Description
I am dedicating all of my summer sewing to making myself a complete 1940s wardrobe…
I saw the fabric for this dress this weekend at JoAnn’s and I knew it was destined for a 1940s dress. I used the Retro Butterick ’47 dress pattern (which I had been wanting to try for some time).
It was incredibly easy to make, however, the sizes run sooo small! I am a size 8-10 and I had to use the size 12, and add an inch or so here and there! The pattern also called for a lining in the bust, but in this heat there’s no way I’m wearing a lined dress!
I completed it in 2 hours, so I would definitely make another out of a different fabric. I have a big piece of vintage silk that I’ve got my eye on. :)
I LOVE how this dress turned out. I wore it all day today and got so many compliments. I can’t wait to wear it again and again.
More on my blog
Material Notes
cotton
Difficulty
Intermediate
Categories
34 Comments Sign in to add a post
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Jan 7, 2014, 06.25 AMby SassyT
I absolutely love this, you look fabulous and am a sucker for a good photoshoot. I have just featured you on SSB https://facebook.com/sassysewingbees
1 Reply
Jan 7, 2014, 06.27 AMby SassyT
Tried to click into your blog but it says I need permission.
Jul 12, 2011, 10.33 PMby slaviblago
Dear, TinyBows!! How lovely are you?! Love the dress, love the fabric. Do you know what the name of this fabric is? I would like to look for it at my local Joann’s. My best to you, Thanks
Jun 17, 2011, 04.39 AMby sophie11
lovely work!! The 1940s were so elegant!
Jun 17, 2011, 01.37 AMby artsiekat
This looks amazing on you! Gorgeous! I so want to make this.
Jun 17, 2011, 01.25 AMby sunnilj9
Gorgeous! I love the fabric and it looks positively fabulous on you! Totally fantastic job!
Jun 16, 2011, 10.03 PMby debilovessewing
LOVE this!!!!
Jun 16, 2011, 03.07 PMby vintagegal
Love it! I can’t believe you found the fabric at JoAnne’s. It is darling. I made this pattern (the halter version) in a stretch satin, and you are right. It does run small, but it was easy to put together. Yours makes me want to make a fun summery one now!
1 Reply
Jun 16, 2011, 04.13 PMby tinybows
Haha, I couldn’t believe I found it there either! It caught my eye and I was like “Where did you come from?!” I bought so much of it, too! Oooh, stretch satin on the halter? I bet that’s amazing!
Jun 16, 2011, 07.13 AMby sewtake2
I absolutely love your dress. I was gonna try the same pattern in halter neck for my daughter and with the full bodice for me-now I’m definitely going to have to make it. I just hope I can get some great fabric because your dress is just perfect in the printed cotton.
1 Reply
Jun 16, 2011, 01.47 PMby tinybows
You definitely have to! There are a lot of really amazing Michael Miller fabrics I have my eye on for this pattern. The possibilities are endless!
Jun 16, 2011, 06.44 AMby BeYou TiFul
Only two hours for this gorgeous dress? You did a great job! I love the choice of fabric and you look just wonderfull in it. Can’t wait to see the rest of your summer collection.
Jun 16, 2011, 03.14 AMby turtlegirl00
wow! so fun—and I can’t believe you did it in 2 hours!!!! I can’t wait to see more—excellent photos!
Jun 15, 2011, 10.46 PMby Tokie Ang
beautiful!! looks so good on it :D
Jun 15, 2011, 07.21 PMby Keren Touré
Beautiful dress and photography !! Good job !
Jun 15, 2011, 05.58 PMby LauraClaire89
I was looking to do this pattern myself in the same version. Yours is lovely :)
Jun 15, 2011, 02.27 PMby FabricUiPhoneApp
The by-the-railroad shot is classic..I’ve done it myself. Congrats on making a 1940s wardrobe this summer. I look for more train shots. And the hatbox is a great retro touch too. Are there shoulder pads on this dress?
1 Reply
Jun 15, 2011, 03.37 PMby tinybows
I didn’t use shoulder pads, I just pleated the sleeves to give it that silhouette.
Jun 15, 2011, 12.21 PMby VictoriaPerry
I have this pattern too and I also found it incredibly easy to make! I love the print you’ve used!
Jun 15, 2011, 12.32 AMby pumpkinpatches
looks wonderful! love the fabric-great choice on both
Jun 14, 2011, 09.59 PMby Olivia Anne
I love it and the photos are great too
Jun 14, 2011, 05.38 PMby iroiro
So gorgeous! Cannot wait to see the next 40s creation!
Jun 14, 2011, 05.30 PMby asf
I’m almost certain I now NEED this dress pattern.
Jun 14, 2011, 03.55 PMby Debby H
I’m not surprised by the comments its lovely
Jun 14, 2011, 01.19 PMby Lucha Suarez
I love it! This pattern is perfect to make many times over! You look beautiful in it!
Jun 14, 2011, 12.16 PMby Dee Durrant
Such a lovely dress….and your goregous photos set it off beautifully.
Jun 14, 2011, 10.28 AMby ladyshape
What an amazing dress. Perfect for summer and I love the fabric! Cool hat too. Good work!
Jun 14, 2011, 08.40 AMby zaarissima
wow! so stylish! and an absolutly beautiful photo!!!!
Jun 14, 2011, 08.35 AMby artyfarty
Everything about this is so good- the photos, the fabric, the dress! Nice work!
Jun 14, 2011, 07.18 AMby handmadebyfreya
You look lovely! What an adorable dress, I love your fabric choice as well. Well done!
Jun 14, 2011, 06.31 AMby Irina Schwab
Oh, yes, I forgot to ask teh most important question. When you refer to sizes, do you mean UK 8 to 10 or American 8 to 10? I would appreciate if you clarify, since I have the same type of patterns and never cut one. I saw the sizes in the corner and also looked at measurements, I don’t seem to match them up at all!
1 Reply
Jun 14, 2011, 12.08 PMby tinybows
It is the US size. My suggestion is that you go a size larger and then fit the pattern first and then add wherever you need it. The sizing was a little strange, I thought.
Jun 14, 2011, 06.28 AMby Irina Schwab
Oh my God, I want to come over and borrow this from you, it is the quickest route to wear it! Extremely sweet! I bought some retro Butterwick off ebay, but did nto get the chance to try anything, because I am still working on my mother in law’s frock!
Jun 14, 2011, 05.55 AMby lyrameneses
SO. ADORABLE. And thank you for making it, I have had my eye on this pattern for a while and haven’t seen it on a real person. This just made the top of my queue! <3
Jun 14, 2011, 03.38 AMby tashmopolitan
ooo lala!