Vintage and Pink - Butterick 5603 Strikes Again!

"You're not going to believe this, but Julia Bobbin has done something different and made a vintage dress!" 

Said no one, ever.

Yes that's right, I make a lot of vintage. You're more likely to find a 50's ball gown in my closet than a pair of jeans (though I do love them!). And people, I don't think it's ever going to change. Wearing vintage for me is like putting on a pair of sweat pants at the end of a long day; it just makes me feel comfortable.

But don't freak out, I love my modern too, and my next few blog posts are a delicious mix of 'now' clothes.

But I digress ...

Here's one of my most recent dresses, just in time *cough* for my Mad Men Challenge that wrapped up weeks ago.

It's Butterick 5603 in it's original form. Does that pattern ring a bell? It might be because I've used this pattern FOUR times already to make a pencil skirt version.

Click on the following to see the blog posts: 1. Yellow,  2. Black and White, 3. Red, 4. Blue

The first step is admitting you have a problem ...

Details Details

Butterick 5603 Version B. I stitched this up in a size 14.

I used a quilting cotton that I purchased from Spotlight a while ago.

Changes

I used an invisible zipper and inserted it down the centre back instead of the side. I didn't see anything wrong with this until I realised half way through my cutting that the back of the skirt does not have a centre back seam. Oops. I ended up slashing it down the centre back with a tiny allowance and it worked ok. Phew!

I also did a FBA (Full Bust Adjustment) on the bodice which definitely helped.

Instead of making facings I used bias binding to edge the neck and sleeves as the dress isn't lined.

Love

It's fair to say I like this pattern, seeing as I've borrowed from it five times. This however is sort of the first time I've really made the pattern, as I made it without styling alterations. I love how the gored skirt and fitted bodice give a flattering and feminine shape.

The little ties at the top of the shoulders add to the sweetness of this dress and the full skirt is fun and swirly.

Styling

The dress is teamed with a burgundy pair of heels, and a nice full petticoat, which makes such a difference when you're wearing a full skirt!

I finished off the look with my favourite lipstick at the moment 'Siam' by Nars. I was overcome with 'I have to have this colour' when I read the fabulous review by my girl over at Muskstick Mao who knocks this colour out of the park!

Hooray for another finished project!

Have a look at your me-mades. Do you have a pattern that keeps repeating itself? Your favourite go-to? I'd love to know!

Billie Jean Dress + Vintage Brooch GIVEAWAY!!

Ok firstly, it is IMPOSSIBLE to make this dress with out having Michael Jackson stuck in your head for over two weeks.

You're singing it now aren't you ...

You're welcome.

A while ago the wonderful Abby from Blue Ginger Doll Patterns sent me this fabulous Billie Jean dress pattern to try out. I loved it as soon as I saw the cover image. A vintage dress reminiscent of Mad Men times? Yes please!

This pattern was extra special for me because not only is this pattern company an indie company, the owner creator is from the same area that I grew up! True story! Since this pattern was released Abby has been busy creating a whole bunch of other gorgeous patterns (the girl clearly doesn't sleep). I'm lusting over this one at the moment.

Details:
I made this dress in a lush jacquard that I purchased from good old Spotlight a zillion years ago. As soon as I looked at this pattern I knew I was using this fabric.

The dress has princess seams in the bodice and a scoop neck on the front and back.

Changes:
I had some fit issues on the bodice which I worked out, though I really should have done a full-bust-adjustment (FBA) as it's too tight across the centre of my boobage which is giving it a bit of square shape. Meh; the pattern of the fabric helps to hide it. Though I am counting on the ol' bobby-ta-ta's getting smaller once my 15 month old stops breastfeeding (yes, that's right).

I used an invisible zipper down the centre back as that was what I had in my stash.

I also used pleated the skirt waist instead of gathering it so that it would be a little flatter on my belly.

I love the cut of this dress and it's classic style. If you're a lover a vintage it's a great easy pattern that you can dress up or down. I wore a petticoat underneath to give the skirt some fooph and I love the 1950's effect!

For endless vintage inspiration, you can check out my Mad Men Challenge post here.

VINTAGE BROOCH GIVEAWAY

To WIN one of the three brooches above from the Ruemiraldi store simply comment on this post.

All people who leave a comment will be in the running to win and three lucky people will be announced the winners.

Entries are open to everyone from anywhere in the world. 

Entries close on Friday, May 2nd, 2014

Three random winners will announced in a blog post on Saturday, May 3rd, 2014.

Thanks for stopping by; I hope you all had a lovely Easter!