FO: Simply red sheath dress (Butterick 6308, c. 1952)
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!
Ellie Morris
This dress is gorgeous, and I love the colour you used!
Sandra
Love the dress and how the color matches your hair
PepperReed
Gorgeousness! Love the color, those buttons and it looks great on you. Good Job!
tracker
It looks like it should be a Tatyana dress! What a perfect make!
Zola Spud
So lovely! Love your mods xx
Tanith
This is stunning! I love the details you chose, they really make it.
Jessica Cangiano
Magnificent! 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
Amazing job! Very inspirational for a beginner sewer like me x
Sassy
Would 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
Of course, that's fine doll! Xx
Sassy
Thanks. I will let you know when, on this post. https://www.facebook.com/SassySewingBees
Jayne M
Gorgeous! I do love a kick pleat!
Sassy
To be shared on SSB Thursday. Thanks for permitting. https://www.facebook.com/SassySewingBees
Megan
What a gorgeous, knock out, comfy looking dress! I love the accents you added, they really make it unique 😀