Do you ever have the craving to make something that is totally unnecessary, just because it is so fabulous? I do! And that craving suddenly came to me when I saw this nifty vintage cocktail dress in a Burda magazine:
Whenever I am at the main library I skim through the Burdas, and I found this design in the November 2007 issue. It is a reproduction of an original pattern from Burda’s October 1958 magazine. Almost hyperventilating, I mentally scanned through my stash on the spot, and eventually thought of some burgundy satin that I’ve had for ages. I have actually been trying to sell it on TradeMe for a while, so now I am glad that it never sold! It is a stretch satin though with about 5% stretch, because I do not want a stretch bodice I am underlining it with organza to try and stabilise it – only one way to find out if that works! Plus that poofy skirt is just crying out for some crisp organza inside it…
I haven’t bothered with a toile because a) I am out of calico, b) I couldn’t wait until tomorrow, and c) I have plenty of this satin, so I cut straight into the cloth that evening – very excitedly I might add, because despite being polyester/elastane this fabric gives the illusion of silk duchess when underlined – look!
I’m taking photos as I go, so hope to have some tutorials soon on underlining, kimono sleeve gussets, and other handy tips I think of as I make this lovely dress – it’s looking awesome so far!
pattern scissors cloth 
ooh, it looks lovely! I can't wait to see the finished dress 🙂
Ashley x
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Cut on sleeves are my favorite, and you were right to dash home and start chopping. When you're done, make me one, yes?
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Wow! I don't blame you for being keen. With a dress like that you are sure to find an occasion!
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ooohhh I am so excited for this! I absolutely adore this look from the late 50's and it will look stunning with the burgundy satin! YAY! And what a good idea to look at burda magazines in the library! I'll have to check if ours has them!
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Awesome and the tutorials will be so helpful
Thanks a lot
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Oooh I am very excited. I have this magazine and I love the style – your fabric is gorgeous – it's going to be wonderful!
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Oooh I saw this in the library too and thought it was fantastic… I like your colour fabric much better. I can't wait to see it finished. I have a bit of the same problem – I have plenty of “going out dresses” but nowhere to go and nothing to wear everyday!
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Love this design! I'm so excited to see it finished.
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This will be gorgeous! You'll just have to invent an occasion to wear it.
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I think it's actually nice to have something totally unnecessary in our closets. Can't wait to see your finished project.
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Almost everything I have made is unnecessary! You will find a place to wear it. Can't wait to see pictures and I am especially looking forward to the gusset tutorial. I did one hell of a bad job inserting gussets into a white blouse.
Jacki
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I love the title of this post! Can't wait to see it finished.
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What a gorgeous dress – it will look great in that colour! I wish our local library had Burdas! And who cares if you don't have an occasion – you can be all 1950s and just look lovely around the house instead!
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I had to laugh when I read the title. I used to do that quite a bit, sew a dress just because I loved the pattern, whether or not I had an event to wear it. So I am sometimes overdressed just because I can't resist what is in my closet. Pretty style and I love the color!
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Love it,love it! Am so looking forward to your next posts.
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That dress is LOVELY. I made it in emerald-green for my sisters wedding. The bodice ran pretty small imho, i took my normal burda-size, but this time I didn´t have to take out 3inches of ease at the waist area as i usually do.
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I can't wait to see your completed dress. You definitely had the perfect fabric for it. I admired the pattern back in 2007 and someone in blog land (I can't remember who) made a gorgeous version of it back then too.
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linda a cor! (beautiful color!)
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I am excited to see how cut on sleeves shape up!
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Cool dress! I can't wait to see how yours turns out.
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Oh how lovely! I think the organza underlining makes the satin look delicious!
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When seeing the color of the dress, you will think of Burgundy French wine. What a fabulous dress.
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Just came across your blog and saw this dress you had made. I love it! Wish I could make it for myself but don't have that issue of the Burda mag 😦
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Jess – I don't have that issue either, but found it in the library – try there!
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I so get what you mean. I do it all the time: I see something that makes me go “ooh” and I make it even if I don't need it. Lovely color!
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