Burda Style For people who sew
Description
The pattern I used for this dress was Eva Dress 744, her multi-sized 1930s dinner dress pattern. It was a great pattern to use and I especially love the cut of the skirt. I did make a few changes just based on personal preference. Most notably I added 6 inches of length to the cape, cut the back skirt gore twice as wide as the original to have more “swoop” at the back, and added about an inch to the length of the top bodice between the bound buttonhole type facing that the cape passes through and the top, but did not add it to the lining (so that the top piece had more fabric gather above where the cape inserted, then tacked down a “tuck” to just add to the drapey effect). Also, in lieu of making the cape detachable I decided to just go ahead and attach it and stitch closed the slit through which the cape passes. I also cut the cape on the cross grain of my 60″ wide fabric so I could not have a seam up the back (which meant I had to piece the lining, but no biggie).
All in all this pattern was MUCH easier to make than I had anticipated. The hardest part for me was inserting an invisible zipper at the side seam (hi, bias satin + zipper. Ouch! What was I thinking? It originally called for snap closures, but I wanted the smooth line), and the newest thing I had learned was zig zagging clear elastic at the back bodice to help it stay “put”. I am glad I had thought of putting thread basting down the center front of the skirt and the bodice, as it helped me with fitting to make sure the skirt was hanging correctly. I am totally in love with the skirt of this pattern and can see myself adding it to various bodices for different evening gowns.
I used a great heavy gold rayon satin I purchased in the LA garment district for the body of the gown and cape. The bodice and cape are lined in nude silk charmeuse. Let me tell you, I was iffy about using my nice fabric to line this in because I was hording it, but oh my gosh, the silk charmeuse on my shoulders and arms felt SO nice that I’m glad I used it!
You can see more pictures of this project here on my blog: http://wearinghistoryblog.com/2011/08/03/finished-project-1930s-dinner-dress/
Material Notes
Dress and cape from a heavy gold rayon satin. Lining of cape and bodice from silk charmeuse.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Categories
Credits
- My blog
- Eva Dress Pattern 744
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Sep 12, 2011, 02.48 AMby lullith74
This is so beautiful and I love the color.
Aug 27, 2011, 05.45 PMby chula123
I am blown away and dying of envy !! Wish I could do something as beautiful as this. Love the fabric and love the pattern. Very elegant and classy!
Aug 18, 2011, 04.23 PMby BrittStitches
You look so beautiful!
Aug 12, 2011, 05.49 AMby finelookin03
Amazing!!! =]
Aug 12, 2011, 05.49 AMby finelookin03
Amazing!!! =]
Aug 11, 2011, 02.21 AMby trploceanmoon
Lovely! Very nice
Aug 8, 2011, 11.33 PMby Sheena Tidwell
O. M. G. This is phenomenal. W O W.
Aug 8, 2011, 05.49 PMby reneevk311
gorgeous! gorgeous! gorgeous! love!!!!
Aug 6, 2011, 02.51 PMby jophoto26
I’m joining the club, I’m loving the dress! And I’m so glad you gave the web address, where we can find pattern. I’m recently looking for my wedding dress idea, and Here I have the best one! Thank you for shearing.
Aug 5, 2011, 09.55 PMby flowergirl22
i am just another druuling over the dress, great job
Aug 5, 2011, 05.54 PMby wearinghistory
Holy smokes! thank you so much everyone! I am blown away by your nice comments!!
Aug 5, 2011, 01.51 PMby donerli
So beautiful!!!
Aug 5, 2011, 01.03 PMby max
Love, love, love it!!!!! Excellent work and it looks beautiful on you! Just love the vintage fashion.
Aug 5, 2011, 04.49 AMby Ralf Schmitz
this is too cool for words! i am totaly amazed. Elegant, Stylish and so beautiful!
Aug 5, 2011, 02.25 AMby ronnielee
WOW! WOW! WOW! Absolutely beautiful! The fabric the detail, everything about this dress is just VAVOOM!!! Love it!
Aug 5, 2011, 01.17 AMby kcladwig007
Love it! It looks amazing and so appropriate for the era.
Aug 4, 2011, 11.58 PMby proploft2012
This is completely gorgeous and so timeless! I wish I had this dress :P You did such a fantastic job and I love the fabric choice!
Aug 4, 2011, 11.43 PMby zsyzu
Classy, elegant, beautiful.
Aug 4, 2011, 10.04 PMby lila-1
oMg SO BEAUTIFUL. Hardly ever see satin so beautifully handled too. you must be so proud :)
Aug 4, 2011, 09.43 PMby bjr99
Gorgeous dress!!! Beautiful job. Love the styles of the 30’s
Aug 4, 2011, 06.40 PMby eunnyjang
You look phenomenal in this. Fantastic!
Aug 4, 2011, 06.08 PMby ladynunu
Your dress is absolutely beautiful. It looks so luxurious and vintage. If only there were more glamorous occasions to wear dresses like this too.
Aug 4, 2011, 05.37 PMby Lucha Suarez
Just amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I must have a dress like this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aug 4, 2011, 05.28 PMby AllyCat Darling
Beautiful.
Aug 4, 2011, 05.24 PMby keetchick
Amazing. Has the effect of a period photo to me, too. Good job!
Aug 4, 2011, 05.10 PMby secondbedroom
This is drop dead stunning. Bravo!
Aug 4, 2011, 05.02 PMby dilshadburman
WOW. Just…WOW. I’m speechless!!!