Welcome back to the second ever, Sunday Stash. I hope you think this is as fun as I do, since we’re now getting into the good stuff: patterns (!!!) and fabrics.
I have a major weakness for 1950’s vintage patterns. I love the 40’s patterns also, but the styles just aren’t as flattering on me as the 50’s are. But who doesn’t look good in a full skirt or a nice sheath dress?!
So without further ado, here is the tip of the iceberg…
I, like all new sewers, thought the Retro Butterick 4790 was the bees-knees, so I quickly grabbed a copy at my local JoAnn store before (I thought) it would be out-of-stock. I held off making this right away since I had lots of projects going, and I’m glad I did. Because in the meantime I had heard about the infamous (better & prettier) version, Butterick 6150, on someone’s blog (most likely Gertie’s). I did a quick Etsy search and found it, much to my surprise. So I snagged this puppy up as quick as I could click. I don’t recall now how much I paid for it, but at the time no price was to great (unless it was more than $35).
Isn’t is so pretty?! To me the pink and black version on the left looks like the best apple pie-making dress and the red and white version in the center makes me want to have a picnic, even though it’s only 25 degrees here in the Windy City.
After seeing the Butterick 6150 (aka the Saturday Morning dress), I have no heart left for the Butterick 4790 reprint which is sad, because I’ve seen a few cute versions of the reprint pattern. So unfortunately this reprint will be sitting in my stash for a long time until it’s cuter cousin is made up first.
Speaking of making the B6150, here’s the fabric I have in my stash waiting to be cut into for that pattern:
This is a red and cream polka dot pattern I bought from The Needleshop back in the summer; it’s a light weight quilting cotton, and thought it would be nice for this dress since it would hold it’s shape a bit more for the skirt than a dress weight-cotton. I still need to buy a coordinating red or cream for the top of the dress, but I’m leaning towards a cream since I don’t want to overpower the polka-dots.
Next up are these two great finds: Quaker Oats Special Design A-2 by McCalls (c. 1959) and Butterick 6048.
The Quaker Oats A-2 Pattern was designed by Louis Estevez, and this was my first (and second-last) major splurge for patterns which I bought from Denise at The Blue Gardenia. I’ve seen lots of similar sheath dresses out there, but nothing quite the same as this dropped neckline with bow and with a center front, lapped closure. Once I feel I’m good enough to do all of the finishings just right, I’ll be making this pattern up. I already bought this putty colored cotton sateen polka dot fabric from The Needleshop. What’s amazing about it is the drape of the fabric. It’s thick enough for a summer dress, but has a wonderful drape like a voile, all mixed together with the sheen of a sateen finish. It’s just gorgeous fabric. See for yourself:
It’s easy to see the pretty sheen, but impossible to see the drape. You’ll just have to trust me until this pretty lady is made up (which I’m aiming for Summer 2011).
Not to forget about Butterick 6048… It’s another one of my etsy finds (of last week). heh While I don’t already have a fabric picked out yet, this is also going to be a perfect summer dress. I absolutely love the polka-dot version with that sheer black coverup (which I now know is called a redingote). Who knew?! Once I master the rolled-hem, this dress will then be made up with the sheer redingote. It needs a nice finish so that you don’t see the seam allowances on the inside, and I’m not sure I’m quite there yet on this one either. (Hopefully soon though… I just need to spend a bit more time with my mom because she’s an expert hand-sewer).
Last but not least is another very recent Etsy find: the Simplicity 1893 (c. 1956).
I know this is a teeny-bopper pattern from the 50’s but it’s just (dare-I-say) darling and oh-so-adorable. I bought this one instantly, once I saw it was in my size. All the details on this dress are just perfect: the bows on the center back mirrored on the bottom, the pin-tuck pleats on the bodice, the kick-pleat inset on the bottom of the skirt, buttons on the sleeves. I’m soo going to make this dress soon! I’ll need to hunt down a richly saturated, light weight-italian wool in order to make this dress something I can wear to work yet still show how cute it is.
Well, I think that’s probably enough for today’s Sunday Stash day. Honestly, I can keep going, but then I won’t have any goodies to share with you next week. So once again, thanks again for stopping by. :)
In: Sewing Sunday Stash
Comments (2)