01 Aug Gettin’ My Preppy On
Madras, anyone?
Finding this multicolored cotton patchwork on the Mood Fabrics website was almost as refreshing as a dip in the pool!
I looked forward to putting a feminine twist on this classic preppy fabric and paired it with Butterick’s dress pattern 5917.
Perhaps I’m a child at heart loving those madras children’s clothes filled with ruffles, but I thought this pattern had just the right feminine touch without the fussiness for the busy fabric. Actually, I’ve seen lots of RTW seersucker dresses sewn in this style.
Since there was only one review on the Pattern Review website I wasn’t sure what to expect, and was pleasantly surprised when I only needed to do a little tweaking in the upper bodice muslin to get the fit I wanted.
Obviously the visual interest is in the upper bodice with the ruffle. The tab prevents any gaping – I lowered it by ½ inch to avoid a matronly look however it still provided plenty of coverage. I constantly read the most flattering dress style is one with a raised waistline and must say I love the fit of this dress.
This is truly one of the most uncomplicated sewing projects I’ve encountered. I mean if every sewing experience was this easy I might have to find another hobby 😉
I’ll probably eat my words for that comment, but we sewists deserve a break every now and then, and now I know where to turn for a little almost- instant gratification.
SA Curve Ruler
Posted at 09:37h, 01 AugustWell, your dess is so darn cute!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:45h, 01 AugustThanks, Claire! I held my breath while cutting the fabric thinking – This will be cute or hideous. Thankfully it turned out just fine 🙂
Connie Cutcliff
Posted at 14:52h, 26 AugustIt’s really cute. I thought Madras was so fun the first time around, you make me want to do it again! Thanks for the tip on how to avoid the dreadful matronly look.
Art Attack
Posted at 09:42h, 01 AugustHow cute, Sarah. I love Madras, it really takes me back. This soft colorway really suits you. I’ve not noticed this pattern until now and what a fun little summer dress you’ve turned it into!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:47h, 01 AugustThank you, Dorcas! It was fun trying a little something different with the fabric 🙂
dara
Posted at 09:45h, 01 AugustVery beautiful dress! always enjoy reading your blogs. Happy sewing!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:47h, 01 AugustThank you so much, Dara!
Annemarie White
Posted at 09:50h, 01 AugustI am constantly amazed by the garments you make and how quickly you sew them. It looks fabulous on you.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:48h, 01 AugustMany thanks, Annemarie! When I start a sewing project I become possessed and don’t stop until I’m finished. Maybe I should lighten up 😉
Angela
Posted at 09:52h, 01 AugustI love your dress! I have this pattern already — just waiting on the right fabric inspiration for me.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:49h, 01 AugustThank you, Angela! You’re going to love this pattern 🙂
Julie Starr
Posted at 09:54h, 01 AugustLove it! It surely suits you to a T and looks terrific against the backdrop of your pool.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:49h, 01 AugustThanks, Julie! I look forward to seeing your rendition!
missmarys
Posted at 09:56h, 01 AugustAdorable on you. I’m actually going to try your Burda knit dress. I have to read up on sewing with knits. I’ve figured out all the adjustments I have to make. I purchased an inexpensive fabric incase this goes all wrong. We shall see.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:51h, 01 AugustOh wow! Good luck with the Burda – it sounds like you’ve done your homework so I’m sure it will go fine. Many thanks for the comment!
Mary Deeter
Posted at 09:57h, 01 AugustSimply gorgeous and fun for a summer day! Nice work!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:53h, 01 AugustThank you so much, Mary!
