Ok so my love for the classic shape of Butterick pattern 5603 (modified) has been well established. Making the re-fashioned pattern three times will do that.
But now it's just getting annoying. Seriously, I'm starting to creep my self out now after making this silouhette for the fourth time. It's like a sickness. Even my tired pattern pieces are giving me a concerned look:
Butterick Pattern (BP): "Oh honey, I don't know how to say this, but I think we need a break."
Me: "What? But we're meant to be together! We're made for each other."
BP: "Actually no, this is really awkward but ... I was made for a mass commercial market. Millions of people actually."
Me: *Gasp* "No! BP5603 you floozy!"
Though perhaps the fact that I think my pattern pieces are talking to me is of a more serious concern.
Whatever.
I made this dress in a 100% wool crepe that I purchased on my recent trip to Washington D.C.
This fabric has such a wonderful drape and feels like heaven. It's also a dream to sew with. Every time my Janome sunk it's teeth into the fabric, Marvin Gaye's 'Let's get it on' inexplicably started playing.
I made a sweet little collar out of left over lace that I purchased from Tessuti Fabrics a while ago. I had previously used the lace to make this dress:
I fully lined the dress and added sleeves.
The bodice also features a V shaped back.
... and the perfect vintage accessory, a beautiful brooch.
Don't you think the brooch just makes the dress?! The wonderful Lorraine from Ruemiraldi is also a lover of vintage accessories and personally picked a stunning brooch for me from her fabulous online vintage accessories store.
The best part? She has also given me three extra beautiful vintage brooches to give away to three of my lovely readers! True story! Release the give away streamers!
Check them out:
To be in the winning simply comment on this post
Three lucky
readers will be randomly selected to win one of the three brooches.
Entries
are open to everyone from anywhere in the world.
Entries close
on Friday, April 20, 2012 Australian EST
One
random winner will announced in my next blog post on Sunday, April 22nd, 2012
The thing that keeps drawing me back to this dress is the flattering vintage shape.
So here are the other dresses I have made using Butterick 5603. On all four I drafted my own skirt for a more pencil look. You can see how I made the alterations here.
Click on the photos if you want to see the full blog post.
In honour of the yellow of this dress, I thought I'd leave you all with one of my favourite songs. This song is also called 'Yellow' and is sung by the beautiful and gifted artist India Arie. The YouTube clip is below.
Have a lovely weekend everyone!
OOOOOOH! How beautiful is that dress. I adore yellow!! I would just love to be considered in the running for one of those lovely brooches. I would give it a good home, I promise ;)
ReplyDeleteI love this dress! The yellow is fantastic and I love the lace. Great job! Oh, and the brooches are goooorgeous!
ReplyDeleteYou're too cute! I love this dress in yellow, and the little lace collar is divine!
ReplyDeleteLove the lace collar - very sweet.
ReplyDeleteThis it's truly a TNT dress for you. Great color.. This is my favourite of all the versions you made
ReplyDeleteLovely yellow and fab poses. Another fantastic dress
ReplyDeleteGorgeous dress. I can hear number 5 calling out to be made!
ReplyDeleteiliska3@hotmail.com
why mess with sucess? the shape of the dress looks just perfect on you :-)
ReplyDeletePS.: I don't need to be entered in the give away, I just wanted to let you know how much I love the dress.
Great blog, beautiful colour, great brooches
DeleteWhat a gorgeous daffodil coloured dress you made :) just perfect for spring! I love the shape of it.
ReplyDeleteI love all those dresses! I agree, the shape is just so lovely and flattering on you. And the brooch really does give the yellow one that little something extra.
ReplyDeletegeschmackssache(at)gmail(dot)com
I love how you were able to use the same pattern to make four different looks---and yes, the brooch definitely adds a very lady-like attitude to the sunny yellow dress (but my fave is still the black-and-white check).
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win, and sadly my pattern pieces sometimes talk to me too. :-)
ReplyDeleteI have to laugh, I too love certain patterns and make them over and over again. Why not. If you like it and it fits well than you know you'll wear it. Plus it's a great pattern and I'm loving loving loving the large gingham dress
ReplyDeleteJust lovely! And I think I may just try to get my hands on this pattern after I saw what can be done.
ReplyDeleteThat shape looks great on you, so I'd keep using it as much as you want. As my dad used to say - if it ain't broke, don't fix it!
ReplyDeleteAnd the brooches are gorgeous!
Gorgeous dress! The lace collar isa brilliant touch. :-)
ReplyDeleteI really love the yellow dress, very cute!
