Pattern Description: From the vintage patterns wiki (linked above): Semi-fitted dress in below mid-knee length, has pointed collar, front inset with neckline slit, armhole bands and pockets in side seams, with self tie belt and topstitch trim. Also issued as Butterick 5769
Pattern Sizing: 8-10-12. I made the 12 with minor modifications.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it really did, although mine is significantly more see-through than hers
Were the instructions easy to follow? Very. This was my first foray into vintage patterns (although the 1970s aren't very vintage, at least in terms of the way pattern instructions are written), and I was concerned about how this would all come together. They were not sparse but also not overly wordy.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the styling. I haven't seen a pattern like this before, and while I love vintage style, I don't think this looks too vintage-y. It has a sweet styling to it that is youthful but not immature; it's a cheerful dress, and it made me smile. Sometimes that's enough.
Fabric Used: Very sheer cotton (Lisette), bought at a Jo-Ann Red Tag clearance sale about a year ago. I've had this in my stash for a while. I also picked up some lace (interestingly, from the 1970s) for 8.5 cents (along with the pattern, which was 50 cents) from my local Salvation Army.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I widened the front and back pieces by about 1/4" on the straight sides (so where the side hems would be), and cut the seam allowance down to 1/2". I also accidentally completely interfaced the front inset pieces, which should have only been half interfaced (as they fold over to make their own facings). I wouldn't recommend doing this, although it didn't affect the wearability of the dress too much (it does make it somewhat stiff, though, especially compared to the rest of the dress). I should have followed the instructions and slipstitched the sleeves' finished hems over the raw hems too, but as this is more of a wearable muslin (I'd need a slip to wear it out in public; it's very thin and quite low-cut), I wasn't too concerned.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I'm already thinking what fabric I'd use to sew it again. I really like the pattern and it came together quickly. I'd recommend it to others, too - you can pick it up online for $11 or so. It's an easy, cute pattern that is quite flattering. And it has pockets!
Conclusion: My first foray into vintage patterns - which turned out quite successfully. More photos and information at my blog. Thanks for reading! |
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1/5/13 5:04 PM
I agree that this doesn't scream vintage. It's such a fresh looking, summery dress. It is asking for a cute straw bag and sunglasses. Your work is so perfect!
1/5/13 5:07 PM
It's wonderful when serendipity strikes at the Salvation army. And it looks like it turned out beautifully.
1/6/13 8:53 AM