Peaked Waistline Dress // My Version of Butterick 2804

I had to make it, because I didn't know how! Through crowdsourcing, more doom at the table than usual, and plenty of time I didn't actually have, I worked out one way to recreate my favorite dress from that 1940's Butterick pattern magazine.
The pattern instructional diagram comes from this book, which is pricey so check libraries if you are interested!! www.muellerundsohn.com/en/sho...
The Butterick Magazine cataloging catalogs video: • Butterick Pattern Book...
The scans: / butterick-pattern-book...
The Butterick pattern (a sold copy): www.etsy.com/listing/65032316...
Music and Sound Effects from Epidemic Sound.
Thank you Patrons!
Need to make a block pattern? There are many options, and I talk about several in this playlist! : • Making a Bodice Block ...
Where I get my pattern drafting paper: atlaslevy.com/Paper_c_13.html (not sponsored)
More from me?
Want to help me continue making more videos? Listen to me ramble on in a monthly podcast? Watch an additional project video each month? Peruse my Patreon here: / theclosethistorian
Blog: theclosethistorian.blogspot.com/
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Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/TheClosetHi...
Pinterest: / bmesposito
Tumblr: / theclosethistorian
Beauty Instagram: / thehistoriansvanity
Beauty Channel: / thehistoriansvanity
But wait there's more! A PO BOX finally wahoo!
First, a disclaimer: So many of you have kindly offered to send me things, including vintage items you may have inherited, and I am so honored you would think of me and of course I do adore vintage treasures, however, unfortunately I only have so much storage space currently! So there is a chance that if something just wont work for me, or doesn't fit me etc, that I may not be able to keep all of your lovely things. Please only send things if you are okay with the possibility that I may donate items I just cannot keep. If you would prefer I put things that I can't keep into the TCH Etsy shop to help raise funds for me and the channel, please specify this in a note or letter in your parcel. Thank you so much!
Bianca Esposito
PO Box 632177
Highlands Ranch, CO 80163
Thank you for watching!

[@cypriennezed5640]

Aaaaahhhh this week I successfully drafted a set of bodice blocks and tested them with my first muslin attempt and it worked and THANK YOU for all the info about darts and for shifting my way of thinking about pattern drafting!!! ... the dress is lovely, sorry for the lack of punctuation, thanks again for your work, carry on

[@bellasmith8821]

Yesss!!! Congratulations!!! I've been trying to do the same but I'm not quite there yet but I can't waaaiittt and I'm so happy for you 🎉🎉😊

[@RockinTheBassGuitar]

@@bellasmith8821 I'm with you. Still trying to get the fit right. But I think it'll be worth the work to have such beautifully fitted clothing! @Cyprienne Zed congratulations! That's a wonderful accomplishment!

[@bellasmith8821]

@@RockinTheBassGuitar Yeah I think I have a similar problem to Bianca because my bust-waist is 9.5" different so I'll have to have another go at learning how to do a full bust adjustment

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Congratulations! It opens all doors 🤩✨🧵

[@kathythielman8987]

This is so beautiful! I really love that you showed how to take a vintage picture and make it in person. I always find that concept so intimating and seeing you do it gives me confidence. You explain all of the trickiness of this particular pattern so well and I can't wait to try and make a dress like this :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kathy!

[@michellecornum5856]

Amen!

[@TheGFeather]

Every time I watch you manipulate a pattern to recreate something from an image, it thrills me. The more of these I watch, the more I'm coming to understand the geometry of them. Thanks for letting me poach your design school learning! I've been sewing since I was a kid, abandoned it for a long time, and more recently come back to it. But for all of my early sewing experience, I never felt adequate to creating my own patterns save the most basic of garments. I can't say how much fun I've been having starting to play around with patterning for myself and tossing out the window the theoretical sizes that never fit my proportions.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I'm glad you're having a good time with drafting! No one needs sizes, just fun clothes ✨

[@wowzieee]

I love creative detective work on a vintage sewing pattern. Sew pretty, i love the top. Keep inspiring.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@angiebaby3942]

We didn't see you model it for long enough, beautiful 😍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Ha! Thank you!

[@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

Yes she does model her stuff so well too! You need to put this in another video Bianca so we can see it properly!

[@joiedevivre2005]

First of all, your eye makeup with your wonderful spider brooch is stunning! Thank you for sharing this - the dress is gorgeous! I feel inspired to try and make a similar dress for myself!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Joy!

[@Voirreydirector]

Our gifted child and eighties does forties free form is golden, and as the children say I am indeed here for it.

[@Puckty]

The dress came out amazing! Love the green and satin combination and how it makes your waist look extra tiny

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Siansonea]

I love the way this turned out. I wonder what it would look like if there was just a bit of light boning in the waist 'belt' section, just at the seams? It might create too much bulk, or make the seams _too_ rigid, but I'd be interested to see how adding just a little bit more structure somehow at the waist (interfacing?) could affect the finished appearance.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I just think this particular style, in crepe, and all languid like, is supposed to be floopy, not structured. In the 1940's they would probably have worn long line bra's and high waisted girdles to sculpt the silhouette underneath really!

[@VeretenoVids]

More dart sorcery for my lunch break! Thank you! You've convinced me that I need to finally suck it up and make a set of real blocks for myself. Aside: I have my grandmother's 1947 Singer, which resides in her mother's 1935-1940 cabinet (haven't been able to get a firm date). Great-grandma was a dressmaker. The machine is a freaking tank, but doesn't have reverse. It did come with a ridiculous number of foot attachments, including some my grandmother had labeled "old, old attachments" 😂 I have puzzled out only about half of them.