ReplyDeleteI'm always impressed by your sewing skills! The dress looks great. And I love those brooches!
ReplyDeleteAhahah you are SO hilarious! "BP5603 you floozy!" Haha!
ReplyDeleteGORGEOUS dress as per usual. That's my favorite color yellow :)
Well done, Lady.
This pattern is so versatile! I love the Peggy dress the most. The brooches are very nice as well, especially the two golden ones. Nice job, Julia!
ReplyDeleteThis pattern is so versatile! I love the Peggy dress the most. The brooches are very nice as well, especially the two golden ones. Nice job, Julia!
ReplyDeleteThis pattern is so versatile! I love the Peggy dress the most. The brooches are very nice as well, especially the two golden ones. Nice job, Julia!
ReplyDeleteJulia, you made me laugh over your conversation with BP5603. I have tried to buy BP5603 and haven't been able to, so maybe all other BP5603's are in hiding due to the fact that they are now famous as a result of your beautiful dresses and they really do want a break!!!! I think this version in the yellow wool crepe is just as stunning as the other 3 and I also think yellow looks as good on you as red!!Well done. I really do enjoy reading your blog, thank-you.
ReplyDeleteI've considered this pattern a few times, but always pass it over because of the skirt. Did I miss more details on your custom skirt for this dress?
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness....wool crepe in such a GORGEOUS color. I was feeling the screen! Beautiful job! I also totally love your modeling poses!
ReplyDeleteOh my kingdom for a beautiful yellow dress. Now I must head to the fabric store to pick up this pattern. Beautiful! Your blog always makes me smile. Happy colors and lovely sewing.
ReplyDeleteI truly believe this pattern was meant for your body alone. You wear it very well and it is so flattering on you. Fabulous dress and shoes!
ReplyDelete- Bethany
www.lilbitandnan.blogspot.com
très jolie, comme toujours!!!!!
ReplyDeleteGod damn thats a sexy dress! I love yellow and the v back. I'll never get sick of seeing u make up this pattern, it fits u so well!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSweet giveaway! The brooches are lovely, and your dress is to die for.
ReplyDeleteThe dress is beautiful and the brooches are too cool! Like the ones my grandmother used to wear, makes me mill her even more!
ReplyDeleteKathye
Oh I keep seeing yellow about the WWW these days, it is such a happy colour!! Love your versions of the dress.
ReplyDeleteAnd a big YES PLEASE to the brooches, I would love any one of them!
You are a riot! And I agree with all the comments above, that dress is so good on you!!
ReplyDeleteAs for the brooches... "want one?" You had better believe I do. That last one especially has me daydreaming about fancy parties to wear it to... parading it around the office... *sigh*
The dress and collar is gorgeous. you look so feminine in those dresses. And brooches are really nice. would be happy to own one.
ReplyDeleteYou really need to stop making dresses that make me lose my breath. I'M NEVER GOING TO GET MY BREATH BACK, JULIA. It's a problem. This. Is. Adorable. We should retire this pattern, like they do in the hall of fame for famous sports stars, because obviously no one is going to do this better then you do.
ReplyDeletestrugglesewsastraightseam.wordpress.com
Umm... me please. Lovely. And that floozy dress is definitely on my to do list. Oh.... that sounded kinda dirty. You know what I mean.
ReplyDeleteDear Butterick 5603, Julia is obviously turning her back on you after such dedicated service too - what a traitor. While she feels that it may be time to move on, you can come and find a loving home at my place. Susan PS Bring your friend the vintage brooch
ReplyDeletehttp://thebrissmiths.blogspot.com/
Another stunning dress, loving the versatility of this pattern! Put my name in the hat for a brooch!
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about getting some wool crepe from Fabric Mart,it looks amazing.I don't think I've seen any yellow,though.Which is a pity,since I love yellow.I could try dying some,but I'm not too sure how well that would work since it's wool.
ReplyDeleteYour dress is amazing. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful dress; love the pattern so much I went out and bought it.
ReplyDeleteI think I've said this before but that shape is so perfect for you. Love the colour and the v-back, just so so flattering.
ReplyDeleteUpbeat and gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI love India Arie. I need me a brooch. Will you believe I do not own one. Not one.
ReplyDeleteSunny, Springlike, Stylish, Sophisticated, Superb, Sensational and for the brooch - Beautiful
ReplyDeleteThat dress is so lovely on you! I love all the versions you've made, but the yellow with lace is especially sweet. I'd love to sport one of the beautiful brooches on one of my dresses!
