Burda Style For people who sew
Description
I’ve made four of these dresses to date! The Sense and Sensibility 1940s Swing Dress pattern is definitely a tried and true pattern at this point; especially after refitting it for the sew-along I hosted on my blog earlier this year. I don’t really have a whole lot to say about the construction of this dress, other than that this is my favorite version!
The fabric is a beautiful silk print that I found online; it reminded me a lot of the abstract floral prints that were popular in the 1940s. I underlined the silk since it was a bit sheer, and it really helped the drape of the silk.
I made a lot of small fitting adjustments to tailor the pattern to me, but the only big ones I made to the look of the dress were: shortening the short sleeves even a bit more. Originally the short sleeves on most 40s dresses end just above the elbow; this is not my favorite (or most flattering on my arms) length. So I shortened those a bit more. I also left the back-tie sash off and made a self-covered belt (again; this is something I did on my previous version of this dress). Which also means I can swap this belt out for others!
The pattern originally calls for a button or brooch to hold the surplice neckline together. Instead I opted to make a flower from the book “Vintage Notions”. (A template of the pattern is available on BurdaStyle here as well!)
You can read more about this project (and the sew-along) on my blog .
Material Notes
silk
Difficulty
Intermediate
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Nov 2, 2011, 09.43 PMby step-van-b
WOW – I just discovered your dress. It’s amazing.
Jul 31, 2011, 04.31 AMby zumurruda
Pretty!
Jul 24, 2011, 11.50 PMby Irina Schwab
This is so goergous, and suits you so nicely.
Jun 17, 2011, 07.21 PMby Fipp
Ok, I am in love with this dress, and dying over the material!! great job!!!!
Apr 11, 2011, 03.13 PMby Samantha Green
I love, love this dress, just beautiful. Where did you get the pattern?
Apr 7, 2011, 09.10 PMby Denise Angela
Gorgeous..love your dress!
Apr 7, 2011, 11.49 AMby mokosha
lovely dress.. and so beautifully made
Apr 6, 2011, 10.22 PMby Liora Litman-Cohen
you and your work are smething to strive for,to a beginner like me
!!
Apr 6, 2011, 07.15 PMby loyl8
ok so you always make amazing adorable outfits, but for your photos do you anything else besides natural light? like a white board or something reflective. Your photos are always so sunny and cheery I love them
Apr 6, 2011, 07.01 PMby Gabriele Yorlano
Love this dress. Nice Job. Flattering!
Apr 6, 2011, 06.06 PMby flowergirl22
really nice colour,, oh you had your hair down,, sweet
Apr 6, 2011, 05.22 PMby Jodi Wade
Aaaaaaaaah I love it! This style of dress suits you so well. I want this dress!!
Apr 6, 2011, 02.41 PMby Ralf Schmitz
this dress is not beautiful! it is a masterpiece and i love love love everything on it! BRAVO! i wish, women would wear this kind of style much more!
Apr 6, 2011, 02.27 PMby emilywirt
This is beautiful! I love your hair and makeup, too. It completes the outfit.
Apr 6, 2011, 10.54 AMby BlancheOfArts
Perfect, as always. :)
Apr 6, 2011, 10.34 AMby baka-pepica
just great!
Apr 6, 2011, 10.19 AMby ajtak7171
UUUUH-Mazing! As always. You are absolutely fabulous!
Apr 6, 2011, 07.25 AMby zaarissima
what a great dress!!!!! absolutly 40s-Style – really beautiful!
Apr 6, 2011, 03.25 AMby turtlegirl00
love it!!! :) very flattering!
Apr 6, 2011, 03.04 AMby tinybows
beautiful!!!
Apr 6, 2011, 02.17 AMby puffling
Hi Casey – I loved this when I saw it on your blog a few weeks ago. The fabric is gorgeous too!