Friday, May 23, 2008

New Vintage Wardrobe: The Anniversary Dress

Simplicity 4257: The Anniversary dress.
The dress that took me out in San Francisco in style with my man.
( Love Ya, Chuck! Lucky 13, Baby!)









This simple dress gave me fits. It was the perfect size, so that wasn't it. I sewed it up all twisted at one point. Had to take it all apart. Why? because I was really excited. This was a dressier dress than I have tried before. And I wanted there to be all sorts of fancy details. Well, I tried to add on that removeabale collar at 3 or 4 points... but at the last second I cut it off becase it just looked much better without it. So I had to make do with what it did have:



I did make the belt with a thrifted vintage bet kit and I added covered buttons on the sleeves. The fabric was vintage and thrifted, as were the trims. I even did a nice couture finished touch and made thread covered hooks and eyes,* and made those knotted thread belt loops*...
I learned how in a vintage sewing manual and it did make me feel like a really truly seamstress, after all.

( *look for that a week from Tuesday in tutorial form!)

Bitter Betty Industries would like to thank our sponsors and supporters:
especially
Little Lovelies for the pattern donation, and
Becktress for the superior shoe shopping services.
Thanks, Ladies.


* with Vinyl Brought to you by Thrift Thursday!

38 comments:

Our Hands For Hope said...

Great job! I spotted the self made belt even before I read about it. The fabric was wonderful also and the fit is just perfect. You get the good ol 4-Hers gold medal!

zoe krylova said...

wow! i love the fabric. clothes sewing is extremely intimidating to me. i'm in awe of your skills!

Meghan said...

Your dress is incredible! You've really outdone yourself this time. Does the vintage belt making kit make one belt, or many? I'll have to find one of those!

Daphne said...

I love it! The twirly-skirt picture is my favorite.

Okay, need to get off the internet and sew, since I can today.

Anonymous said...

What a great dress!!! and Happy Anniversary!
I was wondering here you find the belt kits? I have one and I am holding on to it for dear life.... I can never find any.
Again Great Dress!

Evie said...

It looks fantastic! Great job!

Anonymous said...

So cute! It looks great and that fabric is to die for lovely.

Anonymous said...

Amazing fabric, and great fit!! I want to go on a date to San Francisco!!! Happy Anniversary!

Amy said...

oh my goodness! that dress is fabulous! happy anniversary!

ruby-crowned kinglette said...

you are fantastic.... happy anniversary.

Anonymous said...

I am wickedly impressed!! wow!!

Anonymous said...

That second picture is fabulous! And a happy anniversary!

RachelMM said...

Beautiful dress! I'm in love with the fabric!

julie (jane's apron) said...

I am in awe...the details (and fabric) are amazing.

Gwen said...

This dress is so cute, I would have so worn this in the early
60's, though I would have had to have my shoes dyed to match (but did this all the time).

I love that you make and wear these dresses. You did a beautiful job!

Anonymous said...

Yaaay! I am so glad to see you used one of those patterns. It turned out beautifully. LOVE that fabric choice, too.

My Little Family: said...

Fabulous!

Lopi said...

You look like spring!
I love the dress, the shoes, the belt, everything!
Even the wonderful vintage-looking red couch.
I'm sure you had a great time on your date. Cheers!

Heidi Ann said...

Such a lovely dress - love the fabric and the pattern. I am constantly and consistently impressed with your dressmaking skills, and clever use of vintage patterns, yardage, etc. And the belt, too! Wow! Looks REALLY great.

Kai said...

Wow! Betty, you make me want to return to the 60s and wear those dresses. (I CAN'T anymore 'cause I would look like Petunia Pig in them - sigh.) But you not only do a FABULOUS job MAKING them, you are the perfect MODEL for them! LOVE this one in particular! And the shoes? AWESOME!

Anonymous said...

That dress is to die for! Well done!

Happy Anniversary and many, many more. :)

Anonymous said...

Look at you!! It's lovely. You're rocking that dress.

Anonymous said...

you're so fantastic! love it - the dress, the photos! your place! :)

Sonya said...

Hot damn that dress is magnificent! When you go for all the fancy touches, it's couture, you know. And I have to admit - I love your shoes and your orange couch. And is that a Flor rug? I've been curious about those...now I feel guilty. My roving eye. Attention should solely be on dress.

sulu-design said...

Does your husband of 13 years (congratulations and happy anniversary!) realize what a hot mama he has for a wife?!? Seriously, I can't get over your style, your skill, and your sense of humor. Make sure he knows he's lucky.

Violette Crumble said...

Damn, you're good.
I love the fabric and it fits you fantastically.

Anonymous said...

You (and the dress) look *so* fantastic! Love the 'set design' for the photos, too! & happy anniversary!

Natalie said...

Happy Anniversary!

You, my dear, have a fabulous eye for details. The patttern, the fabric, the belt, the shoes...oh my! You look beautiful.

Mary-Laure said...

I love those super fun pictures! You rule!

Are you wearing that naughty Russian Red lipstick you just bought???

Anonymous said...

you look divine! that dress! those shoes! that gorgeous face! happy anniversary, and beautiful dress. were you wearing a fluffy crinoline under it, or did it stand up on its own?

Maddie Kertay- The Domestic Anarchist said...

You look so dang cute in that!!!.. alas I would look like a busty church lady!!

maddie

goosefairy said...

Ok. I think this is now officially my favorite of all your dresses. Mahvelous dahling!

Hummingbird Chats said...

I love the dress and the shoes. It is so nice to see that the old paterens can still look good today. You did a great job and the belt set it off just right. Katie

julie (jane's apron) said...

I'm back with another comment...kind of. I scored a bunch of uncut size 12 to 14 vintage patterns last week. Mostly dresses but a few other things too. I'd love to send them to you (I just need the envelopes).

Anonymous said...

roottootin' fab!!!

Katherine said...

You rock! I love your Anniversary dress, Bethany. Three cheers for using all that vintage goodness and for all the detail work. Very impressive.

Starla said...

awesome job on the dress! and the pictures just top it off! seriously, good work!

jungle dream pagoda said...

Best dress ever!!!!

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