Friday, August 13, 2010

Another RTW Copycat!

Pattern: Butterick 5350 (view A) for the bodice and waistband, Vogue 8494 (skirt A) for the simple a-line skirt.  I cut size 14 on both, and they very nearly matched perfectly.  For the waistband, I used the lining piece instead of the 2 intended pieces, since I did not want a seam between the strips of ribbon.  I already owned both patterns, so no shopping was necessary.  If you're interested, Butterick 5333 is a wardrobe pattern that was marketed and is available specifically to copy this Donna Ricco dress that Mrs. O wore on "The View". My skirt is more a-line than that pattern...


Fabric:  Navy/White Cotton Print (with a teensy bit of stretch) from Haberman's in Royal Oak, MI.  I used 2 yds of 45", which left me enough to cut the waistband facing too, but I used batiste to line the bodice (which also finishes the armholes).  I didn't line the skirt, since the fabric isn't sheer and I can always throw on a slip.  It was on sale for $6/yd, so this lovely (with the ribbon and zipper), cost less than $20.  The real thing was $99.
Alterations: None for fit, none for design.  The neckline is a tiny bit gappy, so I may adjust a pleat to get it a little more snug.
Notions:  1" wide navy blue grosgrain ribbon, 1 roll.  I placed it at the edge of the waistband seam and topstitched with 2 spools of white thread.  I waffled on the topstitching, not sure if it gave it too much of a "juniors" look, but I really like the contrast.  Invisible zipper for the center back seam.  If I had more fabric, I would've placed the zipper at the side seam, but I matched up the seam well, so no worries.

Skill Level:  The bodice of the pattern would be "advanced beginner", just because they have it lined and you turn it through the shoulder seams before closing them up.  A little wacky, but it works.  Everything else was easy!
Warnings: If you are modest, you may want to raise the neckline an inch, or use twill tape to stabilize that seam line immediately after cutting it.
Future Plans:  I would definitely "franken-pattern" this duo again, it's a lovely dress, and would work with any pretty print or solid, cotton or shantung...  I will wear this to work (or to a lunch/shopping date with a friend), and would love to make a white short sleeve jacket to wear with it.  I have a pair of red Mary Jane pumps coming from Target, since I plan on wearing this to work (with a cardi) when school starts!

And, a big "Thank You!" for all your positive comments on my awesome grey belted dress.  If it wasn't a wool/lycra blend, I would've entered it in the Natural Fibers Contest. This one, too... it's a cotton/lycra blend.  I like wearing fabric with a little bit of give, but sometimes it's a pain to press or work with! Anyhow, thanks a million, your 40+ comments left me very, very flattered!

29 comments:

amber said...

You are on a roll! Love this dress, too. I totally know what you're talking about not wanting the detailing to make the dress look "juniors", but I really think the topstitching makes it look rich and chic. Good decision to go with it.

Cennetta said...

Great copy. The dress fits you perfectly and is very flatter.

meredithp said...

This one looks great too! I *never* would have thought of contrast topstitching on the ribbon, but it looks so cool. Just "different" in some way. A great idea.

Big in Japan said...

Your dress looks chic as well as comfortable, can't beat that! Well done.

Beangirl said...

Excellente! I LOVE this one. It is fabuloso. (I'm being Spanish today. Next week: Thai.)

Seriously, I like everything about this dress from start to finish. Nice work!

Susan said...

Both RTW copies you have recently made are fabulous!

Mary said...

Oh my, you look fabuloso!

Angela said...

Fantastic dress! You look fabulous in it!

Lori said...

Another fantastic dress.

Michelle said...

Wow, great job! I love it! And so flattering, too.

Shannon said...

Two super cute dresses in a row. Feel free to keep 'em comin'!

Bunny said...

This looks great. Love the neckline. You did a wonderful job.

gwensews said...

Gorgeous dress and very flattering. You look just beautiful in this sweltering, miserable weather.

Debbie Cook said...

Looks and fits great! And you sure do have nice legs. :-)

Summerset said...

You're on a roll - this one is awesome, too!

Dr. Fun (AKA Sister) said...

That dress is absolutely gorgeous!

Ann Made Studio said...

Gorgeous dress!

Anonymous said...

This looks so RTW. You did a great job constructing it!

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

Lovely, lovely dress! You are going to look fabulous when school starts!

Gail said...

gosh that looks nice on you. Great achievement in fit.

glorm said...

Wow--great looking dress.

AuntieAllyn said...

Lovely, absolutely lovely! I've never "frankenpatterned" before, but your gorgeous dress gives me encouragement to think about doing so in the future!

BeeBee said...

Dang, girl! Do you have ANY fabric left unsewn from our shopping? I haven't even unpacked my stuff yet!

a little sewing said...

Kristine, what a treat to visit your blog and see another stunning dress. The ribbon detail makes the dress special and you look wonderful in this.

Amy said...

Very beautiful!!!

Tee said...

Love your dress, check out my blogpost...didn't realize this was a RTW.

http://dressed2atee.blogspot.com/
2010/08/2010-asg-pattern-challenge.html

Digs said...

Very lovely! You look a knockout!

L said...

OMgosh! That is the exact same fabric. Your dress is stunning! Don't be alarmed if we show up wearing the same outfit. =) I also bought about 2 yards (2 meters).

Lynn

Anonymous said...

I saw these pictures and had an orgasm