Burda Style For people who sew
Description
I finished this dress late last week, have worn it a couple times and finally was able to get some snapshots yesterday to share with you! Of course, just as I’ve finished this lightweight, semi-sheer rayon dress, the weather has gotten chilly–but I don’t mind
The pattern is Sense and Sensibility’s “swing dress”http://sensibility.com/patterns/1940s-swing-dress-pattern/ , which is really becoming a staple for my wardrobe–this is number three that I’ve made from this pattern in the past year! What I like is that it’s not only a flattering silhouette, but also a basic without being boring–something I need more of in my closet. I made a few changes to the pattern when I made this up: namely leaving off the back sash ties. I used those on the previous two dresses, but kept wondering how the dress would look without them and a belt instead? I’m wearing one of my favorite vintage belts in these pictures, but also made a bow belt and have another with a vintage black buckle in the works. It’s a simple swap, but really opens up the possibilities for accessorizing.
One thing I had made a mental note of on the other two versions was that I really needed to interface the midriff piece–especially with this light and somewhat slippery fabric. I just used a knit fusible interfacing, applied to the midriff only, and that helped a lot with any possibly distortion on this lightweight fabric. Another change I did was to modify the sleeve cap, which is more of a fitting tweak, but just as necessary to achieving the shoulder line I wanted. In both my previous versions of this dress the sleeve cap has been far too full for the smooth, set-in style that the envelope shows. Since the pattern is based on a 40s pattern, this is not surprising–many commercial patterns from this era have simply too much ease in the sleeve cap. It’s an easy fix, involving measuring and re-cutting the cap to fit the armhole with the proper amount of ease though.
Material Notes
rayon
Difficulty
Novice
Categories
32 Comments
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Jan 6, 2012, 03.01 PMby amberg
I ahve had an obession with a dress very similar to this. The blue polka dot one that Gwen Stephani wore in No Doubt’s “Don’t Speak” film clip. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR3Vdo5etCQ&ob=av2e I think this version has tyaken over as my favourite though. I will be making this soon (Finally!!!), as I’ve been wanting to for a few years. I will post it up once it is done. Thanks again Casey, you’re work is incredible!
Nov 2, 2011, 09.45 PMby step-van-b
Gorgeous!
Aug 29, 2011, 10.35 AMby Rosy1964
This dress is soooo beautiful …. it has everything that I can want in a vintage dress
Dec 31, 2010, 01.26 AMby tashmopolitan
You styled everything so well!
Dec 17, 2010, 12.29 AMby aluckmann
I do love your work Casey. This dress fits you well and looks fantastic. This stockings are fun too :)
Dec 16, 2010, 10.25 PMby elegantmusings
Thank you all so, so much for your sweet words!!!! :)
♥ Casey
Dec 15, 2010, 09.09 PMby cherwinamy
yet another vote for: stunning!
Dec 15, 2010, 06.40 PMby whiterussian
I really like! nice job
Dec 15, 2010, 09.19 AMby nellielke
Absolutely Gorgeous! You’ve inspired me to make one for work. Simply Stunning!
Dec 15, 2010, 12.59 AMby Syrena B
How pretty! Looks great!
Dec 14, 2010, 04.54 PMby 6kidsathome
fits you so well and is gorgeous
Dec 14, 2010, 02.45 PMby danny5280
Love the dress – very chic!
Dec 14, 2010, 01.35 PMby mamamodista
Both you and the dress look lovely! Well done!
Dec 14, 2010, 11.16 AMby kokuryu
Glamorous!
Dec 14, 2010, 10.12 AMby lizah
beautiful dress, beautiful woman.
Dec 14, 2010, 05.58 AMby cambra
stunning and it fits you so perfectly!
Dec 14, 2010, 04.48 AMby momsgotanewhobby
Completely gorgeous, as usual!
Dec 13, 2010, 07.45 PMby celinaj
WOW!! Beautiful classic dress! Love the styling and the stockings :)
Dec 13, 2010, 07.15 PMby kkmatti
Stunning! The arms are just perfect.
Dec 13, 2010, 05.55 PMby inaida
It’s soo beautiful!!! lovely! and your hairstyle is just ideal!
Dec 13, 2010, 03.07 PMby marlalalalere
You look amazing ! I can’t believe you’re novice …. very good job!
Dec 13, 2010, 03.00 PMby analogue
Beautiful dress, fits you perfectly
Dec 13, 2010, 02.18 PMby ash18
Elegant.. dress suits you very well.
Dec 13, 2010, 01.04 PMby susanne2011
It’s a gorgeous dress, I am impressed!
Dec 13, 2010, 11.29 AMby freakusbzzz
Very cool. I am making a dress out of fabric like this now and it’s horrid and slippy and sags when it hangs so you have to refit after cutting.
Dec 13, 2010, 11.01 AMby katensew
A very flattering style – it really suits you.
Dec 13, 2010, 10.14 AMby magdamagda
a lesson in elegance with the best flavour from the past! … as usual, vintage princess!
Dec 13, 2010, 07.51 AMby bobthesewer
Love this dress and the styling.
Dec 13, 2010, 05.10 AMby libra-s
Gorgeous!
Dec 13, 2010, 05.04 AMby irmchen
Love it – thank you for sharing! :-)