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Friday, 15 July 2016

Watercolour Palette Dress for Butterick Vintage Sewalong & Vintage Pledge

I'm really delighted that it's my turn on the #BVSewalong Blogger Tour today. I have loved seeing what my fellow participating bloggers have made - you can find out more here about the background to the Sewalong and the list of Bloggers.  

The pattern I used was Butterick 5748, a classic pattern from the early 1960s that is still very much influenced by the dress shapes of the 1950s. If the measure of success for a sewn garment lies in how often it gets worn, this dress is already a proven winner. I have worn it to two weddings and to a Parliamentary reception at the House of Lords:
 
Wedding guesting - with a reluctant toddler!  
Wearing the dress on the Terrace at the House of Lords

Fabric and Notions
I used a stunning multi-coloured watercolour cotton sateen from Ditto Fabrics (no longer available, I purchased it earlier in the year). This was the first time I had shopped there, and the owner Gill was really helpful when I phoned up for advice on lining. The pattern calls for full lining but I only lined the bodice. I decided to leave the skirt un-lined to give a softer silhouette than the classic 60s one.
I made a bodice muslin to check fit, and made some adjustments to the darts as well as taking a tiny amount of material out of the upper chest - this is a usual adjustment for me. I also added a pocket, of course, because all dresses need pockets. As I was going for a softer and more modern look, I hemmed it to hit above the knee.

Final Verdict
This pattern is classic party dress material, and is ideal for showcasing a print. The circle skirt falls absolutely beautifully. I will definitely make this pattern again, and might use a different skirt shape as I am really happy with the bodice fit. I know it is a dress I will wear again and again.

Check out that skirt!

Thanks to The Foldline and McCalls for inviting me to be part of the #bvsewalong. As I received my pattern for free and an allowance for my fabric, I have made a donation to the Eve Appeal.

K x

19 comments:

  1. Roisin Muldoon15 July 2016 at 08:42

    Ah Kerry, this is so lovely! I love the colours on you. I've recently rediscovered this pattern and have made a few in recent months - the bodice does go well with a variety of skirts! You look gorgeous in both the wedding and Westminster photos xxx

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    Replies
    1. Kestrel27 July 2016 at 15:32

      Thank you! The colours are great, so much scope for matching with a range of accessories

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  2. Sew little time15 July 2016 at 10:55

    beautiful dress and fabric - this was the pattern i used for my first ever dress!

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  3. Gabrielle15 July 2016 at 15:23

    Ooh love the fabric, and I'm so impressed by the great fit you've achieved - what a gorgeous and special dress!

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  4. Unknown15 July 2016 at 16:22

    That dress is fabulous! I love the watercolor print and that pattern turned our modern with vintage flare. Great job!

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  5. Marie16 July 2016 at 00:23

    Absolutely gorgeous, Kerry! Such a lovely pairing of fabric and pattern :o)

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  6. Ivy Black16 July 2016 at 08:40

    Gorgeous! Perfect fabric for the pattern and you look lovely.xx

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  7. Lynsey Jane16 July 2016 at 09:13

    Super dress, it looks fab and fits so well, love the bright fabric too

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  8. Kathryn16 July 2016 at 20:55

    I remember you posting about buying this fabric & loving it then, and it looks even better made up! You look fabulous! It's such a good cause as well, and so important to publicise it like this.

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    Replies
    1. Kestrel27 July 2016 at 15:33

      Thank you! You've got a good memory, it was way back in the dark days of winter I found the fabric so nice to be able to wear it now

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  9. Anonymous17 July 2016 at 12:36

    That fabric is glorious and I like your version of the dress better than the one on the envelope.

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  10. pajamapat17 July 2016 at 16:09

    You did a wonderful job on the dress. I adore the fabric. It has all the colors of summer in it.

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  11. The Vintage Knitter19 July 2016 at 10:25

    Gorgeous dress and it fits you perfectly. Love that photo of you and your shy little one standing by the bus xx

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    1. Kestrel27 July 2016 at 15:33

      Thanks Liza, she was not in the mood for photos that day!

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  12. Mother of Reinvention19 July 2016 at 19:06

    This is a lovely dress. That pattern is gorgeous and I have to say that your version looks way better than the frocks in the illustration. The fabric is lovely too. Xx

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  13. Angela20 July 2016 at 22:07

    This is lovely, such pretty fabric, so wearable!
    I love all the colours in the dress, you have so many ways to change accessories.

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    Replies
    1. Kestrel27 July 2016 at 15:33

      Definitely - I have worn it with tan, red and blue shoes!

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Thanks for reading and commenting - I love to hear what you have to say