Vintage Butterick 4996 is a 1960s dress with really cute collars. It also has interesting kimono sleeves which are not separate pieces from the dress but part of the side panels. To strengthen the curvy part around the armscyes, the instructions call for basting bias tape around the stitching line of the armscye curve.
This pattern is fairly easy to sew as it has only 4 main pattern pieces. The princess seams are more flattering for a lightly endowed person like me (who always had to do make SBA alterations), I would prefer a dress with princess seams anyday compared to one with bust darts. I seem to have more issues with patterns requiring bust darts, such as pointy darts (which happens to me ocassionally and I can't get rid of, so annoying!) and excess fabric.
I omitted the middle pockets and added a skirt vent at the back of the skirt to allow for more leg movement. Other than that, the NEW SIZING 31.5 bust size was perfect for my top part of the body but I tapered out to smaller side seams (1.5cm to 0.8cm) from the waist downwards to accomodate wider hips. Other than that, I have no issues with this pattern.
The pattern and instructions are both old with age, very crisp and very prone to tearing, I was well equipped with clear tape to 'rescue' any sudden perforations!
I didn't have to line the dress as I used really sturdy nice polyester viscose blend double yarn fabric from Japan (USD5/yard) which was really a dream to sew. Total cost of this dress is approximately RM25/USD8 and commanded less than 1.5 yards of a 60 inch width fabric. Pattern was gifted (thank you!). I wore a simple petticoat skirt inside so the skirt part would hang better as the dress has no lining.
I am pretty pleased with this pattern as now I have a basic grey dress to add to my work wardrobe. My husband wouldn't recommend me to wear it to work with the bow tie style as he thought it looks too much like an airline stewardess or sales promoter uniform; I don't mind it too much as I reckon the look is rather 'Mad Men'. The flowery bow is from a sash of this dress I made a while ago.
Very nice... You really good....
ReplyDeletenice!
ReplyDeleteSertyan,
ReplyDeleteThis dress turned out so well, it is so professional looking both in how it's made and how you wear it. It looks so smart! I like it both ways, modern with belt and retro with tie! Always nice to be able to change up an outfit with accessories! I'm glad this one worked out, it was worth the false start for sure!
I like your vintage style, suits you and very nice fit. Yes, definitely Mad Men style, very cute.
ReplyDeleteBoth views are very nice but I really like the dress belted. You did a fantastic job on this!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Carolyn, I prefer the dress belted too, and I even like the little bow. Great job on a great dress! :-)
ReplyDeleteThat is a great dress, love that style!
ReplyDeleteOh husbands...sometimes they just say the best things. Love the simplicity of this dress and the ways you styled it! It looks very professional!
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ReplyDeletethe dress looks gorgeous and neat. Love both the looks but I kinda agree with your hubby hehehe. I prefer the former look the one with a belt. Or perhaps you can alternate. Will look as though you have two dresses :)
Very pretty and office appropriate :) You could be an extra on the set of Mad Men :)
ReplyDeleteLove it, Sertyan! Yet another lovely dress from you hehe :D The collar is really cute, and I love the kimono sleeves!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty. I too prefer it with the belt-it looks more formal and business-like in a very no-nonsense way ;D
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