Hello everyone! I hope you’re having a great week so far. Can you believe we’re already in the month of March? Spring is on it’s way. Since my return to sewing a few years ago, I can’t seem to get myself ready in time for the changing seasons quickly enough to sew my garments ahead of time. Although today’s blog post highlights a garment that attempts moving toward spring sewing, I’m not really ready. I still have a coat and several cardigans, turtleneck tops and lots of sweater knit fabric that I’d love to work through before transitioning into spring sewing. Ooooh, what to do? What to do???
1960’s Retro Dress – Butterick 5748
Today’s look was inspired by the black & white, polka dot fabric that I used to make this dress. It has been in my stash for quite a while and I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to use it. I’ve actually pictured it as a vintage or retro look, so when I ran across this pattern I thought it would be a happy marriage. The dress would have been nice with an all-over polka dot look. However, I wanted to break up the dots with a little color blocking, so I added a solid bodice.
The dress is an easy sew, with only 4-pieces (5 if adding the bow). However, it is fully lined with a side zipper. Therefore, if you’re a new beginner and haven’t installed a lining or side zipper, I would recommend waiting until you’re comfortable with both techniques. I omitted the lining for the skirt because my fabric was thick enough and didn’t need it. I inserted the zipper at center back, instead of putting it on the side simply because I don’t care for side zippers. The beauty of sewing your own garments is that you have the liberty of changing things around to your liking. Hehehe!
Styling the Dress
I really love vintage and retro style dresses. While I don’t go full on vintage from head to toe, I do enjoy mixing the pieces with more modern accessories and other items from different eras. In today’s look, I mixed a little 1960’s (dress) with a bit of 1920’s (cloche), then brought it up to date a bit with the shoes.
The flare on the skirt portion was achieved with a petticoat). I used tulle leftover from a prom dress, cut it to desired length and adjusted the waist. While it worked out for this skirt, I’m not a big fan of tulle, so I have different plans for the next full skirt. I will leave a link below to a site where you may purchase petticoats. I’ve also linked to a tutorial for making a crinoline petticoat. The instructions seem to be very thorough, and I’m excited to make one of my own following Dixie’s tutorial.
Create the Look!
- Pattern: Butterick 5748 (View B)
- Skirt Fabric: Options
- Bodice Fabric: White Ponte Knit
- Shoes: Off Saks 5th (old)
- Gloves: Gifted
- Pearls: Gifted
- Purchase a Petticoat
- Make a Petticoat
Thanks for stopping by!
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
Anita
(All Photos Courtesy of CEMO!)
Oh MY Goodness!!! YOU LOOK FANTASTIC!!!!
Hi Anita,
Just wanted to say hello. I’ve been quite busy lately, between going to work and working on quite a few projects including that pastel pink suit for Easter. Nevertheless; I just had to take a peep at your latest projects. That black and white polka dot dress is absolutely fabulous. Every time, I visit your website, it puts me in a happy place, it’s like a breath of fresh air, I’m telling ya, you need a spot on TV. I’ll chat with you soon Anita. Have a blessed rest of the week.
Love whatcha doing!!
Jo Anna
Heeey Jo Anna! I’m glad you hear from you. OMGoodness, I totally understand being busy. I’m in the same boat with you on that. Thank you so much for coming back to visit. I’m so glad you like the blog. Have a beautiful rest of the week. God bless you always, sew sister!
Anita,
Oooooooh Happy Days are back! Now this dress puts a smile on my face.
It reminds me of the show Happy Days with Fonzie. Yessssss
Dee
BWHAT! Bust Waist Hips and Thighs
Bwhat.org
Bwahahahaaaa!!! You are so right! I LOVED that show!
Keep it classy Anita.. Gorgeous
Thanks Deborah!
Just absolutely adorable Anita! I have to say, you look so chic head to toe! I kind of laughed at the beginning of your blog post when you mentioned not being ready to sew for the new season ahead of time. I am right there with you every year, LOL!
Hi Myra! Thanks so much! Yeah, maybe one year we’ll be ready.
Ahhhh so pretty!
Thanks Faye!
I love it! Classic and stylish. Great job Anita! You had me at polka dots.?
Thanks Sheila! Those are Madear’s gloves I’m wearing.
?Hi Anita and ???. I love retro/vintage clothing. I’ve actually been looking at some patterns. Only looking right now though,I’m trying to stay with the lessons. The dress is super gorgeous. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Peggy! Thanks so much! Have fun with your vintage/retro sewing when you’re ready.
Oh my! Just took a closer look at the shoes! They are beautiful and a perfect match to the dress. Did I say gorgeous already?
I KNOOOOWWWW! I just knew those shoes would be prefect for the dress.
Be still my heart, be still!…. Ou la la! Anita, this, this, this, is simply GORGEOUS!…CLASSY!… LOVE IT!!!…Such a simple silhouette…topped with the right accessories…and you have created a masterpiece! Masterfully executed!!!!
Oooh, Paulette! Yes, this is so your style sew sister! I can see you wearing this dress right now. Thank you!
Anita! You have blown me away again with your post, you are so thorough with your blog posts and I just can’t get enough! ❤️ I also adore this dress, I will have to make it some day! God bless and thanks again for your contributions?
Thank you so much Terolyn! God bless you!
You BEAUTIFUL SMILE compliments this outfit so much! Happy Sewing!
Thanks Dara! Happy Sewing to you also!