Dresses

Liberty Vintage Tea Dress

I have a special little number to share with you today for my June Minerva Blogger Network post.

almond rock liberty lawn butterick 5902

The wonderful thing about the Network is that I get to push myself and try a little harder. The temptation to play things safe can be strong and it’s quite nice to challenge your fears.

almond rock liberty lawn butterick 5902

First up, let’s look at this pretty pattern. Butterick 5209 is a vintage reproduction pattern from 1947. I chose this pattern after seeing Laura Mae’s version. It has several intersecting lines to get right, a gathered bust and raglan sleeves: All making fitting that little bit harder. I’m not sure why this pattern is called Easy when there’s so many pieces and design lines to stay on top of.

almond rock liberty lawn butterick 5902

I made two toiles. The first in a straight size 12 – Let’s just say it wasn’t great. I then graded everything in the upper torso down to a 6 and blended out to around a 14 in the ribs and waist (because I used the pattern in the lower size range it stopped at 12). I also reduced the gathering on the bust by about 4cm by using the markings for size 6. Finally I lowered the bodice 1cm.

almond rock liberty lawn butterick 5902

Phew! All easy from here on? Not completely. First up I needed a nice sharp needle so not to snag this lovely Liberty lawn. This dress needs you to pay attention if you want you lines to match up. I marked all my seam allowances and pivot points clearly. I also unpicked if things weren’t quite aligned or weren’t sitting right. Here’s a close up of the centre front intersecting seams.

almond rock liberty lawn butterick 5902

Tana Lawn fabric is great to work with because it’s stable enough to manipulate and won’t shift as you’re cutting out but has flattering drape in the finished garment. Plus it feels amazing to wear due to the high thread count.

If you’re scared of using Liberty because of the cost, treat yourself to some past season prints which are generally reduced to more agreeable prices for nervous dispositions. This print comes in several colourways and at £12.99 is a definite bargain in my eyes. My decision to use this print was heavily influenced by spying Little Tailoress’ version of this dress using the navy and raspberry colourway. Or how about some of Minerva’s other lawns, like this pretty print which I saw made up as a Sew Over It Vintage Shirtdress recently.

almond rock liberty lawn butterick 5902

So there we go! I have a lovely new vintage dress in a beautiful fabric. Now I just need an afternoon tea…

(46) Comments

  1. Wendy says:

    This looks really lovely. Will have a go at this pattern for sure. Very flattering.

    1. almondrock says:

      Thank you! I definately recommend it!

  2. This looks gorgeous, great fit and I love the fabric in that colourway!

    1. almondrock says:

      Thanks Ami, you offered the perfect inspiration!

  3. Love a midriff! Looks gorgeous on you, Amy x

    1. almondrock says:

      Thank you! I love a good new technique to keep me on my toes

  4. Looks great, a very pretty dress. Did you line it? I have some Tana lawn I want to make a dress from and can’t decide if I should line it

    1. almondrock says:

      I self lined the bodice and lined the skirt with anti static lining. I line any cotton just because I hate it sticking to tights but a lot of liberty prints are dense enough that you don’t need to line I think.

  5. Carol Thomas says:

    Oooooo! Liking this pattern and print very much. Georgeous! X

    1. almondrock says:

      Thanks so much Mum! 🙂

  6. Truly lovely, Amy! Excellent job.

    1. almondrock says:

      Thank you! I’m very proud of this one!

  7. That is gorgeous! You did a great job!

    1. almondrock says:

      Thank you! I’m so pleased with how it turned out

  8. We love this! Well done. Please pin it to our fan gallery. Thanks!

    1. almondrock says:

      Thanks so much! All done 🙂

  9. That looks perfect on you! What a great shape and fabric choice!

    1. almondrock says:

      Thank you! I just looooooove Liberty!

  10. nx44 says:

    What a beautiful style dress.. I might have to save this away for future inspiration!

    1. almondrock says:

      Thanks so much! I think you’d really enjoy wearing it!

  11. looks gorgeous!

    1. almondrock says:

      Thank you! I love this one

  12. This dress looks stunning!

    1. almondrock says:

      Thanks so much!

  13. Lovely dress. I’m watching mad men at the moment and am really in love with the style of the 1940’s and 50’s!

    1. almondrock says:

      Thank you! I love the mad men fashions, so many gorgeous garments!

  14. Love this! I’ve gotta go buy the pattern now !

    1. almondrock says:

      Doooo it! It’s super cute and you’ll enjoy wearing it.

  15. Gorgeous!

    1. almondrock says:

      Thank you! I love it

  16. This is gorgeous! Your seam matching is fab, and what’s not to love about the Liberty fabric?!

    1. almondrock says:

      Thank you! God bless lovely Liberty 🙂

    1. almondrock says:

      Thanks so much!

  17. I just bought this pattern recently – now a bit worried about how hard it will be to fit!

    1. almondrock says:

      Sure you’ll be fine I am unfortunately triangle shaped which wasn’t a help.

  18. Absolutely gorgeous, Amy. And that seam matching!

    1. almondrock says:

      Thank you! I’m so pleased I got them all lined up PHEW!

  19. I made this pattern in a satin flower print and I agree that there are a lot of steps. I didn’t think the instructions on the bodice were easy to follow. I like how the cotton gives the dress more of an every day feel. Satin made it a little fancy and I really haven’t worn it out of the house.

    1. almondrock says:

      Ooh I must pop over and take a look. I agree about the bodice instructions. I think I’d like to make it in a fancy fabric like you have for a special occaison.

  20. This is so beautiful. Totally in love with it.

    1. almondrock says:

      Thanks so much! I love wearing it

  21. My June make for Minerva has a midriff piece in too! Nice frock lady! Jo x

    1. almondrock says:

      Yes I saw! Kept meaning to comment, I have that pattern but haven’t gotten round to making it. Your plaid looks great!

  22. This is just darling!

  23. So cute! Just shouts summer!

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