Jane
Posted at 10:08h, 01 AugustOh you look fabulous! So cool. I have this pattern too and am inspired by your interpretation. I would never have thought to use madras. Thanks for the idea.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:04h, 01 AugustThank you, Jane! As I said to Amanda I was unsure of my fabric choice and thought it would either be cute or hideous. I’m delighted it worked out 🙂
Jane
Posted at 10:22h, 01 AugustLooks absolutely lovely! I have this pattern and now you’ve inspired me to get to it. You look so fantastic & cool. I would never have thought to use madras fabric with the ruffle. Love it! Thanks for the motivation.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:05h, 01 AugustThank you, Jane for the inspiration! I believe this pattern will adapt to many fabrics- good luck with yours!
ewellons
Posted at 10:45h, 01 AugustSo cute! Funny that you should post this today since I was thinking to myself yesterday that you hadn’t done any ruffles lately! Great combination of fabric and pattern!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:06h, 01 AugustThank you, Cissie! I haven’t sewn many ruffles lately but I sure have been wearing a lot of them. My closet is saturated with ruffles……. but I keep making more 😉
Pam
Posted at 10:47h, 01 AugustSo pretty, and fun! That is a pattern I would have passed over and now I’m thinking of what fabric I could make it in.I also love the bracelet sleeve variation. You really have a good eye for design. BTW, did you make the ruffle a little wider than called for?
-Pam
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:09h, 01 AugustThank you, Pam! I did not make the ruffle any wider – it was the perfect width! I hope you’ll give the pattern a try 🙂
lisa g
Posted at 11:04h, 01 Augustgreat pattern/fabric combo! i love the ruffled neckline. i’ve never seen madras look so good!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:12h, 01 AugustThank you, Lisa! I wasn’t sure how it would turn out but thankfully I like it too 🙂
Kathryn Louisignau
Posted at 11:26h, 01 Augustawesome job, love the dress!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:13h, 01 AugustMany thanks, Kathryn!
Jennifer
Posted at 11:28h, 01 AugustI just love this!! I’ve been considering a madras dress myself but, wouldn’t have thought to use a pattern like this. It’s a perfect pairing and it looks fantastic on you!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:14h, 01 AugustThank you, so much Jennifer! Madras is such a fun summer fabric – hope you give one a try and good luck!
carolinascallin
Posted at 11:28h, 01 AugustLOVE it! Saw you in that and wondered if you’d made it 😉 Gotta love madras – you just can’t go wrong, especially in our hot summers! Really cute and very flattering! I’ll have to take a closer look at that pattern.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:15h, 01 AugustThank you, Cheryl! It took me a moment to think where you might have seen me until I remembered FB 🙂 This is going to be a fun summer dress! Have you set up your sewing room yet?
carolinascallin
Posted at 15:15h, 04 AugustLOL…spies everywhere 😉 Seriously, though – your dress is super cute! Had I not known about your talent, I would have guessed you’d picked this up at a neat little boutique 🙂
Sewing room almost ready! SO glad to be getting settled. I think it’s going to work out quite well – going to give it a test this week! Moving is always such fun, isn’t it?
black label
Posted at 11:33h, 01 Augustlovely….& you did the pattern justice as only you can!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:16h, 01 AugustAh…… that’s so sweet. Many thanks for the nice comment 🙂
Marguerite
Posted at 11:38h, 01 AugustSo fun! I eyed this pattern for a “cocktail” type LBD thinking the top gave it interest. The madras is so unexpected and fabulous. You are always an inspiration both with pattern choice and fabric choice. Not to mention the sewing skills too!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:17h, 01 AugustThank you so much Marguerite! I think this pattern was intended as a cocktail attire pattern and that’s what I plan to do next. 🙂
Stitchgirl78
Posted at 11:53h, 01 AugustYour dress looks so much better than the image on the front of the pattern envelope! Had I not seen your post, I would not be purchasing this pattern. Keep up the great work……….I look forward to your posts : )
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:18h, 01 AugustThank you, Stitchgirl! Good luck with your rendition and many thanks for the nice comment.
Pauline (pdiddly)
Posted at 12:22h, 01 Augustpretty dress
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:18h, 01 AugustThanks, Pauline!
Beth (SunnyGal Studio)
Posted at 12:24h, 01 AugustI love madras too, very cute dress and you are making me think about some madras shorts. how’s that for preppy style 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:19h, 01 AugustYou’ll be gettin’ your own preppy on with a pair of shorts 😉 Many thanks for the comment!
