Burda Style For people who sew

Description

This is the bodice pattern for the “sultry sheath” dress from Gertie’s new book.

The skirt is from Simplicity’s “project runway” series 1798.

When I learned Gertie would be coming to town for a book signing, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to try one of the patterns from her book. I didn’t have time to trace and cut a new skirt, so I just picked this unfinished red stretch sateen skirt from the UFO pile. I’d lost interest in it after not finishing it before the holidays and it seemed like a perfect match for the sultry sheath top. The top is a thick stretch twill with a houndstooth pattern. This is the first time I’ve made a dress with different fabric on top and bottom, and I really like how it turned out. I usually don’t like wearing dresses because they feel too “dressy” for me, but having the contrast made it feel more like wearing separates to me.

The dress is fully lined and hemmed with red lace hem tape that is hand stitched in place.

The belt is also made by me, a pre-covered buckle and quilting cotton over plastic belting.

I have to say I’m pretty happy how this one turned out. I’m not sure how much wear it will actually get as it definitely qualifies as “frosting” in my wardrobe. But maybe it will give me an excuse to dress up every now and then.

I love that Gertie forces you to draft your own facing pieces rather than include them in the book. And I love how the straps were turned in the instructions. I felt the instructions were mininal, but very clear and easy to understand.

Material Notes

Stretch cotton, polyester lining

Difficulty

Intermediate

Categories

Season

Summer, Spring

For

Women

Garment Type

Dress

Material

Cotton