#butterick patterns

To those that missed the $3 Simplicity sale last night, it looks like there is a sale continuing until 7/7.

McCall's and Butterick patterns are $4.99; Vogue Patterns are $6.99.

The Unfitted Fifties: Butterick 6889

I always warn my students that there were styles that ignored some of the main fashion trends of a given decade, see this re-issued pattern Butterick 6889 from the 1950s. When we think 1950s, we tend to think of the impact of the New Look by Christian Dior from 1947: best known for its soft shoulders, tiny waists, and long full skirts. Dior actually created a very skinny, tight dress silhouette that year too, but we usually overlook it. While the New Look had a huge impact on fashion for years to come, other looks did show up.

Take this dress pattern from the 1950s which has the longer, fuller skirt, but leaves the waist entirely unfitted. There are darts at the upper bodice but otherwise no bust darts. The sleeves are mere cut-on cap sleeves with shoulder pads created for them which seems very 1940s, and then buttons close the side. The whole design reminded me of Claire McCardell who first made her name with the unfitted Monastic Dress in the 1930s and then had many designs in later years which were loose at the waist, but tied in various ways. 

This is certainly much easier to wear than all those fitted bodices and small waists which relied on foundation garments, the Spanx of their day. Also, it was far easier to iron. It is best made in the soft fabrics with drape that they recommend including crepe, challis, rayon. Anything stiffer could not create the soft gathers at the waistline. You don’t have to worry about matching print patterns either as you have 1 front and 1 back pattern pieces

As promised -altough a little late- the finished dress for SIL!

Do you see what I see?! -no more wrinkles in the back!

I FREAKIN DID IT!

And here's the happy couple: