Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Retro Butterick 5748

Spring is in full swing, and temperatures are rising here in Texas. It was the perfect time to sew a sleeveless dress, and Retro Butterick 5748 fit the bill to a T. The fabric is a lovely cotton with a delicate floral print from Gertie's Fine Fabrics.
The best feature of this dress, if you ask me, is the bow detail. The pattern actually calls to place the bow at the front and back, but I opted to simplify it a bit and just place it at the back. I also quite like the matching V at the front and back neckline. I am wishing I had reinforced it a bit with interfacing or selvedge, though. I worry over time it might wear heavily at that area.
The pattern also calls for a full lining, and I've only put in a bodice lining. I love the way the full lining looks (see Sew Melody's gorgeous version as an example), but I felt like it wasn't practical with the weather we get down here in the south. I've been having this debate with myself quite a bit lately, actually. In my Home Sewing is Easy Dress, I opted for facings instead of linings for the same reason. I battled over that decision for days! A lining looks so lovely, but sometimes it's nice to only have 1 layer of fabric up against your skin when it's 110 degrees Farenheit out. 
This is also the second time I've used my sloper as the starting point for my muslin. I purchased a custom-made sloper for my pattern making class, but I'm finding it helps me so much with fitting, not just creating new designs. The method I am using to do that is very similar to the TNT "sandwich" method that Carolyn described in her guest post for the Shift Dress Sew Along I hosted earlier this year. It really speeds fitting along! 

33 comments:

  1. Wow, the fit looks spectacular. I can't imagine living in such a hot place all the time. I would wear nothing but muumuus!

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    1. Hahah, sometimes I do! I just started a new job and took a bit of time off in between, and I was wearing muumuus all the time!

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  2. This dress is springtime perfection! I love the back with the bow detail! I like that you chose to not place a bow on the front. I think it gives you more options in terms of accessorizing with necklaces, etc... very cute!

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  3. Looks beautiful and very springy! I totally feel you on the lining when it's really hot out, no one needs that second layer! And, you can always wear a slip in the winter...

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    1. Very true! I always find tights do the trick since it doesn't get too terribly cold here, either.

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  4. beautiful! i love the little bow detail in the back, its add just the right amount of retro!

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  5. Spring is in the air and what a perfect spring dress for your warm climate. You look stunning, that print is perfection with the bow.

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    1. Thanks, Melody! I was so glad it didn't get lost with the print A happy discovery!

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  6. Absolutely lovely! I love the bow :)

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  7. Your dress is amazing Lauren! I love it! The fabric you chose is gorgeous. I love the bow and it's sort of a hidden detail because you only see it from the back. Your fit is amazing!

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    1. Thanks so much, Kathy! Slopers, man. They're changing my sewing life!

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  8. This dress is absolutely lovely, Lauren! That bow detail is so sweet and the fabric is perfect for the retro silhouette. I love it! Also, your photos are totally making me crave Monument chocolate pie. ;)

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    1. I thought of you when we went! My family has gotten in the habit of going for breakfast on Sunday's and I always try to sneak in blog photos. Tehehe.

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  9. That dress looks perfect on you!! Ugh, and I feel your pain, I grew up in Texas. I only bring dresses (unlined!) when I go back to visit in the summer. At that temperature, nothing is comfortable!

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    1. I'm glad I"m not alone! I've been pondering a lot the tough choice between aesthetics and practicality.

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  10. This is such a super sweet dress from one of my favorite patterns. I actually don't have a problem with a lining in hot weather as long as it's voile or batiste and the dress isn't fitted too much. I'd die if there was a poly or silk lining on touching my skin in 100 degree weather!

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    1. That's a great point. I have a hard time finding voile or batiste locally and I've been thinking about stocking up online. Part of my trouble is I get down to almost finishing the dress, but then I don't have a lining fabric, and who wants to let it sit while you wait for it to come?!

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    2. I know they aren't easy to find unless you get a blend. I buy quite a bit and stock up as I line most of my dresses with one or the other. I wouldn't want to let a gorgeous dress like yours sit unfinished either!! If I can get away without lining I probably will! :)

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  11. Gorgeous!! I love the combination of high neck at the front and low at the back, I think it's really elegant.

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    1. Thank you! I agree completely. I might go scoop back crazy.

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  12. This is so pretty! Love your blog!

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  13. Love this dress on you! The fabric pattern and the bow are perfect. I have made this dress a few times, and I am with you on the lining. It is far too hot in the Tennessee summer for a fully lined dress as well.

    Erika @ www.rejoicefortheday.com

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  14. I found you through instagram and the memademay hashtag and I have to say I love your blog! This dress is so cute, I love the bow detail too!
    Amia

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    1. Thanks, Amia! I am loving me made may. It's such a wonderful way to see everyone's everyday style and find new friends in the sewing community!

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  15. That bow! Oh my gosh! This is so pretty.

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  16. This is gorgeous, I love the flowery fabric and the bow. I'm planning to make this dress soon. I hear you re the lining/facing debate! I dither on this too, but a lining is a very handy layer of warmth in my part of the world!

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  17. I know how it feels, we share the same climate. I love all the dresses you make. As for lining, I strive to use all natural as well...batiste is my favorite go to fabric. It's great that the quilt shops in my area carries it and some joann stores if you catch them at the right time, so when I do, I buy in bulk.

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  18. Ooh, I'd love to hear more about your sloper and patternmaking - excuse me if you have already blogged about it, I may have missed a few entries :-)

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