Mrs. Hughes

Retro Inspired Sewing

  • About
    • About Tanya
    • Featured
    • Contact Me
  • My Closet
  • Tutorials
You are here: Home / Sew Stylish / The Goldfinger Dress [Cashmerette Turner]

The Goldfinger Dress [Cashmerette Turner]

01/27/2017

Howdy, friends!

Yeah, I made another Turner! This time in stretch velvet.  This really is my favorite everyday pattern for fall/winter.  It’s easy to wear, quick to make and super comfortable.  I’ve made four Turners already, plus one that was a gift.

Source: Cashmerette Patterns

Velvet is a pretty trendy fabric right now and although I could care less about trends, I’m happy to see more of it in fabric stores and all of the inspiring garments made out of it throughout the online sewing community.  I had been considering making a stretch velvet dress for a while, but then when I saw this gorgeous gold velvet dress in Seamwork, I knew I wanted THAT!

Source: Seamwork Magazine

But not quite exactly that, as I wanted a Turner!

Perhaps it’s because I live in a house that we’re slowly remodeling and my grandma’s choice in the late 60’s was to put gold all of over the place in late 60’s/early 70’s Colonial style, but I really love gold fabrics.  And yet, I didn’t have any — until now!  I found this beautiful gold stretch velvet at Finch Fabrics and went to town.

I’ve sewn with pretty much every type of velvet that there is, but I had never sewn with stretch velvet.  I don’t know why, but it always made me think of velour tracksuits and of course, not only the dining room chair I’m posing with, but a gold 70’s chair we have down in the basement….  Sewing with this velvet was a little tricksy, but really, it’s mostly getting the fabric to lay right so I could cut it out, whilst paying attention to the nap.  I used a mix of pattern weights and pins to get it cut right and then it was just like sewing any other knit.

Family portrait with Rollie

I did test the stretch of the velvet before I cut it out, but it seems like it’s not quite as stretchy as the other fabrics I’ve used for my Turner dresses, so maybe I should have sized up on the bodice, gone up a cup size or enlarged the armscyes.  It feels fine wearing it and I love this dress so much, but in retrospect, I often look at things and think about what could make it just a little bit better. 🙂

I made this dress to wear on Christmas Eve and it’s been in rotation ever since as I didn’t want to relegate it to just a special occasion dress.  I did make a sash to wear with it, but I prefer it without.  It feels like I should be going to a 70’s disco in it.  My husband calls me “Goldfinger” when I wear this.  I paired it with some apropos gold wedges to get the full effect.

And here I am posing in front of our Christmas tree. 🙂

Happy Sewing!

  • Dress:  Cashmerette Turner in stretch velvet, made by me
  • Shoes:  Stuart Weitzman
  • Earrings:  Bauble Bar
Share this:
  • Share via Email
  • Share via Facebook
  • Share via Pinterest
  • Share via Ravelry
  • Share via Twitter
  • Share via Google

Related

Filed Under: Sew Stylish

« A Red Velvet Baltimore Dress
The Cherry New England Dress »

Comments

  1. Mariah says

    February 8, 2017 at 8:15 am

    You look like a regal queen in this dress. I’ve seen so much of the gold velvet around since that seamwork article. Yours is the best, though.

    • tanyamaile says

      February 8, 2017 at 1:12 pm

      Thanks, Mariah! 🙂

  2. Zofia Biała says

    February 8, 2017 at 5:22 am

    Wow… Golden velvet, so soft and yet so luxurious! You look gorgeous, a true queen!

    Love, Zofia || https://fashfactory.com

    • tanyamaile says

      February 8, 2017 at 1:12 pm

      Thank you! 🙂

  3. Renee Pueringer Berry says

    February 3, 2017 at 7:09 am

    Absolutely stunning! And that color just makes your face glow!

    • tanyamaile says

      February 8, 2017 at 1:12 pm

      Thanks, Renee!

  4. Michele Svedberg says

    February 2, 2017 at 7:23 am

    Looks lovely on you. Would you mind sharing what you have on for undergarments? I look so lumpy wearing knits and you look fabulously smooth.

    • tanyamaile says

      February 8, 2017 at 1:11 pm

      Thank you. I don’t have any shapewear on — just a foam cup bra that fits well and high cut briefs. The pattern is designed to skim over your curves.

