This has got to be my favourite dress to date and it ties in nicely with the 1940s inspired challenge over at Sew Weekly. I used an original 1940s pattern from Butterick, number 2638 which I got from Etsy some time ago.
The fabric was an amazing find at Oxfam, last year for about five pounds. So you can imagine how happy I am with this dress!
The construction was pretty simple. I made some adjustments to the design namely, adding a couple of inches onto the waist and taking 5 inches off the length. I also replaced gathers with soft pleats and I know that kind of takes from the authenticity but I think its all round more flattering…. and it was a lot easier getting soft pleats even instead of gathering!
More photos and details over at ooobop!
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
Darling! You did a fabulous job!
Thank you Foster
I am having serious dress-envy. This is amazing and your shoes (your feet shoes!) are adorable.
lol… thanks so much Reana Louise. I have been using the term ‘feet shoes’ all day… love it!
What a sweet dress!
Thank you Isis
I love your dress!
Thanks Anthea
I’m with Reana Louise – SERIOUS dress-envy indeed! X
lol… thanks Miss Ava Kitten
Very lovely and you did a wonderful job. Love the color and pattern.
Thank you for your lovely comment. I love this colour too… just don’t have enough of it! And I love shoes so the pattern is most loved!
Janene, I love it! What a pretty pattern and a great call doing soft pleats over gathers – they only suit children don’t they?!
Thanks so much Trish. Can never get even gathers in any case!
Lovely dress, perfect for summer.
Thank you LadyD, yes it is surprisingly cool!
That is gorgeous! What a lucky find with the fabric- it’s not something I’ve ever come across in charity shops. I’m with you on the pleats- I prefer them to gathers myself too.
Thanks Ginny. Yes it was a very lucky find indeed. Pleats are far easier as far as I’m concerned!
Such a cute dress! I’d have done the same with the gathers. They really demand the right kind of fabric that won’t add too much bulk. The soft pleats look great.
Thank you Nathalie. A much easier option too!