ReplyDeleteI love this version! I've been wanting a yellow dress for a while now and this is the exact color I've been looking for to make one. Now I really need to go on a fabric hunt!
ReplyDeleteThe yellow and white is a lovely combo!
ReplyDeleteOh lovely little yellow dress, your lacy collar I confess, has rather stolen my little heart, it's a shame we're just so far apart. In England you'd be hard pushed to find, such treasures crafted with love and kind (ness). Oh twinkly brooch you complete me, I wish that you could one day meet me.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great dress! You make beautiful garments! I like the blue one too! (great to wear on a boat as it has a marine style)
ReplyDeleteWell there all pretty! And all well fitted!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIt's delightful! x
ReplyDeleteThat pattern is awesome and immediately took me back to my wonderful Grandma Celia. She was a styling Grandma back in the 50s and we ALWAYS dressed up to go shopping Downtown in Kansas City. She was the queen of costume jewelry and had a pin very much like the round rhinestone one although I think hers had blue stones. Anyway, she would have worn that dress, in all its incarnations and so would I! Love your style. I have some old patterns from my mom, but have been afraid to attempt to recreate them. Maybe I will reconsider now. Great job!~
ReplyDeleteLove love love! Am still teaching myself to sew and don't think I'm up to tackling a dress yet but dammit I'll keep trying because I LOVE this dress.
ReplyDeleteabsolutely stunning x
ReplyDeleteWow, yellow is a really great colour for you! I must hunt out this pattern and give it a go - in blue or purple for me though.
ReplyDeleteThose brooches are all lovely, and really add a classy touch to your dress
Love this dress! This pattern is a great pattern and after seeing your other dresses I went out and bought one for myself. Can't wait to give it a go!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous as always ! I totally love all of your versions of this dress, amazing ! I love a brooch or 2 - so please count me in. :-) I cant wait to see what you cook up next ! xx
ReplyDeleteAlways good when your pattern pieces start speaking to you. Usually I talk to them...
ReplyDeleteDress gorgeous, brooches gorgeous and those shoes! Can I ask what brand? Too cute.
ReplyDeleteI love the dress, just wish I had the figure for the dress. The brooches look grest. I think stylist brooches are making a real comeback. I love the lace around the neckline, it sits beautifully, did you have a look to see if the lace would work around the v back as well.
ReplyDeleteHonestly I think that the BP5603 was in fact made with you in mind.... ;)
ReplyDeleteFour beautiful variations & each is hot, hot, hot!!!
Another fabulous dress! You are amazing!
ReplyDeleteMy goodness, you have a gorgeous little body! I wish I could fill out a dress like that!
ReplyDeleteMy favourite is definitely the yellow one.
I have used the original attern twice but everytime I see one of your alterations, I want to make a pencil skirt bottom so much. I mean, it looks so good on you! And it looks different each time, so why stop doing it? Keep it going with 5603!
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute dress! Great giveaway...the brooches are so lovely!
ReplyDeleteLovely blog and even more lovely dresses! a vintage gem, just like the brooches;-) thank you for this giveaway, and in case you didn't know: I would love to win one of those brooches!
ReplyDeleteThat's beautiful on you! And the brooches are very pretty too.
ReplyDeleteI love yellow, and would love to win that dress! Chellebell114@hotmail.com
ReplyDeletei don't know what you could do to make me love this post more. conversations with floozy patterns? really? marvin gaye and india arie? free sparkly things?
ReplyDeleteYELLOW DRESS OF EXQUISITENESS?!
i have to go sew now to calm down.
Oh Julia, that's such a lovely dress and the colour is to die for. I've been a little obsessed about yellow recently and this may well push me over the edge! You're so lucky that yellow looks so great with your colouring. I agree that the vintage-ness of the dress is accentuated by the brooch and I'd LOVE to win one! Thanks. xx
ReplyDeleteOOOh lovely dress, I have just started to sew things for myself and am tackling the dreaded f.b.a! your clothes all look so lovely and fit you perfectly, gorgeous! Would love to win something sparkly x
ReplyDeleteThat's a great pattern; the red one is especially stunning.
ReplyDeleteLovely yellow dress, lace trimmings perfect.. Will also definitely be making more B5603. Pls enter me in draw so I can wear broach with my version.
ReplyDeleteThe yellow dress is incredible - it fits so well...like a glove! Thanks for the chance to win one of the beautiful brooches - off to check out that pattern.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!!
