Going retro

Butterick 4919

I love the retro vibe, but I do not have many things in my closet that could be classified as vintage styling. I think I just might change that! I fell in love with this Butterick pattern, and decided it would be a fun dress to make and wear at the ASG Fashion Show. So I found some darling Betsy JohnsonÂ embroidered cotton black dot fabric that suited this pattern to a T, and made upÂ a quick muslin of the top to check the placement of that V-neckline.Â It needed a little adjusting and I wasÂ all set.

Well, naturally lifeÂ got in the way a little bit. TheÂ fashion show is a week from tomorrow, andÂ I had no wearable dress!Â Yesterday became my scheduled “complete the dress orÂ die” day. :-)Â Â Â

Here it is – minus the completed hem! Since the skirt is on the bias it needs to hang for a good 24 hours before I can mark it, soÂ my plan is to get it marked tomorrow morning, and whip out a quick narrow hem just like the finish I did on the tie ends. Achievable, right? ;-)Â

Polka dot dress front - B4919

One of the things I liked about this pattern was the dress has a full back – which of course meansÂ I can still wear a bra but it looks like a halter-ish style from the front. And I double-heart the tie in the back!Â

OK, maybe I didn’t get that tied very well, but you get the idea. A couple of long wrap around ends that cross in the front and then tie in the back. Cute, eh?Â

Closeup of the bow on the black polka dot dress - B4919

And are these the perfect shoes for the dress or what?!? They might be “15 minute” shoes, but I will at least look good walking into the room. All I have to do is make it to my table and sit down for dinner. I can slip them off under the table if they are killers.

Peep toe beaded black shoes!

Now I wonder if I can get another dress or skirt done today….

Happy sewing!

Maris Olsen