So I made my own!
First up – apologies for the rushed nature of the photos (yep, there’s still some pins on the straps) but it was about to pour down with rain and this was my only chance to get photos for a while!
The Gertie/Butterick B6019 is finally done, and what a journey. This pattern is not for the faint-hearted.
I nearly gave up twice, but in the end it’s a lovely dress.
It really needed a bolero, so I made the this cute little one from Butterick 6087, circa 1952. The bolero was the exact opposite of the dress – super easy and fit perfectly out of the envelope.
Review
- Difficulty – bloody hard! This dress was the most fiddly thing I have ever made.
- The Pattern – I don’t think it was written very well. A lot of the instructions are counter-intuitive to an experienced sewer, and I still can’t figure out why I was asked to do certain things.
- The Fit – I went by the finished measurements on the printed pattern, and not the envelope measurements (i.e. the envelope was telling me to make a size 18 bust and 22 hip – I made a 16 bust and 20 hip). I do think the final fit is flattering, and if I followed the envelope sizes I would be swimming in this dress.
I’m also going to let you in on a little secret – I sew these little bra clips (from Spotlight too) into my dresses so I can wear strapless bras without them falling down. Shhhh, don’t tell anyone!
Well, I’m glad it’s finally finished, and this outfit is coming to Viva Las Vegas with me.
If you’ve been thinking of sewing this pattern, definitely give it a go but don’t get down-hearted if it’s a bit of a struggle. Unpick, resew, keep going – you’ll have a killer dress in the end.
Thanks guys!
xxx
No Comments
Kate
March 15, 2014 at 12:00 pmHow do the bra clips work? I don't get it
Ronniie
March 15, 2014 at 12:22 pmyes, please, I would like to know too.
Bex
March 15, 2014 at 12:38 pmHi Kate and Ronnie! Most convertible strapless bras have this little loops on them, for attaching the bra straps?
I just put these bra clips into the loops, and the dress holds my bra up.
If that doesn't explain it, let me know and I'll add photos 😉 xx
Renée
March 15, 2014 at 1:04 pmWell it seems that all of your struggling has been worth it because the dress looks fantastic! The fit looks really good too. Though I think this is one of the few dress types that anyone can pull off, it looks exceptionally flattering on you!
Jessica Cangiano
March 15, 2014 at 1:09 pmThis is every bit as marvelous – and then some!!! I can't begin to foot the bill for the real deal either, so I can totally relate to your title and desire to create your own (flat out stunning) version. Love this awesome dress and bolero – it looks the AS part to a tee!!!
♥ Jessica
Evie
March 15, 2014 at 1:51 pmLooks great! And the clip idea is fabulous. Those stupid things never stay up. That bolero is just perfect with it!
barbarajane
March 15, 2014 at 10:14 pmGreat dress and bolero. I've made a skirt and (wedding) dress from Babbarra fabric from Nomad Art in Darwin. I didnt know it was in Spotlight. Y6148ours is a lovely print.
Taygan
March 15, 2014 at 11:03 pmWow, awesome job! I've been thinking of trying out this pattern so at least now i know what I'm up against! I'll have to check out Spotlight for some of these gorgeous fabrics too.
Joanna
March 16, 2014 at 12:09 amYou did such a marvelous job! So figure flattering and you certainly know how to grade to fit your body. I'd like to be able to do this one day. I love the bolero you added. It's so perfectly suited with your dress. The piqued (hope I'm saying that term correctly) sleeves are so cute. Well done!
Debs - debslosingit.com
March 16, 2014 at 1:12 amThe is brilliant with the bra clips! As an F cup, I struggle with this more often then I care to think about. I'll have to try this on my own work. 😀
Mariela
March 16, 2014 at 2:16 amGorgeous! I have another repro pattern that I want to use for a tiki themed dress. I loved the look of this dress but I might have to pass on it with all the problems you ran into.
Sandra Cox
March 16, 2014 at 3:13 amGorgeous!
Penny-Rose
March 16, 2014 at 4:14 amWow I am really impressed with this dress – you did a wonderful job.
Tasha
March 18, 2014 at 2:26 pmIt looks absolutely gorgeous on you! Sorry to hear it was such a pain to sew, as it makes me more hesitant to try it (although I couldn't resist the pattern when it came out). What a bummer. But the result on you is delightful!
Desiree
March 19, 2014 at 4:37 pmI think you and I have the same Formica table…that pattern looks awfully familiar! The dress is fabulous even if it was a royal pain in the ass to make. It'll be great at Viva!
Grace Alexandrou
March 20, 2014 at 3:13 pmOmg the bra clips idea!!! What an amazing idea thanks so much for sharing, im a g cup and although I have a good strapless they could sit higher. Im going to sew in a few to dresses I have now and see how it goes thanks!
wardrobeexperience
April 6, 2014 at 5:42 amthis combo is wonderful. i love the print and colour palette so much.
i would wear it right away (even ignoring that the colours wouln'd go that good with my yellow-ish skin).
belliswinter
April 14, 2014 at 11:51 amit's just perfect for you. I love it !!
cupcakesew
April 29, 2014 at 6:22 amThat looks great! I have been eying off that collection of fabrics – what a wonderful initiative! Can't wait to hear about VLV. And there will be a parcel on its way to you soon! Finally cleaned out my sewing room x
Ashley P
June 3, 2014 at 8:32 pmBeautiful work!!!! I love the dress! Can you opt to not have the protruding piece down the front? I'm just curious if it's essential.
Bex
June 4, 2014 at 11:05 pmHi Ashley – you can make the dress without, not a problem 🙂
Margaret
August 13, 2014 at 6:10 pmYou just convinced me to make this dress. You look amazing. Awesome fabric choice + bolero!