Storytime

One of the first patterns I purchased after being gifted with my sewing machine was this Butterick vintage repro pattern. I was a new sewer and paid much too much for this pattern. I had absolutely no idea that this was an easily obtainable pattern. In fact, I hate to admit this now, but I don’t think I even truly understood that this was a repro pattern. I knew when I saw the pattern I would be making View C. I am always about full skirts.

Eventually, it came time to try and make up this pattern. I thought how hard can it be – a statement I still assert even though my experience would tend to make one think very hard indeed! So off I merrily went, pinning and cutting out the pattern in an interesting soft drapey cotton. This tells you it was a long time ago, before I got my pattern weights.

Now, I know that everyone and their sister has made this pattern. My pictures will not be that different. I cannot tell you the number of times I have read a review or blog posting on the net about this pattern. But never did I read of anyone have the extreme problems I had. The pattern went together nicely until it was time to sew on the facings where it gathers on the shoulder. I did not understand the direction! I stared and stared at the instructions. I played around with the fabric. I pinned and unpinned umpteen times. After a couple of days of this I started sewing…then ripping out what I had sewed. Then I would stare at the instructions and the fabric and the process would start again.

This process continued over a couple of weeks. Now, don’t think I was trying everyday. Most days I would pass by my sewing table, look at the fabric and sigh. About once a week I would give in and give it another go with resulting failure. I could not get my head around it. Finally, I gave up and put it away. For months, it went untouched.

Finally, I gave in and started the process again. I made a deal with myself, to just sit at the machine and keep trying until it went together.

To this day, I have no idea how I figured out how to put this together. When I finally got it I sat staring at the fabric, followed by some fist pumps and yelling! I know without question I could never sew up this pattern again.

Was it a learning experience…..NOPE because I have looked at the instructions and still do not get it!

When it is all said and done, I wonder if the original pattern would mystify me as much.

Soooooooo, I suppose you want to see a picture of the dress. I have worn it a lot and always receive compliments. I love the fabric.

And the dreaded bodice