I’m seriously excited (as mentioned in the vlog post yesterday) to show off the new dress I made for myself. It’s the first time I have tried anything so complex, and I’m so pleased that I took the time to treat myself.
I love how it turned out. I used a vintage pattern Butterick 4835 which just happened to be my size, win!
I was motivated, partly because I had some time up my sleeve whist Emma was on holidays at the farm, and partly through the frustration of not being able to find anything in stores that I liked and suited me. So when I came home from a visit to some pretty boutiques last week, I dove into my pattern stash with the intention of creating something great!
The hardest part was finding the right fabric in my vintage stash. It’s ironic, I probably have hundreds of meters but it was hard to find something suitable, for the following reasons:
-width + length, vintage fabrics are narrow so you need quite a lot for a dress length (about 3m) which is not always possible when you buy thrifted pieces.
-stains, I had my heart set on a couple of beautiful prints but they had stains from age/rust/water damage that I just couldn’t cut around.
-fear, the fact is a couple of super special fabrics were too good to cut into for a first attempt, if I stuffed up I couldn’t just nick down to the shop for some more.
So I rummaged and found a ton of this chambray (which I’d forgotten I had) in a suitcase. I thought the red contrast would make it extra special, which I think it has.
See how neat the collar and top stitching is? And did I mention it has pockets? I love a dress with pockets.
I took extra special care, and even basted where the pattern told me to. I never baste or hardly even use pins, so this was like sewing 101.
The only part I did modify were the sleeves. If you follow me on instagram (@mypoppetshop) you would have seen a stage by stage update including the original sleeves. But they looked a bit star trekkie on, so I decided to give them the flick and just drafted some simple facing pieces for the sleeves.
No other adjustments were necessary. I look forward to making this pattern in another fabric really soon.
So what do you think? Do you love it? Say you love it. I love it!
Oh and because I’m avoiding doing my bookkeeping, I made a matching dress for Perty too. Tune in tomorrow to see how cute it turned out.
I love it!
i love it! is it possible for me to find this pattern???
Hi Dianne, you may have luck googling butterick 4835, I found several patterns in different sizes on etsy and eBay, you may just need a little patience to find one in your size. Good luck.
Love it, well done, I so wish I could sew when I see gorgeous things like this
It looks great. Has me thinking I should wear a dress tomorrow too!
Cute dress! You are very clever. I'm wearing a loud dress tomorrow to #pbevent instead of a loud shirt
That looks great Cintia! I love it!
I love how it turned out too — gorgeous Cinti!
I LOOOVE IT! I want to take it off you RIGHT NOW… (not so i can see your undies, so I can have it. Gosh).
will you take custom orders?
xo em
I love it.
I don't just love it; I frikkin' love it! Awesome work Cinti!
Great dress. Really great dress. I like the sleeve treatment you have given yours too. Subtle retro look but very modern. Amazing.
I love it too. Especially the belt around your oh-so-slim waist. Super flattering!
wowsers, it's reeeally awesome, well done and you rock it superbly! i particularly love the collar and neckline.
I love it! and you loook fantastic in it!!
what a great job!!! it fits you perfect..im new to sewing and your posts are very inspiring. I just love your blog =)
You're so clever. It's gorgeous. It's always wonderful when you make something for yourself and it turns out. xx