Hi friends!
I made this dress over the summer and I’m just now sharing it with you…. Better late than never! There are actually two more dresses in the queue that I also made and wore over the summer. But really, it may be fall in the northern hemisphere, but it’s been very summery here in California until just recently!
Source: Butterick Patterns
This dress is made with Butterick 6363, a 1940’s style dress pattern in the Making History collection designed by Nancy Farris-Thee. I made view B, which is an incredibly quick and easy sew.
Along with grading this pattern up, I did the following alterations: swayback adjustment to the back bodice, enlarged sleeves and added length to the skirt. I finished the neckline with Hug Snug rayon seam binding, hand sewing both the neckline and the sleeve hems. I just did a quick turn and topstitch on the bottom hem and finished the seams with my serger.
The fabric is this glorious green floral shirting that I picked up at Britex last year. I only had three yards of it and used every bit of it to make this dress. This dress is a little sheer, so I have to wear a slip with it. The slip I’m wearing in these photos in a silk/cotton jersey and I do see that it clings a little on the back. The buttons are vintage and probably from the 40’s/50’s and might be bakelite…. I’m not sure. If I had more fabric and time (and a green buckle!), I probably would have made a self fabric belt as well.
Even with the hand sewing, I think this only took me a day to sew. It certainly is a satisfying dress to make, plus I love patterns that only take a few yards of fabric to sew up.
When I was getting ready to take these photos, I thought how nice a hat would look with this dress. I pictured a 40’s sun hat, which I don’t have. I do have two green hats from the 50’s, but they are wool and don’t work with this. Just now as I put this post together, I remembered that this pattern has a hat pattern with it. I’m definitely going to add that to my list for next year.
I like this simple dress, although I usually like a fuller skirt. I bought this pattern as I really like view A, with the collar and button down front. I’ll probably make that version someday and I think I will widen the skirt at the hips.
Also, I’ve been practicing wet sets for the past few months and am working on mastering the brush out. I took these photos last month though. I think I’ve got even better with the styling in the last couple of weeks. 🙂
Happy Sewing!
- Dress: Butterick 6363 in cotton shirting, made by me
- Shoes: Remix Vintage
- Belt: Macy’s
- Necklace: BaubleBar
- Pin: Redbird Vintage Box
- Earrings: Gift
- Lipstick: Besame 1931 Carmine (affiliate link)
You look great! I love the dress and the colour suits you wonderfully. I think I am going to have to make a copy for myself! Thank you for the inspiration.
Thank you!! I love how quick this dress is to sew. It’s especially refreshing when you’ve been sewing involved projects. 🙂
What an absolutely stunning dress. The buttons are a perfect match. The fabric is gorgeous and I love the way that you have styled it. Those green shoes are tremendous. Your hair is looking fab. Is there a good online resource that you can recommend for wet setting? I have tried but it always just falls out. Xx
Thank you!!! I used a tutorial by Tasha from By Gum by Golly to figure out the wetset. I use argan oil, Suavecita pomade and Lottabody Setting Lotion.http://bygumbygolly.com/2013/08/fast-basic-roller-set-everyday-vintage-hair/
You and your dress look faublous!!!
Thank you, Sheila!
Really pretty–I love the fabric and your parrot pin!
Thanks, Alice! Fun fact: I actually have a parrot from Costa Rica that exactly matches that pin!
Love this look! You select the best pattern/fabric combos. I definitely want this pattern now!
Thank you, Amanda! It’s a nice and quick pattern to sew!
Oh wow Tanya this is truly amazing, you look stunning thanks for sharing guess which pattern I am just going to purchase 😹😹
Thanks, Carole! I hope you enjoy sewing this pattern, too. 🙂
You definately sold me on this pattern! You look beautiful! It does look like a quick sew too. Now to find the fabric! :o) Thanks for sharing-better late than never!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy sewing it. 🙂
Your dress is beautiful and look stunning in it. Well done!
Thank you, Julie!
Oh man this is so cute! I bought this pattern despite the dowdy looking pattern styling (not necessarily the actual models, something about the design of the fonts etc makes it look so ’90s in a bad way) because the line drawing looks excellent. It’s coming into warm weather here, I might need one! How do you find the slimmer skirt to move around in? I’m with you in generally preferring a wider skirt, partly because I like the movement and sitting comfort it gives.
The pattern cover does look a little 90’s, doesn’t it? It’s a quick dress to make and doesn’t take much fabric, so I do recommend making it. I don’t find the skirt difficult to move in. It’s quite comfortable, I would just make it a little wider the next time I sew this pattern.
I bet in another ten years it will look charmingly retro, rather than daggy and dated! XD
Those ’40s patterns are so good for fabric thriftiness. Good to know about the skirt though. This one has definitely jumped up my queue
Can’t wait to see your version!