Back in late summer of 2011, I bought the Butterick ‘52 Retro pattern B4790 after reading about it on What I Wore. I got the FF size since I fit the measurements pretty closely for a size 20. Oh vintage sizes, you kill me. Maybe I don't mind vanity sizing after all. The top ended up being a little loose, so next time, I'm going to cut the chest area down to an 18.
The pattern is described as very easy, and thankfully, it was. The only complicated instructions were for the hem, which I assume were intended to make the garment look more finished. I just pressed the ends under and sewed normally since I didn't really understand what the instructions were trying to tell me. Since I'm going to be the only one wearing it, I wasn't too concerned. Really, the most tedious part was the hand sewing of the buttons and snaps, and that's just because I don't like hand sewing.
It wouldn't be a project of mine if I didn't mess something up. I had to rip out about half of the seam after I sewed the bodice to the skirt because some of the bodice fabric folded over and got stuck in the seam. It's in the back, so luckily my mistake is not too noticeable.
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| I made the mistake of sewing these buttons on with white thread instead of navy blue. |
Next up is to use the same same pattern with this Marc Jacobs fabric I bought in New York. The only problem is, I can't decide what color bias tape to use. Nothing looks quite right. Thoughts?
Love the fabric!
ReplyDeleteI love this dress. You did an amazing job. What about an aqua trim with the red fabric. It would be so pretty!
ReplyDeleteNice job, Bek! I'm so proud of you. Grandma will be impressed too.
ReplyDeleteI would suggest black with the red fabric, but it's hard to know for sure from a picture. Take the fabric to the store and see what looks best.
Nice job, Bek! I'm so proud of you. Grandma will be impressed too.
ReplyDeleteI would suggest black with the red fabric, but it's hard to know for sure from a picture. Take the fabric to the store and see what looks best.
I agree with the aqua trim. I think that would look pretty with the fabric.
ReplyDeleteI'm super impressed, this is beautiful! Love that print, too.
ReplyDeleteAmazing!! I love the bodice detailing buttons and trim!! I cannot wait to see what you do with that red fabric!!
ReplyDeletePattern sizing will definitely humble you right??? I remember the first time I was cutting out a pattern, I was like there is NO way I'm a 14 so I cut out a six and it was micro. HAHAHA. Now I know better. '
ReplyDeleteThat's why I think it's such bull when they say, "marilyn monroe was a 14". yup, in pattern sizing which is how clothes were sized in the 50s. Today she'd be a 4/6.
I've found that I still have to do altering to the patterns to get them to fit me properly because depending upon how much ease is in the pattern I"m anywhere from 12-14 in the thighs but an 8/10 in the torso/waist. It's frustrating and definitely takes some extra work, but it does make the final product look much better.
In terms of contrast, I like the idea of aqua/mint trim or go with the classic navy. The other option would be to make your own bias tape out of the fabric itself?