Hello, readers! Sorry I've been MIA lately. It's been a really stressful week (more to come on that later, if I can bring myself to write about it!). When I'm feeling overwhelmed, one of the things I love to do is peruse the "Big Four" pattern websites. I always notice new things, even though I feel like I've looked at these designs a million times. Today I was struck by Butterick 5750, a Suzi Chin design.
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Anyway, I'm now curious to get my hands on Butterick 5750 and play around with it. So many possibilities! Like trying it in a more structured fabric, with a straight skirt. Or sticking with chiffon or voile and making the skirt super full.
Any of you have this pattern? Or given it a test drive?
I just bought that pattern. I really like the idea of the ombre chiffon.
ReplyDeleteGertie,
ReplyDeleteI forgot to ask in my comment: do you know of a source for ombre chiffon similar to what the Ceil Chapman dress is made from?
I haven't gotten then pattern, but I love the top of it! I do so many formals with this general idea that is embellished with large appliques. They are always so fancy when completed!
ReplyDeleteRachel, I know they have ombre chiffon at New York Elegant Fabrics and at Rosen and Chaddick. If you don't live near NYC, you can call and they'll mail you swatches. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI have also been eyeing this pattern- seeing it in the chiffon has definitely sold me! I really like the fuller skirt.
ReplyDeleteI totally know what you mean: I love revisiting pattern catalogues and books because I notice different things each time too - depends on my mood and what I'm attracted to at the moment I guess! :) Plus the more I learn the more I'm able to see the possibilities in patterns I may have overlooked before :)
ReplyDeleteWhatever you're going through, i am sending you positive thoughts and support :) *hugs*
The Chapman dress is gorgeous, and it would be a fun dress to copy. I wouldn't buy the pattern though, since the bodice has to fit perfectly, then the chiffon is draped over that. I can't see how a generic pattern would provide the right drape and fit with out tons of alterations, can you?
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear you've had a stressful week. Sending you good vibes and a virtual hug!
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say I'm sorry you've been having a stressful week. I just ran the Boston marathon in the insane heat on Monday and then had a biopsy on a mass in my breast today, so I feel your pain. Some weeks are just the pits. Pretty dresses do help though, don't they?!
ReplyDeleteLove the back! At 51, however, I would feel more comfortable with sleeves ;) Hoping your weekend makes up for the lousy week.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your stressful week! And I do exactly the same thing when I am overwhelmed (except I browse through vintage pattern sites). great catch on this dress! I would love to see it with a slim skirt!!!
ReplyDeleteGerti check out this designer--Natalia Grzybowski
ReplyDeleteamazing designs and fabric!
That ombre Ceil Chapman dress is beautiful. I love the pattern and I'm excited to see what you do with it. =)
ReplyDeleteMeg
http://megshandmadelife.blogspot.com
Yes, yes, the big pattern websites are a panacea to the stressed seamstress.
ReplyDeleteDo you reckon that pattern would work with a FBA? Do any British types watch the fabulous Alex Polizzi in The Hotel Inspector? She had a dress with a bodice like this recently and it was doing wonders for her FB without being too in your face. Thanks for the heads up
Sorry about your week, so healthy of you to deal with your stress that way. Couture is our zen! Haha!
ReplyDeleteI have been eying this pattern as well, and almost purchased it -- I am too afraid to attempt the fba on this pattern, so I may actually ask someone else to make up the bodice for me -- I am thinking yellow or orange chiffon, but the ombre version is gorgeous as well. Hope you have a better week!
ReplyDeleteGertie - ((hugs)) for having a hard week. I hope things pick up for you!
ReplyDeleteSomehow, I never imagine you perusing the big name patterns. I guess I just think that clothes spring out of your mind fully formed like the Greek gods. ;) It does look like a beautiful dress!
Love that pattern! Keep smiling (and sewing) - it does wonders
ReplyDeleteI have no patterns but that is certainly one I would like to own when I have figured my way around a pattern and found a shop that sells fabric out here. :o)
ReplyDeleteOh Gertie, How beautiful! Do you think you could find that ombre chiffon? I think that really makes it.
ReplyDeleteI have the pattern - there was a sale - but I haven't managed to make it yet. It does look quite Chapman-esque, and it is pretty.
ReplyDeleteAlthough.. I am lucky enough to own a Ceil Chapman (modern size 10, I got it an incredible price on eBay, many years back - the seller put it up on a 3 day auction, starting Friday of Labor day weekend, and I was the only person to bid). I will tell you that the insides of my Chapman, and every Chapman I've seen at vintage shows and shops, have much more serious engineering inside than this pattern does. My dress has a boned corselet and integrated but detachable crinoline, and some additional (lighter) shaping materials between the skirt and crinoline and in the neckline to the dress hold it's shape just so.
Hope you're having a better day today!
Hi Gertie - I'm visited your blog many times and hardly ever commented - but I have to today, to send loads of good wishes and energy to you and your father and entire family. What a time....
ReplyDeleteI have this pattern flying to me from the States - lined up to make as one of my summer dresses - and I'm 50 but don't give a hoot about showing my arms - they're pretty toned, but even if they weren't, summer is too hot to wear sleeves in my island!
I wonder - if you were making a dirndl skirt for a dress like this out of a slippery silk which was wide enough for the front and back together, would you cut it in two and seam it? I'm actually making a dress which buttons up the front and am dithering about whether to bother cutting my silk up or not. It's like knitting - I know some yarns need the support of side seams for stability, but what of fabric?
I have bought the pattern for both myself and my young sewing partner/friend. My only concern is that all of the detail at the tummy will make me look "tummier". sigh
ReplyDeleteWell, I tried this pattern this weekend and I'm just not skilled enough to be able to modify it for a good fit. I wrote up why over at sewing pattern review http://sewing.patternreview.com/review/pattern/74454
ReplyDeleteIt's such a complicated mix of pleats that lengthening the body and altering the size is above my skill level. Honestly, I'm not crazy about the faux wrap, either. My 2¢
Can you tell me the pattern number for the Original Ceil Chapman in the pink ombre?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
pretty dresses I love the first and second dress.These two dresses are awesome. I love it.
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ReplyDeleteHi Gertie and fellow readers,
ReplyDeleteI just saw this dress and I'm in love. Think I could convert the Butterick pattern to strapless, or maybe add the cross-front fabric to the bombshell?
Thanks!
I just made Butterick 5750 and it is a horrible pattern! Too much fabric in the bodice and it just looks floppy and horrible.
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