Hi pinups! I'm full steam ahead with my Autumn sewing plans (which you can see in my latest Sew & Tell video ), and I'm kicking off the chilly sewing season with a cosy, retro wrap top for the Minerva Craft Blogger Network. It's no secret that I love pretty much of all of Gertie's patterns. I've wanted this one for a while and I love sewing with jersey so I'm really glad I've finally got around to sewing it.

Here's a peek at the pattern that won the vote:

Whilst I loved the style of the pattern, the thought of working which such a formal fabric like velvet or tweed didn't fill me with hope. I wanted to make the pattern work for me and read through the instructions before thoroughly to see how I could adapt this dress for cotton. The dress is also fully lined which seemed like a lot of faff for me. Again after analysing the pattern, I made a few changes to the construction.

In the video below, I discuss the changes I made and how I adapted it for cotton. You'll also be able to follow along with me as I sew the dress, finishing with a close up look discussing the fit and details and an in depth pattern review.


It is my longest Stitch by Stitch video yet, but the dress has a lot of steps to it. I really wanted to do the pattern justice and help anyone looking to sew it. I tried to make the construction look as simple as possible and I felt like if I edited too much out it wouldn't be much help. So I really do hope my video will be helpful! Unfortunately my camera wasn't having an easy time dealing with the black fabric so the quality is a little off.
I'm really pleased with my finished dress. I found the sewing process a lot simpler than I thought it was going to be. I was prepared for a sewing headache, but the bodice came together pretty quickly. Then the steps like the sleeves and skirt are much the same as other patterns. So what I thought was going to be a tricky make ended up to be rather straight forward!
My favourite thing about the dress is the top-stitching and the scallop neck edge. I really enjoy topstitching and find the process really satisfying. I opted for baby pink to compliment my lovely rose print fabric. I love the finished look and the neckline and bodice shape is really flattering.
I'm also really pleased with the fit of the dress. If I were to be super picky I'd say the shoulders could be taken in and the bodice shortened slightly, but I'm really happy with the fit nonetheless and will certainly enjoy wearing this dress! I think it's the perfect retro Autumn dress!

Sewing Summary:

Pattern: Simplicity Pattern 8259 Women's Sew Chic Button Front Dresses

Fabric: Vintage Style Floral Print Polycotton Dress Fabric

Notions: 5 x 1 inch buttons.

Sewing time: A day.

Modifications: See my above video to learn about the changes I made.

Fit: Really good.

Difficulty: More straightforward than expected. For confident seamstresses.

Watch out for: Tidy scallops will make all the difference for a clean neck line finish.

Make Again?: Maybe one day!

Overall, this dress is a surprise favourite of mine. The style lines of the pattern are gorgeous and I love the 1950s feel. I think the design lends itself really well to cotton fabric and the added top stitching make the creative possibilities of this sewing pattern endless.

To compliment my 8259 dress, I wore a gorgeous hair flower by Daisy Jean Floral. I'm wearing the Signature Rose Double in Peach. Shop the look HERE. It's such a perfect match!

I really hope you've enjoyed my extra special 8259 Stitch by Stitch post and video as much as I have. Will you be adding this gorgeous vintage inspired dress to your sewing list? Don't forget to tag me in your version @craftypinup!

Thanks for reading, pinups!
xo