1946 “Owl Eyes” Challis Dress

I am happy to finally write a blog post about this dress as it is one of my favorites!

1946 Belted Challis Dress

This 1946 design is sewn  from Retro Butterick 5281 and is made of Anna Sui “Owl Eyes” rayon/cotton challis.  It is fully lined with cotton batiste and it is a very comfortable dress.

1946 Belted Dress

1946 Belted Dress

The belt is made of cotton twill and has a fabric covered buckle.  This is the first time that I’ve made a covered buckle and I really like the look although it did not turn out as perfect as I’d like.  Next time it will!  I added fuschia buttons to the bodice and made it a faux closure rather than the neck opening that the pattern suggests.  I also changed the location of the sewn buttons.  I also gathered the sleeves.

1946 Belted Dress

This is the first time that I’ve sewn with challis.  I’m not much of a sewer of knits as I prefer cottons and silks, but I do love this fabric.  I pre-washed it and it sure did get soft after that.  This fabric works well for this pattern, although I think the pattern work would best with a solid color or contrasting colors/prints as the 40’s details get kind of lost with the busy print.  This pattern features an asymmetrical yoke and has gathering on the left shoulder.  The bodice also has three pieces (plus the sleeves)  as the neckline is meant to open.  This pullover dress fits over my head fine, so I didn’t need that.  It has a side zipper.

1946 Belted Dress

1946 Belted Dress

1946 Belted Dress

1946 Belted Dress

I made this dress to enter in Julie’s Ficks Sewing Contest through Fabric Mart.  The submission period starts today on Facebook and voting starts April 16, 2013.

Happy Sewing, my friends!

Dress:  Butterick 5281 made by me

Fabric:  Anna Sui “Owl Eyes” Rayon/Cotton Challis

Shoes:  Sam Edelman

Necklace:  Vintage from Grandma