Angie
Posted at 12:42h, 01 AugustOh, wow, I’ve had some patchwork madras fabric (different colorway) in my stash for years. I wouldn’t have thought of doing a ruffle, but I love this! Thanks for giving me a whole new idea!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:20h, 01 AugustOh great! I think ruflles and madras go together quite well! Many thanks for the comment 🙂
chesneykat
Posted at 13:03h, 01 AugustWow. You look great in that dress!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:21h, 01 AugustThank you, Chesneykat!
Karen
Posted at 14:39h, 01 AugustWow, this isn’t the madras I remember from the ’60s! It looks so fresh and “better than preppy” in that pattern. What an inspired pairing!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:32h, 01 AugustThanks, Karen! It’s about time to move Madras up a level if you ask me 😉
Sarah
Posted at 15:48h, 01 AugustHad to smile – you picked the same patchwork check madras as Peter of Male Pattern Boldness did at the beginning of June – he made shorts and a shirt. Love your dress, love your blog.
Sarah blogging at Sew Drastic!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:53h, 01 AugustThank you , Sarah! I think Peter and I ordered our Madras around the same time. After seeing his nice shorts and shirt I started rethinking my approach from a traditional madras garment to something more feminine for me. 🙂
laurahoj
Posted at 16:12h, 01 AugustI love this! Madras has always been a favorite of mine.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:53h, 01 AugustThank you, Laura!
Almeda
Posted at 16:57h, 01 AugustHelllooo!!! I can’t say much because I am heading out to buy this pattern. The dress brings the material to another level. You did it again!!! 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:54h, 01 AugustThank you so much, Almeda! You’re going to love this pattern!
Sharon
Posted at 19:44h, 01 AugustGorgeous summer dress and it doesn’t say it any better than with Madras checks. Love the style of this dress, you do tempt me with different styles.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:55h, 01 AugustMany thanks, Sharon! I think the beauty of sewing is the ability to try out different looks. My sewn wardrobe is so different from my old RTW 🙂
Gayle West-Grimley
Posted at 21:24h, 01 AugustWhat a beautiful dres & it fits you so perfectly! The ruffles lend interest without being too sweet. I would love to see it in an elegant silk dupioni. Great choice of fabric & pattern!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:42h, 01 AugustThank you, Gayle! I look forward to making it again as a cocktail dress 🙂
danvillegirl
Posted at 21:56h, 01 AugustI just recently purchased this pattern. I am glad to read that you found this easy to sew. I really like the fabric you chose for this dress!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:55h, 02 AugustThank you, Danvillegirl! Other than making my usual adjustments in the length I found it very easy to sew. Next time around I’ll take up the upper bodice size seams just a bit. Good luck with yours!
Jean
Posted at 22:03h, 01 AugustAbsolutely perfect dress. The design and the colours are so flattering on you. Must have this pattern now.
jstarr4250
Posted at 22:13h, 01 AugustSent from my iPad
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:58h, 02 AugustThank you, Jean! Hope you’ll give the pattern a try – very fun 🙂
Linda B.
Posted at 00:47h, 02 AugustAnother unexpected fabric choice that turned out great! So…classic/preppy/summertime! It looks cool, comfortable and great on you!! Sheesh…another pattern that I “have” to pick up now! How can we mere mortals possibly keep up, haha!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:59h, 02 AugustMany thanks, Linda! I too feel like I can’t possibly get all of the sewing done in my mind. If I only had another 6 hours in the day 😉
Renata
Posted at 01:01h, 02 AugustWere you made for ruffles or were ruffles made for you. Whatever, you look gorgeous as ever. And I must say you look younger every time I see you in a new outfit. Could you bottle and sell your secret?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:03h, 02 AugustWhat a nice comment to read at 6:30 am, Renata! I do love ruffles – they make almost any piece of jewelry look beautiful! As for looking younger…… I don’t know about that, but dropping a few pounds has made a big difference in the way my clothes fit and I can’t believe it took me so long to get rid of the bowling ball I was carrying around 😉 Many thanks for writing!
