning! I love the details you chose, they really make it.
Jessica Cangiano
June 28, 2016 at 9:01 amMagnificent! That is one of my favourite colours ever (especially since it reminds me so much of fall time on this side of the equator). What a chic, stunning dress, dear Bex. Stellar job with it!
xoxo ♥ Jessica
Porcelina
June 29, 2016 at 8:39 amAmazing job! Very inspirational for a beginner sewer like me x
Sassy
July 7, 2016 at 10:14 pmWould you mind me sharing this on Sassy Sewing Bees in the future? I link to your post and let you know when. https://www.facebook.com/SassySewingBees
Bex
July 8, 2016 at 9:15 amOf course, that's fine doll! Xx
Sassy
July 8, 2016 at 10:59 pmThanks. I will let you know when, on this post. https://www.facebook.com/SassySewingBees
Jayne M
July 27, 2016 at 7:33 amGorgeous! I do love a kick pleat!
Sassy
August 28, 2016 at 10:26 amTo be shared on SSB Thursday. Thanks for permitting. https://www.facebook.com/SassySewingBees
Megan
May 24, 2018 at 3:50 pmWhat a gorgeous, knock out, comfy looking dress! I love the accents you added, they really make it unique 😀