Thursday, May 14, 2015

Watercolor Impressions


Here is my latest Britex project!


My first idea for the beautiful floral fabric was nixed when I could not get my hands on a new Vogue pattern.  (My local JoAnn Fabrics has been especially bad about stocking patterns for the last year or so . . . ggrrrr.)  So I had to scramble a bit and come up with an alternative.


This Butterick vintage reproduction is one I have made up before.  I had enough cut yardage to work with, and the print worked with the style as well which made it an obvious choice. 


The fabric is quite sheer, almost gauze-like.  My first though was to make myself a slip as an extra layer.  


But I also wanted this to be an easy to wear summer dress, and some days I just do not want to wear another layer.  The obvious solution was to underline it with a lightweight cotton batiste.


I did make a couple of alterations from the first dress.


As with most patterns, I initially added ¾” to the torso length.  This turned out to be just a bit too much.  This time around, I only added ½” which might not seem like much of an alteration, but it really does make a difference.


This design has a side zipper.  The instructions only include a diagram of the zipper for the second view (a halter neck).  On the first dress, I went on my merry way, confident that I had constructed quite a few 1940s side zip dresses and stitched the upper inch of the left side seam closed before inserting my zipper.  Well, that dress requires a bit of squirming to get in and out of it.  This time around, I decided the sleeved version needed to open from the top edge to hip, just like the halter version.  And it worked like a charm!


I feel like a complete goof for not figuring that out the first time around . . . but now I know why I felt compelled to make myself another version . . . there was a lesson to be learned!



Dress:  Made by me, Butterick 5209
Earrings:  Gift
Shoes:  Banana Republic

[The fabric for this dress was received in exchange for my contributions as a Britex Guest Blogger.]


15 comments:

  1. So pretty Laura Mae, a perfect spring dress, I could see you in an Oxford punt on the river ( not sure you'll know what that is) drinking a Pimms!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Such a beautiful print - I think this is the perfect floral print as it can go from summer to winter!!! ALL YEAR LONG FLORAL!! :) :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. So pretty! I love everything about this outfit. The pattern, the print, the perfect skirt length and the beautiful matching shoes.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh this is really beautiful! The perfect spring dress. I love this floral... and the cap sleeves... and the gathered detail.

    ReplyDelete
  5. It's beautiful! (And I really like your hair too.)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Beautiful fabric. Perfect for a summer dress

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am nothing short of head-over-heels in love with endlessly pretty fabric and dress.

    You look smashing, dear gal!

    ♥ Jessica

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh the fabric is lovely! And you've turned it into such a great dress - so summer perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Another summer stunner!

    That 1/4" on that intricate waistline is what makes you a virtuoso.

    ReplyDelete
  10. So beautiful that I didn't even finish reading the post right away - had to go plan out my next floral dress immediately!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I really like this version. I don't buy many vogue patterns as they are more expensive in the southern hemisphere), but when I do I get them when they are on sale at sewingpatterns.com (much cheaper than usual which justifies the postage). I think I might have to get this one when Vogue patterns are on sale next ;o)

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a gorgeous dress, Laura!! I love the fabric - it's perfect for the design! :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Of course the dress is beautiful, but I'm blown away by your perfect matching heels!!!

    JJ
    www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I adore this print! Such great colors! Marvelous job as always!!

    xoxo
    -Janey

    ReplyDelete