pullover – WeSewRetro.com

Easy 60’s Top (Vintage Butterick 3286)

By Akram Taghavi-Burris on August 18, 2017

In my need for more separates in my wardrobe, I went through my pattern stash and found Butterick 3286.

This 1960’s pullover sleeveless top features a variety of necklines. I choose to make the shallow (almost bateau), which I find most flattering on me. is so easy to put together that after I quickly made 4 of them in one day.

The pattern itself is so easy to put together that I quickly made 4 of them in one day.

The pattern itself is very similar to Simplicity 1364 (a re-issue vintage pattern), which if you recall I made 4 of last summer. The only main difference is that Simplicity 1364 is supposed to be slightly more fitted and includes a back zipper. The Butterick 3286 pattern is a looser fit with both the back and front pieces cut on the fold.

I really like the casual look of this top and being sleeveless it’s a great top for summer.

This top is also very versatile as it looks great with a pair of jeans or with a stylish skirt. When paired with a cardigan or blazer the top works well for wearing to the office.

I’m really happy with how this pattern came out and I glad to know that this is my second pattern this year that counts towards my #VintagePledge.

For full details about making this dress be sure to see my full blog post at http://akramsideas.com/vintage-butterick-3286-is-the-perfect-summer-top

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1950s | Dresses

“No Cock Nor Tails” Cocktail Dress Ensemble [from a newbie]

By Melody Mae on January 19, 2013

Hello there! I’m a new contributor, but a long time reader!
My name is Melody and I blog over on Bourbon and Bras, where I make vintage-inspired clothing to better my sewing skills.
It’s nice to finally take the plunge in contributing, and I hope through this I can get a lot of tips and tricks, as well as new sewing friends!

I thought I’d get right to the chase and start blogging with one of my most recent makes!

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Over the Christmas period, my boyfriend had a work’s Christmas party at the Natural History Museum in London.
The dress code was black tie, and never one to shy away from an opportunity to dress up, I made myself a 50’s inspired Cocktail Dress, and a ‘pullover’ sheer mesh top to go over it, to emulate the sheer-yoked nature of this dress by Aiseirigh Vintage, with the wearability of two separate garments.

The dress is made from a faux silk taffeta, made from a self drafted pattern from a basic block.
It’s unlined due to a short time to finish it, but features a sweetheart neckline, full circle skirt and center-back lapped zipper [a first for me]. The seams are pinked and the hem was hemmed with bias tape and hand stitched to the dress [this took three hours. three. hours.].

The pullover was “frankenpatterned” from two patterns from Gertie’s Book For Better Sewing, the Wiggle Dress and the Bow Tied Blouse. You can read a little about that on my blog here.
It was made from a dobby spot “lace” mesh, which has four-way stretch and is little else other than a pain to sew.
But it features a 3/4 length sleeves, front and back darts, a tie back and some interesting “these-used-to-be-kimono-sleeves” panelling under the arm.

Overall, I’m really quite happy with the ensemble. I have finally worked out a good fit for my bodices, and although this dress is plain I think with the lapped zipper and below-knee length it’s a good “vintage-style” circle dress, but the pullover makes it more “vintage modern” which is a style I go for! If you so wish, there is more about this ensemble, including links to the design/inspiration, please check out my post on it, here!

Fabric:
Dress; Faux silk taffeta
Pullover; Dobby print stretch ‘lace’ [stash]
Pattern:
Dress; Self drafted from basic circle dress block
Pullover; ‘Frankenpatterned’ from Gertie’s Wiggle Dress and Bow Tied Blouse
Notions: Bias binding [hem and facing], metal zipper [stash], grosgrain ribbon waist stay
Time to Complete:
Dress; I’d estimate that, including hand-stitching the hem and the pattern, around 15 hours
Pullover; Around 8 or so hours, including the ‘frankenpatterning’
Make again?: Definitely, the dress is a great fit for once, and a nice length, and the pullover pattern could work in any jersey or mesh and it’s a great little coverup!
Total price:
Dress; £17, for the fabric, bias tape and thread.
Pullover; £0! Unless you count the pattern, which was from Gertie’s book which cost me £15.
So, £32 in total for an entire ensemble, including a pattern!

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