ReplyDeleteOMGosh! I have such a love of yellow dresses and yours is spectacular!!! The fit is wonderful and I love the little lace collar. :)
ReplyDeleteThat pretty rhinestone brooch has stolen my heart!
I would'nt mind making this for myself. Its very feminine, love it!
ReplyDeleteNever thought yellow could be so flattering. The only yellow I fabric I had, i used for somw pillows. Tháts gonna change..
ReplyDeleteall 4 dresses are amazing and so are all 4 of the brooches she sent you. I would be happy to win any one of them!
ReplyDeleteHi Julia,
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and I love all four of your versions of this pattern! Keep going! No need to abandon something that is working so well for you!
I am a first time viewer and commentator, got your like from an old Marcy Tilton newsletter. Now you are one of my favorites, so thank you.
Janet
P.S. I'm not really interested in the brooches, so if my name is picked, you can just pass it on to someone else...
ReplyDeleteJanet
I love the lace collar!
ReplyDeleteI love the little lace collar!
ReplyDeleteThis is fabulous, as is all of your work. I wish your talent was as contagious as your enthusiasm, but it certainly is inspiring. And thanks for brooch give away--lovely idea.
ReplyDeleteOne (kind of personal) question: I love this neckline too, but what kind of bra can you wear with it? You may be able to skip it, but not me. I avoid shelf-y strapless bras; but the beautiful wide neckline makes regular straps annoying. Do you insert little loops at the shoulders to hold the bra straps in place, like many good vintage dresses have?
I'm a huge fan of both India Arie and your dresses. Count me in for the brooch contest and congrats on yet another gorgeous creation!!
ReplyDeleteOh, you look so beautiful! I can't wait until I'm skilled enough to make a dress like that!
ReplyDelete:)
These dresses look beautiful on you - I love the gingham the best! Vintage brooches... swoon
ReplyDeleteGreat dress! Love the brooches as well!
ReplyDeleteEach of those dresses look so different - and gorgeous - I don't think you need to worry how many times you have used the same pattern. And the brooches are a beautiful accent.
ReplyDeleteYou look absolutely beautiful in this dress!
ReplyDeleteWhy mess with a good thing? Don't listen to the pattern voices. I love your pencil skirt modification and the brooches.
ReplyDeleteOMG!!! I am in LOVE!! I am on a mission tomorrow to find this Butterick pattern!! Love the yellow (though I cannot wear any shade of it). And to find someone who sews (and vintage style, no less) who is also pear shaped with a larger derriere!! This is my new favorite blog!!!
ReplyDeleteYes the shape is AWESOME. I've just made a second dress of a similar shape - it's SO flattering and feminine. You look divine the lemon is fab on you and the brooches are great.
ReplyDeletei'd love to start a brooch collection :)
ReplyDeletemarche_love at hotmail dot com
I love wearing brooches and find that they can really bring an outfit together. Thank you for the opportunity to win one of those lovely brooches.
ReplyDeleteI think you need a dress in green too. Agreed with the others that say the style is perfect for you.
ReplyDeleteI have a weakness for brooches. They are so pretty.
I have just started sewing and have been inspired to make this lovely dress! So flattering and wearable - unlike a lot of vintagey pieces. Perfect!
ReplyDeleteEverytime I see one of your version of butterick's 5603, I want to make one. Especially when I consider adding sleeves just like you did.
ReplyDeleteIt looks really flattering in crepe. I'll consider making it for autumn in a nice Joan-green (http://dressforms.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/greendress.jpg). Although that mustard yellow is nice...
And one of those brooches would look devine with it.
Thanks for being an inspiration
Your dress is absolutely beautiful! I love the color and the collar.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I'd love to win one of those pretty brooches!
mibe@ruc.dk
mibe at ruc dot dk
I am so jealous of how good you look in yellow. The dress looks wonderful.
ReplyDeleteNot only do I love your blog and the fantastic, beautiful outfits you create, but I also love brooches. I have a few vintage ones and would happily enjoy another one :o) Fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful yellow dress and the lace is gorge! I think all your versions look really different so I wouldn't worry about re-using the same pattern.
ReplyDeleteyet another knockout, Julia!! When you've got something that works, why deny it? LOL I would maybe do a tracing of your poor beloved pattern though, to save it from extinction LOL.
ReplyDeleteWhat's funny is that I was reading your conversation with the pattern piece and it seemed normal to me.... then when you said that talking to your pattern pieces was a problem I laughed out loud because it occurred to me that perhaps there's something wrong with me if I didn't think that.... oh well, we can continue to talk to ourselves and our belongings and no one has to be the wiser, right? ;)
Aww, pretty! Especially with the lace trim.
