Having long admired the classic Butterick Walk Away dress pattern, I was thrilled when Katrina of
Edelweiss Patterns offered her expertise in leading a
sew along! I already owned the pattern, having snapped it up in a Butterick buying frenzy back in July when Joann's had Butterick patterns for 99 cents each.
Finding the fabric was fun! I could see possibilities in so many prints. I knew I wanted to model the dress with my 1950s pumps, so black was a key color. I also wanted inexpensive fabric because I have not sewn garments since about 1994. I'm a little rusty! I found this black/white/red cotton bandanna print at Affordable Textiles, 531 Queen Street West, Toronto for $2.99/yd.
I'm pretty happy with the way it came out! Following Katrina's instructions, I modified the pattern and ended up with a bodice that really, really fits! A crinoline would really provide the structure that defines the 1950's silhouette.
Living in Lucille Ball's hometown, I knew just where I wanted to take my pictures. This is one of many murals that decorates our buildings.
Thank you, Katrina, for your tutorial and leadership! You provided me with the incentive to finally make this fun and lovely pattern. I hope to make it again in a dressy version!