Velosewer
Posted at 03:41h, 02 AugustYou always know how to pair fabric to patterns, with flair.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:04h, 02 AugustThank you, Maria…… and you’re one of the most gifted sewists on the internet 😉
sewruth
Posted at 03:50h, 02 AugustSuper dress! Looks cool to wear too.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:05h, 02 AugustThank you, Ruth! Indeed this dress is very cool – much needed around here these days.
Sandra (Sewist-Stitch)
Posted at 05:44h, 02 AugustLove your dress Sarah. I have recently purchased this pattern, but haven’t had a chance to sort any fabric for it. I love your choice of fabric – a very summer dress. I like that it is an easy sew – I like that 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:06h, 02 AugustThank you, Sandra! I believe this pattern will look great in many fabrics. Good luck!!
Susan Morton
Posted at 07:52h, 02 AugustWhat a flattering dress on you! I have passed over this pattern but you have totally inspired me to go out and get it now! Did you line the body of the dress? If so, what did you use?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:24h, 02 AugustThank you, Susan! I did not line the body of the dress but I will next time around. I mentioned this on my pattern review. I will also use an invisible zipper. I love the fit of the pattern but the instructions could stand a few revisions. 🙂
Catty
Posted at 11:16h, 02 AugustHi! Love your dress and style! Thanks for posting! You have really inspired me and my friends to sew for ourselves! Can’t wait to get this pattern!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:46h, 03 AugustMany thanks for your nice comment, Catty! I find it inspiring to be inspiring 🙂 ….. and you’re going to love this pattern!
prttynpnk
Posted at 13:38h, 02 AugustI love that you didn’t go for an obvious fabric choice- this is summery and fun and really flattering to you!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:49h, 03 AugustThank you! When I noticed seersucker as a recommended fabric, I thought why not madras! My fingers stayed crossed until the dress was finished 😉
Mary Lynn
Posted at 22:06h, 02 AugustYou look so cute in ruffles! The quote about high waistlines only works if one has a waist 🙂
My waist is somewhere around Stevie Urkle territory! You also didn’t have to worry about matching the plaids! i so look forward to each new wonderful, lovely/cute new outfit!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:53h, 03 AugustThank you so much, Mary Lynn! Three years ago I bought a high waisted dress and have been a fan ever since. ……. and thank goodness I didn’t have to match plaids 😉
Denny
Posted at 03:47h, 03 AugustYou always look so summery/spring looking and lovely. I have just moved countries and trying to adjust from tropical to freezing cold weather. I’m sure your winter warm wardrobe is just as glamorous but those types of clothes don’t feature on your site. I urgently need inspiration to still look feminine (think frills/ruffles like you) and warm at the same time. I am assuming you live in a mid climate and don’t need to wrap up so much so any advice would be appreciated because you have a lovely style ethic.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:03h, 03 AugustThis is such a lovely comment, Denny – thank you so much for your kind words!
I live in South Carolina. While we do have four seasons, the winters are mild. Since my return to sewing two years ago, I’ve discovered color, ruffles and black and white are seasonable all year long! I’m sure you’ll find a style you’re comfortable with in your new cold surroundings. Good luck and stay warm! 🙂 🙂
Joy
Posted at 18:22h, 03 AugustAnother darling dress I want to copy. I worked four hours today working on the fit for my striped Vogue dress like yours. Mine is black and white stripes. I have to make so many changes that the pattern barely looks like the same one! Did you use the same fabric for the base of the striped dress? Love the madras! It is so summery. Did you use a facing for the armholes?
Hugs, Joy
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:31h, 05 AugustThank you, Joy! I did use the same fabric for the body of the dress. Are you asking me about facings for the madras dress? If so, the upper bodice is lined. 🙂
Nancy Schaub
Posted at 21:43h, 03 AugustWOW – one photo and I was thinking of the summer of 1964, then year I graduated high school. I had an a-line skirt in Madras as well as a blazer – not the same madras and never worn together. How I loved those garments. Your dress is great and you really look wonderful in everything you make.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:38h, 05 AugustHi Nancy! Funny how fabric can be so nostalgic, huh? Many thanks for your nice comment!