  5. Elizabeth says

    January 31, 2017 at 9:23 am

    It’s beautiful! I’m slowly learning that velvet is really such a nice fabric to wear that it’s worth the extra time it takes to sew it properly. Maybe that’s what happens when your skill level reaches a certain point–you start climbing bigger mountains because they’re there. At any rate, this is such an elegant day look. The Turner has really done a great job delivering that kind of style you can wear in so many fabrics for any occasion. That Seamwork dress is quite the style in velvet too!

    • tanyamaile says

      February 8, 2017 at 1:10 pm

      Thanks, Elizabeth! It is so wonderful to wear it and pet it while you’re wearing it! LOL 🙂

  6. flowercatdesigns says

    January 29, 2017 at 11:07 am

    This color is amazing on you! So flattering. This is a wonderful dress!

    • tanyamaile says

      February 8, 2017 at 1:10 pm

      Thanks, Kelly!

  7. Anglow says

    January 29, 2017 at 9:35 am

    Beautiful, Tanya! You have become my sewing guru in the last few months, since I discovered CSC. Love your style!

    • tanyamaile says

      February 8, 2017 at 1:10 pm

      Thank you so much! 🙂

  8. Carlee McTavish says

    January 28, 2017 at 9:48 am

    It looks beautiful Tanya! And paired with those shoes it is lovely 🙂

    • tanyamaile says

      February 8, 2017 at 1:10 pm

      Thank you, Carlee!

  9. Jenny Rushmore says

    January 27, 2017 at 2:42 pm

    Gorgeous, as always!

    • tanyamaile says

      February 8, 2017 at 1:09 pm

      Thanks, Jenny!

  10. Lusty says

    January 27, 2017 at 1:06 pm

    I love this dress so much, and you in it! And those shoes!

    • tanyamaile says

      February 8, 2017 at 1:09 pm

      Thank you! 🙂

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Subscribe to Blog via Email

My Favorites

  • The 1920’s Egyptian Revival Gown
  • The Embroidered Zig Zag Dress
  • The 1929 Pansy Dress
  • The 1930’s Silk Velvet Dress
  • Sailors are My Weakness [The Dorothy Lara Dress]
  • The California Poppy Blouse
  • The 1950’s Robin Hood Dress
  • The Broderie Anglaise Birthday Dress

Categories

Archives

“Dress Like Your Grandma” Host

Behind the Scenes on Instagram @tanyamaile

Meet my new favorite dress! This is the @gertie18 Meet my new favorite dress! This is the @gertie18 Charm #cinchitdress in cotton linen from @lafinchfabrics . It is my third and favorite version thus far. I did several alterations to this pattern for both fit and preference. This is a size 22/24 in upper cup sizes. I'm not sure if it's because I am on the lower end of the bust sizes at a D, but I raised the bust darts and also raised the shirring line a few inches. I took a wedge out of the back for a swayback adjustment, raised the armholes as they're too low for me and lowered the neckline slit. This version has the banded collar. Other versions I've made have sleeves and no collar. I also lengthened the skirt and am wearing my lightweight petticoat with this. It's difficult to see, but this version has a triangular pocket from a similar vintage 1950's tent dress pattern, which I also used to add more width to the shoulders and create a bit of a sleeve, which I'll be extending out more for my 4th Cinch-It dress. I just had my second dose of the Pfizer vax, so if I feel okay, I'll be cutting out another dress. 😉

This is a great every day dress. It's so comfortable and quick to sew. Without a belt or shirring, it looks a bit like a muu muu, which really isn't a bad thing, but I like some waist definition. My first one I made out of rayon challis, and that's a bit too drapey IMO for this pattern and I prefer this cotton linen and version 2 in chambray, which I'll share when I finish with the appliques and pockets on that. I love this pattern so much that I was going to use one of my treasured vintage Hawaiian fabrics, but didn't have enough yardage to cut this pattern out as that 50's fabric is narrow.  Now that I have this pattern fitted exactly how I want it to, I may just sew 5 or 6. 😉

#charmpatterns #lafinchfabrics #polynesianAF #vintagesewing #plussizesewing #sewistsofinstagram  #sewistsofcolor #curvysewingcollective #sewing #1950ssewing
I made a dress and took photos of it! 💃💃 Thi I made a dress and took photos of it! 💃💃 This is a @gertie18 Charm Lamour Dress and Dorothy Bolero made of cotton linen from @lafinchfabrics. 

