Hello, ladies!
It’s time again for a retro pattern!
This is Retro Butterick 5708, a full skirted dress with tie straps from 1953.
[source: Butterick]
This pattern has a self fabric bodice lining, but as my fabric is sheer, I underlined the bodice as well as lined the skirt with a white cotton voile. I always find it amazing how two sheer fabrics become opaque when they are paired together.
My grandparents
When I saw this pattern it reminded me of this photo of my grandparents from the late 40’s/early 50’s. My grandma is wearing a similar dress, which is actually quite odd as this is the only photo of her wearing something so sexy. My mom was also surprised when she saw this pic as this dress is not my grandma’s style. As a matter of fact, it’s not mine either, but I enjoy it just the same. 🙂
I am wearing my light cotton ruffled petticoat with this (Simplicity 5006). It makes a look a bit less retro and more resort without it, which is how I will likely wear this dress when I’m on vacation.
And yes…. those are cow patties all around me….. the cows were in there eating the grass down.
And a kitty…. Snowball likes to follow me around, especially when I’m taking photos. I have to make sure that I don’t go too far out in the pasture when she’s outside as I don’t want her going too far into the “wild.”
This dress pattern has bad reviews…. I actually did not read any reviews before planning or sewing this dress, which is unusual for me. I liked the design so much that I doubt that I would have cared much. I also had forgotten until after the fact that Melissa had made this dress as well and was not too keen on the bodice or straps. What do I think? I think that I will never make it again…. As others have stated the tie straps are from hell and this pattern is not for beginners. However, when I tie the straps on one shoulder as I had planned on wearing it all along, it works out just fine. It’s not the most comfortable of dresses, but it would be good for a night out to wear for a few hours, which is how I planned on wearing this. Especially since a strapless bra is a must with this pattern and I have never found a comfortable strapless bra either. I don’t think I would recommend this a gal with a more ample bust than I as I believe it would require adjustments.
Overall, I am happy how this dress turned out and am glad I made it despite the negative parts of this dress. I have tried tying it on my shoulders and I don’t like it tied like that. The straps do fall down, thus the reason for the need for a strapless bra. My husband does like this dress quite a bit though. It reveals while still concealing! 🙂
Happy Sewing!
- Dress: Retro Butterick 5208 in J Crew black/white geranium print crepe cotton voile, made by me
- Shoes: American Eagle Outfitters
- Earrings: Bauble Bar
- Nail Polish: OPI Austin-tatious Turquoise
Super cute! Its true that its not exactly and every-day dress, but sometimes it is fun to try something new! Nice work!
Thanks, Megan! It’s always nice to have special dresses in your closet!
I love the photo of your grandparents! It’s funny to see old pictures sometimes and see people in ways that are so un-like we remember them. There’s a photo in my grandparents house of my grandpa posing shirtless and I always thought that it was strange and so very un-grandpa like!
Also, I’m sorry you had to go through the same headaches as I did with this pattern! I don’t know who or what this pattern is actually made to fit. Rest assured that you look very cute in this dress despite the fact that the fabric is probably digging into your armpit in an extremely uncomfortable way. It’s a shame that it was so badly designed! Maybe one day if I’m feeling especially ambitious I’ll take a stab at modifying it…
Oh my gosh you look fabulous in this dress! Shame it was so tricky and not as comfy as it should be. It is lovely with the one strap, especially with your beautiful hair cascading. You made me smile with the comment about the cow pats. I managed to pose with a doggy do in shot last week. Plus I generally have my furry cat assistants prowling around. xxxx
Thanks, Poppy! I guess when you have animals, anything goes! I had the dogs locked away when I took these pics so no one lifting their leg around me. Haha! 🙂
Lovely dress. The fabric is perfect for it. Gorgeous.
Thank you!!! 🙂
Wowza! This is inspiring in two-fold because it makes me want to sew a bkacj & white print, AND it makes me consider a goddess neckline in a very realistic way. You have this amazing jungle Bettie Page thing going on with the one shoulder, and yet it seems totally wearable, and as if it could be dressed down easily too. While typing this comment I just had TWO MORE inspirations separate from the ones I listed! I must sew something inspired by this! Even better, also I have that elusive “this must be blogged!” feeling that comes around too rarely. You’re totally my favorite.
Awe, thanks, Laura! I want to see you in a goddess dress, too! 🙂
Lovely dress, and it looks great on you! I was one of the many other people who purchased some of this same fabric from FabricMart (yours is the third blog post or review that I’ve seen using it). Mine still hasn’t decided what it wants to be yet. Seeing your dress has me leaning in the direction of “summer dress”.
I have yet to see anything made with this fabric. I can’t wait to see what you make! It totally screams “summer dress!”
You look totally cute in that dress! I agree that strapless bras are evil and I probably wouldn’t want to wear it all day, but it is really adorable and looks flattering!
Thank you, Jan! It’s good for a “going out to dinner in the summer heat” dress! 🙂
It’s unfortunate that the pattern isn’t great because I LOVE this dress. You look fantastic and super feminine in it. Also, strapless bras are indeed the absolute worst!
Thank you, Heather! I’m sure it could be better with modifications, but there are so many other patterns to try first!
I love this! It looks fantastic on you. Your grandparents are adorable (you look like your grandpa 🙂
Thanks, Debbie! I’ve never been told that I look like my grandpa! It’s usually my mom!
Sexy and very flattering. It gives you a lovely waist. And I love the photo of your grandparents. Enjoy that dress. You did a nice job. Love the shoes and earrings, the blue nail polish, not so much!
Thanks, Susan! I love That photo of my grandparents as well! 🙂 Its funny that you say that about the polish as I was just thinking about changing it! I wanted a change from my pinks and not sure that is it for me right now! Lol
Wow. What a great fabric bargain and gorgeous print! I love the dress on you. It’s super flattering and looks amazing.
Thanks, Andie! I wasn’t sure what to think about wearing a style like this, but decided to jump right in!
It’s a lovely dress, and I admire you for getting through the difficulties. I feel your pain about strapless bras, I have one from my wedding, but now if I wear it, as soon as I get home it’s pulled out through the armholes of my dresses (much to hubby’s amusement)
Thanks, Vicki! Strapless bras are the worst! I’d rather just build a bra into a dress and avoid them!
Very sexy!
I know! I think that’s why my husband likes it so much!