Cindy
Posted at 22:42h, 03 AugustHAH! The moment I saw this pattern come out, I knew you’d make a beeline for it and create something spectacular. As always, your dress is adorable, and your exceptional skill in matching pattern to fabric continues to wow. This pattern also has the bones for an alternate version, in a solid color, with straight neckline leading down to that crosspiece with a narrower ruffle topping it alone. I double dog dare you to try it!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:42h, 05 AugustLOL! You know me well! Let’s get this straight – a horizontal ruffle on the tab and no ruffles elsewhere?
Cindy
Posted at 11:19h, 05 AugustYes, exactly. Ann Klein actually did a similar look in a stunning black cocktail dress with a short sleeve, with the ruffle folded every inch and pressed flat before being sewn in. It was outrageously elegant. The sort expanse available here would leave a lot of room for experimenting with width of ruffle and manner of insertion to see what looks best on you. ;=D
BrendaR
Posted at 04:21h, 04 AugustI love this pattern and I remember seeing that fabric (also in pinkish tones) at my local fabric shop! I’m going to bookmark your blog and follow it as I begin my new sewing journey!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:44h, 05 AugustThank you, Brenda and best of luck with your new sewing journey!
Keys Maddox
Posted at 16:23h, 04 AugustSure am enjoying these blog posts. Thanks. Keysie
Sent from my iPad
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:44h, 05 AugustThanks, Keysie!
AllisonC
Posted at 23:40h, 06 AugustGreat to see this pattern made up in a more casual fabric, I could only picture it in a tweedy wool before, your more summery version looks great.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:45h, 08 AugustThank you, Allison! I look forward to trying a more dressed up version too!
poppykettle
Posted at 22:30h, 12 AugustSo, So gorgeous, and yet seemingly so simple! These colours are divine on you 🙂 An extremely pretty dress!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:50h, 13 AugustThank you, Poppykettle! It’s turned out to be a great go-to summer dress 🙂
Emily O'Brien
Posted at 18:40h, 16 AugustSaw this dress on Facebook and now I’m checking out all your old posts–you do great work! Fantastic dress.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:16h, 17 AugustThank you so much, Emily!
Butterick 5917 – The Un-Preppy Version | Goodbye Valentino
Posted at 18:39h, 28 August[…] 5917 so much I had my second version planned before finishing the madras patchwork version (blogged here), and I’m tempted to make it […]
Kyle
Posted at 23:48h, 29 AugustWow, was it really that easy? I like both of your versions. I happened to buy this pattern this week! your versions are better than the version on the pattern envelope!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:46h, 30 AugustIt was really that easy, however I made a muslin first. The black version was not as easy due to the invisible zipper and full lining, but the pattern is very well thought out when sewn as intended. Good luck!
heidi
Posted at 20:16h, 04 OctoberWow that looks nice. great job.
Susan
Posted at 13:19h, 18 JanuaryI’ve read your blog before (love your choices of fabrics and patterns) and just stumbled on this post. I’m thinking of sewing it up for an Easter dress. You said you lined the black version and not the madras one, would you recommend lining the madras version? I usually line my dresses but if the fabric is right sometimes you don’t need to. What do you think? Thanks!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:55h, 20 JanuaryThank you, Susan. The pattern calls for lining the top only. I did this with the madras version but decided to line the entire black dress I made. It was difficult making the transition to a fully lined dress due to the bodice construction. Since that time I made Vogue 8532 and have decided to follow those instructions should I make and line the Butterick pattern again. 🙂
Upcoming Projects | Denver Sewing Collective
Posted at 19:00h, 18 March[…] back in August of last year Sarah from Goodbye Valentino whipped up B5917 in a lovely Madras print. I fell in love with the entire look. I intended to […]
Butterick 5917– a Wearable Muslin | Denver Sewing Collective
Posted at 23:02h, 01 April[…] I would never have picked this pattern based on the photo in Butterick’s Look Book. Then I saw Sarah’s interpretation on her fabulous blog – Goodbye Valentino. Wow! Amazing. I loved everything about it. The […]