#lamourdress #dorothybolero #charmpatterns #1950sfashion #plussizevintage #vintagedressmaking #vintagesewing #lafinchfabrics #curvysewingcollective
My new hussif/housewife sewing wrap that I made in My new hussif/housewife sewing wrap that I made in @the_sewing_room_alameda 's class at the @gbacg virtual costume academy last weekend. I sewed it in class and added the binding today. I love how it uses remnants and that I had everything to make it in my sewing room. It was perfect for this little piece of vintage fabric (printed off grain). I'm planning to make another one to go in my 18th pockets and do some embroidery on it.
I feel incredibly grateful that I've had my first I feel incredibly grateful that I've had my first dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine. My husband (a teacher) has also had his first dose. It feels like being on the path to some sense of normalcy and being able to breathe again after a tumultuous year. I'm also looking forward to seeing my grandma and my aunt who is in a care home -- both of whom I haven't seen since before this pandemic began.

If you're curious, as I live in California and we are not doing great amongst the states with our vaccine administration (currently ranked 38) and my county has not reached my age group yet. On Monday, I became eligible in my state as high risk due to BMI (fat privilege!). I would have had to jump through hoops and wait to get a shot at the only vaccine option  my county has (I was on the list), and looked for other options. Our state vaccine website (MyTurn) gave me clinics in other counties which I am not eligible for as I'm not a resident or worker. VaccineFinder gave me locations at area pharmacies and I tried to get an appointment and they were all booked. Finally, a friend told me about Walgreens and I went on their website and made an appointment on Tuesday and had my first shot today. 🎉🎉
This lady head brooch by @lipstickandchrome really This lady head brooch by @lipstickandchrome really made my day. Thanks to @wanderingwhipstitch for telling me about it. 💖
It was pretty unbelievable when my husband and I f It was pretty unbelievable when my husband and I found these Pyrex orange butterprint Cinderella bowls at a thrift store the other day. The orange (along with pink) butterprint were promotional pyrex from the late 1950's/early 1960's and very hard to find. I never thought that I'd have some in my collection as I've never seen these for sale in person and there are so many pyrex collectors in my area. These are mint, but missing the 444 (largest size). At $75, these were not a thrift store price, but a steal considering the current going rate. Plus, I love them, which makes them valuable to me. I rearranged this hutch of my favorites so they could be displayed there. 😊

#pyrex #vintagepyrex #pyrexcollector #orangebutterprint #rarepyrex #pyrexcollection
Today, @mommarainbows and I had a Castle Cake-Off. Today, @mommarainbows and I had a Castle Cake-Off. Who wins? We both do. 🤣 I present to you my Count Chocula cake. 🧛‍♂️ It's a chocolate malt cake with malt fudge sauce, chocolate malt frosting, malt crumble and some somewhat charred marshmallows. I used the recipe from the Milk Bar. 

This is the fanciest bundt cake I've ever made as I usually just pour a glaze on with coconut, sprinkles or berries.
Just finished: A crewelwork pillow with California Just finished: A crewelwork pillow with California poppies and bachelor buttons. I made this from a vintage 1970's Bucilla crewel embroidery kit. This is the second Bucilla crewel kit that I've made and I just love using them. I was fortunate to find this one with my state's flower on it and it was a pretty quick embroidery project.

#bucilla #crewelembroidery #crewelwork #embroidery #handembroidery #1970sembroidery #1970sstyle #californiapoppy
Follow on Instagram
Copyright 2012-2021. Tanya Maile Hughes. All rights reserved. Please do not copy or reproduce any content from this site without approval and credit. Sewing graphics by katieshoestring and California poppy graphics by DigitalDesignsAndArt

Mrs. Hughes: A retro inspired, vintage garment sewing and plus-size dressmaking blog by Tanya Maile Hughes.

  • About
  • My Closet
  • Tutorials

Copyright © 2021 · Adorn theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2021 · Adorn Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in