Butterick Retro 4790

This project is another one of my very early projects. I made the Butterick Retro 4790 pattern in about October of last year.

 

I loved the wrap style, the full skirt and the fact it was marked very easy! 

Initially, I was going to make it in the style of Dolce & Gabbana use a black and white polka dot fabric for the outer layers and a leopard print for the inside. However, after much consideration, I decided on a plain black for the outside and leopard print for the inside. 

The dress itself was extremely easy. I used a black bias binding on the trim - everywhere except the hem - and it took forever. If I was to make it again, which I plan to, I'd think carefully about whether I'd use bias binding again.

I also had some problems with the front of the outside part. The flaps kind of curl up at the ends - like elf shoes - and overlap on one another, but it's not too much of a problem. I might cut some off so more leopard is visible.

I'm happy with the end result. I just wish the bias binding was a little better. 

Action shot! 

After wearing the dress to take the pictures, I'm impressed with how far my sewing has come since late last year!

Butterick Retro 5032 - The Promised Photos

As promised, the photos of Butterick Retro 5032 when worn. I wore it to work today with black opaques and a cardigan (not shown). The belt is from another skirt but I'm going to make a self-belt once I find the right buckle.

It got a couple of positive comments which is always good!

Current Project

My current project is the Butterick 5032 pattern.

 

I love all the variations included in the pattern, but I've decided to make the yellow dress. A photo of the finished piece from the Butterick site:

 

I've decided to do it in a dark, though still quite bright, purple linen fabric that I found in an op-shop. I think the style is perfect for work - I'm already planning on wearing it with a white short-sleeved, ruffle-front shirt underneath.

So far the pattern seems to be quite simple so, fingers crossed, it'll be finished in no time!

Very Easy Vogue Patterns

Since I've started sewing, I regularly browse Vogue Patterns. I'm usually too engrossed with the Vintage Vogue section to look at other patterns that may be offered. This was up until last week.

Last week, I saw that Vogue had all patterns on sale (a regular and much loved occurrence). As usual, I browsed the Vintage section but found nothing new I needed. I then moved over to the Very Easy Vogue patterns.

I ended up succumbing and buying three patterns. They look corporatey enough to wear to work but still have vintage and girly undertones.

Vogue 8511


I plan to start off with the short-sleeved version first. I hope to find a nice pink tweed for this project. Hopefully if it's a darker pink I'll be able to wear black accessories.

For the long-sleeved version, I'd love to make it from a houndstooth as shown.

Vogue 8630


This pattern isn't my usual style but I thought it would be perfect for a solid coloured fabric - maybe a charcoal or black. I've got a couple of brooches that may be perfect for the oversized collar as well.

Vogue 8146


A bow? Check. A dress appropriate for the office? Check. A vintage suit feel? Check.

Needless to say this one is my favourite. I love it so much I'm unable to decide on which fabric would be ideal for this project. The type of fabric I'm after can only be described as something Jackie O would wear. I've trawled both eBay and etsy in an endless search for something that would do this dress+jacket combo justice but nothing has stood out.

Does anyone have any suggestions for the perfect, Jackie O-style fabric for this pattern?

Vintage Skirt Pattern

I recently found a vintage Butterick pattern in a local Salvation Army op-shop. After some detective work (using the ever-trusty Google) I discovered that the pattern is from 1962!



I loved the suit, but thought it was a bit too advanced for me at the moment, so I had a go at the skirt. It was extremely simple, even following the pattern instructions was easy! But, the skirt wasn't what I envisaged. Being an older pattern, the cut is markedly different from what we're used to. I altered it a far bit to make it a little more form fitting. Next time I might make it a little more true to the pattern.

Using my new skirt, I was inspired by my friend Viv, over at ish and chi, in creating this outfit.

Homemade skirt using Butterick 2178
Decjuba turtleneck
Vintage brooch
Ferragamo heels

The Skirtain

My photography skills are rudimentary at best and I probably should have stood up straight for the photo, but nevertheless, photos of the skirtain, as promised.

Cotton On white tank
Skirtain
Urban Outfitters tan t-bar heels

Skirtain = Skirt + Curtain

This post is dedicated to something I made on a whim - a skirtain.

I was in an op-shop with a friend the other day and I caught my eye on a curtain. At first I thought there would be nothing I could do with it and browsed the fabric remnants. But, over the next few minutes, my eye wandered back again to the curtain.

I picked it up, thinking it would be a full-length curtain but was pleasantly surprised when I realised that it was a cafe curtain - a much shorter curtain. I immediately wrapped it around myself and found that it was the perfect length for a highwaisted skirt. After briefly considering how I would go about turning it into a skirt, I snapped it up - for the bargain price of $4.

Once getting it home, it sat amongst my other future projects but today, I was inspired to start the project.

As you can see, the lining is pretty dirty, so I needed to cut that out before embarking on the transformation.
Secondly, I needed to cut away some of the material that formed the curtain rod part to make enough room for the seam allowance. The next step was to sewing in a zip. Afterwards I had to neaten up the waistband and then add a hook and eye closure.


The hook and eye closure isn't my best work, so I'll have to fix that up later on. Admittedly, I was a little stumped, as I've sewn a skirt without an extension before so there's a bit of a gap between the zipper opening and the hook and eye.


Overall, I'm pretty pleased with it. It's first outing will be tonight when I meet some friends for dinner. I'll be sure to post pictures of it on!

Blog Revival!

After an extended hiatus, I've decided to revive Florals and Fairybread. While I've been away, I've become a sewing aficionado . Because of my new found love, Florals and Fairybread will have a more creative feel. But so as not to bore non-sewers out there, I'll dedicate some posts to fashion, vintage and other fun things.

Gossip Girl Inspiration

Today I was inspired by the school outfits worn by Blair, Serena and Jenny in season one of Gossip Girl.

Making it a bit more work appropriate, I paired a vintage Fletcher Jones plaid skirt with a black turtleneck, opaques and mary janes.

I arrived home and was greeted by two long awaited parcels. So hopefully I'll be able to post a photo of my new outfits tomorrow.