ReplyDeleteVery cute outfit, looks nice! And thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteannabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com
That dress looks divine.
ReplyDeleteAnd those brooches look fabulous.
Please count me in for the win!
asimplefibrelife(at)gmail(dot)com
love every version of this dress. Every one has a different feel, but looks so perfect on you! And the brooches, I do love a good brooch - absolutely make an outfit!
ReplyDeleteI love all your versions of this dress. And I so understand the obsession! It's like when you find a itme of clothe that fits and looks good, you buy it in 8 different colours - just that in this case, you make it in 8 different colours/ versions!
ReplyDeleteI love how quit and fresh the dress and the color look on you! And you're right, the brooche gives the extra something that makes you say " ooohh...how lovely!" I particularly like the first one of them, it's really glamorous!
ReplyDeleteI love all of the dresses, and they look so great next to each other, like a mini collection!
ReplyDeleteOnce more, I love the dress you made.
ReplyDeleteAnd the fun I had reading the discussion you had with the pattern !
I didn't know the song Yellow. It is really nice.
Your dresses are always beautiful - you have great personal style. You have also helped inspire me to find time to sew again (too many hobbies). I am hoping you have another Mad Men Challenge!
ReplyDeleteYou look stunning in all 4 variations of the pattern....and the brooches are to die for....PS I love India Arie :D
ReplyDeleteI say own the pattern obsession shame- if it ain't broke and all...
ReplyDeleteI love the dress! You rock it.
ReplyDeletecutekipepeo at gmail dot com
Love the dress, I have conversations with my patterns too, I have made one dress so many times the conversation starts out with " Hello Old friend"
ReplyDeletecount me in for the brooch contest
http://ilivetodesign.blogspot.ca/
dr_pepper_power@hotmail.com
LOVELY! I want that brooch (upper right)! pick me!
ReplyDeleteHeading out the door to purchase this amazing pattern...so many lovely versions you've created. I'm a bit jealous, really. I've been searching for my one and only pattern for ages! I'll give this a try. :) Cheers.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to get multiple use out of the same pattern, I've an Amazing fit pattern I've made 3 times and will make it several more times no doubt. Colour is great too Julia.
ReplyDeleteHey Julia! This dress is my favorite one yet! Beautiful as always. Loving the blog. Xoxox Roxy
ReplyDeleteHi Julia. I love to see all the lovely dresses you make and post on your blog. I am yet (but are still hoping) to find a pattern that just asks to be made up multiple times. Keep up the fabulous dress sewing. I love what you do.
ReplyDeleteI'm in love with the yellow on this dress! Amazing! Please enter me to win one of those brooches too. All of them are just as lovely!
ReplyDeleteThe dress is so springlike and has a vintage vibe while still looking fresh and current - all very pretty!
ReplyDeleteBelle robe Julia!
ReplyDeleteTrès réussie!
J'aime beaucoup sa coupe vintage!
Tu travailles très bien!
Have a good evening!
ohh you look so wonderful!
ReplyDeleteplease visit me in free time:)
http://mesmerize87.blogspot.com/
This is so stinkin' cute I want to laugh.
ReplyDelete*_* has anyone ever told tha you look like Snow White?
ReplyDeletecause on these pretty pics in your awesome yellow dress you DO! :)
and you should be in Mad Men !*_*
the dress is beautiful! yellow suits you very well :)
ReplyDeleteOh girl, if you've found The Pattern, don't let it get away! Use it until you run out of un-torn space to stick your pins on your pattern!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the lace collar! What a beautiful dress.
ReplyDeleteI love the yellow dress. I need to make one of those!
ReplyDeleteSimply gorgeous! Definately need to buy a sewing machine soon. The black and white gingham is especially nice, though the lace detail on the yellow one is very cute.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful dress - and the collar really sets it off!
ReplyDeleteI know it is too late for your contest but this is absolutely fabulous!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE
ReplyDeleteI absolutely adore this, it looks amazing and I adore the collar! XxxX http://thesecondhandrose.blogspot.co.uk/
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So inspired by your butterick 5603 dresses! i love all the neckline possibilities. I've made an A bodice with skater skirt, and a B style following the pattern exaclty. I had trouble with the waist seams pulling to one side, (I guess the tension in my darts are not exactly distributed) But I wanted to know, HOW do you line your dresses? With what materiel, and does it differ from bodice to skirt? THANKS in advance for your advice!
ReplyDelete