needle with a tiger – A pinstripe!
What do you get when you cross a bodice pattern block, a Sewaholic Hollyburn skirt and a vintage Butterick pattern? Let me show you!
In the ’80s I remember having a red polyester knit dress – similar to the one here without a collar. I loved it!
I decided to make another one for myself using this Butterick pattern and this knit fabric. I’m not sure what its content is – I just found it in my stash. I love the print. Is this paisley or floral – or paisley floral? or floral paisley?
Unfortunately, even though I played with the pattern layout, I just couldn’t squeeze my Butterick pattern pieces onto my fabric. 🙁
So I compromised and used my Sewaholic Hollyburn skirt pattern for the bottom of my dress – it’s not as full – and I used my bodice pattern block for the top. I did use the original sleeves from my Butterick pattern.
The two bodice pieces are similar, except the one from the Butterick pattern has facings for a button closure in the back – not needed for my knit fabric. I am also not going to use the darts of my bodice pattern block.
Afterwards, when the bodice was sewn together and I tried it on, I realized that I needed to cut the neck opening bigger, by an inch, to make it more comfortable.
Since this was a knit fabric, I wanted the hems to be stable and not stretch, so I ironed and sewed on a strip of interfacing along the sleeve hemline.
Turned it up and sewed it down.
I chose to use a contrasting orange thread to bring out some of the orange in the fabric print.
Digging around in my stash I found a remnant of an orange 100% polyester fabric. I found some matching thread too.
Enough to make a contrasting hem at the bottom of my skirt, which I topstitched down with my matching thread.
I also had enough to make a fabric tie belt for my dress. I used a strip of interfacing inside to give it some stiffness and used a 1/4″ seam foot to make straight even rows of stitching on my belt.
Not bad. Now time for some pressing.
So what do you think – What do you get when you cross a bodice pattern block, a Sewaholic Hollyburn skirt and a vintage Butterick pattern? A lovely, comfortable dress, I hope!
I tried taking photos on the deck but there was too much sun! This is the deck chair that my husband, Mr. Green Thumb, thinks I should “just relax” in.
This is me suddenly realizing that my sleeves are set almost an inch too low on my shoulders. I forgot my bodice pattern block has not been fitted for sleeves! Oh well, an easy fix! Get out that seam ripper!
Have you ever had to cut corners to squeeze your pattern pieces out of a length of fabric?
Happy Sewing!
So pretty! The contrast band is delightful (what a great find) and I just adore that fabric.
Thank you! I don’t know where the fabric came from (besides my stash), but I just wish I had MORE!
Love it.. you look so cool,calm and collective Linda! pretty print..
Hahaha, thank you! Actually anytime I am in front of a camera, I am a wreck!
🙂
The contrast hem is a great match!
I’ve just been looking at a piece of fabric this evening which isn’t enough to make the skirt that I want to make – so I’ve but it back in the bag for now……
Thanks! Maybe you need a contrast hem! A big one! 😄
I usually buy a little more fabric that I think I need but sometimes if a fabric stays in my stash for a long time I change my mind about what I want to do with it (or sometimes I just forget my original intention) and then sometimes I have to get creative.
Love the dress. Lovely colors.
I know, everything I buy is for a specific purpose. But it doesn’t always end up how it started!
As you know, I love to mix up the patterns, Love the print and the contrast coral plain. I always cut corners to squeeze more out of my fabric, and even cut across the piece if it’s a square weave. Unless the fabric does something really weird, then who would know??
That’s right! Unless you tell, who’s to know what it’s supposed to be!
Pretty dress. I think all the better for using the contrast. Squeezing clothes out of not enough fabric often improves things, I think. I’m all for creativity.
I never thought of it that way! Thanks!
Looking good, and very comfortable too. Well done with all of your solutions.
Thank you!