[@MizzMaree7]

There's oodles of places to learn about each of those attachments - and surprisingly, even some of the modern feet on the singer website work exactly the same. Don't forget you can "needle down", lift the foot and then 180 your project in order to backtack.

[@CS-lk2ys]

I also love the contrast between the waist fabric and the rayon crepe. Beautiful dress and so inspiring to see that you can take a dress and recreate it through learning pattern making.

[@ruthkirkparick3535]

Convoluted! I've been looking for a word to describe my brain. And now I know why I understand your explanations better then others.

[@believeinfaeries8713]

This came out so well! I love the contrast between the crepe and the satin. It really highlights the "corset" section. Delightful video as usual.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Flynn!

[@Epitymbidia]

I'm a guy who doesn't sew, but let me just say, I adore the way you express yourself - with words, and your clothes. I discovered your channel only recently and I keep coming back just to listen to you explain all those pattern drafting, vintage fashion design and sewing "things" because it's so terribly intriguing - and your style is just overall so very gorgeous. I might just as well subscribe to keep up with your endeavours. Nicely done.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@marissahartshorn7049]

Lady, you're a wizard

[@susanbuskirk4034]

You ARE a goddess of Sewing! We love you and look forward to your videos.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Susan!

[@elizabethwilson5349]

Nailed it! Gorgeous dress. It is very flattering on you. Thank you for sharing.

[@baharpiena9246]

Thank God for the 80's.😂😂 Dress turnd out very beautiful.❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@maureencullen1008]

You not only explain things so well,your voice is so lovely to hear.The dress is gorgeous

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Maureen!

[@repelsteeltje38]

Ah, beautiful! And healing.... while laying down with the flu, this pattern drafting, vintage sewing, exellent craftwomanship was right what I needed. To weak to pick up a single needle, it's nice to watch you over the shoulder while working. And yes......... what a great dress for you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I hope you are feeling much better!

[@gennithomas4610]

Watching you slash and spread darts into side darts is mesmerizing, so damn satisfying to watch.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@kassywilson7292]

Butterick patterns were the chicest. I'm not quite ready to move away from patterns, but yo have inadvertently taught how to size up much better and smoother. Thanks.

[@moonbasket]

This is such a cool dress design. I love the difference in visual texture between the satin and crepe as well. It looks so interesting

[@lizzaturnbull]

It seems my brain works almost exactly like yours as you always make perfect sense to me 👌🏻🤷🏼‍♀️🥰

[@onesma1729]

I must say....Way to snatch that waist in !!!! This dress looks AMAZING on you!!! Great job!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Onesma!

[@Braisin-Raisin]

That is very attractive and suits you perfectly.

[@alexiscarlton1355]

Slevil, Laughed when I heard that, I love it!

[@hedgerow.homestead]

Your description of understitching (on some other video) made that concept actually click for me. It’s weird how different brains work! I appreciate your brain

[@Kera.S.]

Yes Thank You! I do think like you and enjoy learning even more from you! Love your channel 💙

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@sus8e462]

Gorgeous! Yes, 3 times is usually what it takes anyone to really learn something! I may be more than that some days though 😉. Loved watching how you go from drawing to finished garment--really helps me understand process of going from 2D to 3D & that I really need to make those pattern blocks!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Susan!

[@MizzMaree7]

You mentioned liking acid/neon colors in small doses. I could see this waist detail being edged/banded with a strip of color - either appliqued or sewn into the construction. I could see an apple acid green velvet edge with a seersucker fabric dress.

[@seriouslyinsanediva]

This worked out so beautifully! I too wish I could see more of it and closer. It's hard to appreciate the colour and texture of the fabric.

[@alexandrawellington8028]

Magnificent!!! I can see it with a some of your beautiful beading on the waistband xxx

[@charlieharley616]

Loving that dress! And also enjoying your journey designing and making it. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Charlie!

[@TayaSews]

One of the most gorgeous things you've made on the channel. Wow ⭐

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Taya!

[@theresacopeland2451]

I'm feeling SO inspired watching your drafting videos! you explain things so clearly, I feel like I can finally achieve some of the designs I want! and this dress looks amazing on you. came out fantastic. thanks so much for sharing your process with us.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Theresa!

[@angeladent4175]

Absolutely stunning! I also love seeing how you use your block to design your own clothes. You make it look very approachable and seeing the process from start to finish is a real help. Your explanation is also very clear and I really appreciate the time you put into your videos. Such a beautiful dress, awesome all round!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Angela!

[@livinginthenow]

I love the extra floppy piece added to the bodice. Altogether, it's a stunning dress. Brava!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@damogranheart5521]

I think that dress has an Adrian of Hollywood vibe to it. Fabulous and feminine!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@elizabethrobbins8580]

Floopy: A technical term meaning a fabric that is a real batch to cut and sew. See day drinking.

[@heliumowl1840]

I’ve recently finished a bodice block of my own and I’ve been having doubts about starting sewing dresses because I have all these ideas and none of the experience. This dress is a perfect encapsulation of what I would love to wear so it came at a perfect time. Amazing work as always!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! The only way to gain experience is to try after all, you will learn no matter what happens!

[@bethliebman8169]

Enjoy those videos where you make something. This one did not disappoint. I too was wondering about the construction when you were going through the Butterick catalogue. I always look forward to Thursdays with you on KZbin.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Beth ❤

[@lionbearcat]

I'm a stay at home mom with twin toddlers, I totally understand not finding or fumbling with real words! 🤣

[@belledobson2007]

Stunning, I’d love that for me ❤

[@tonyboloni64]

Beginning dressmaker here. Beautiful color, beautiful fabric. Only recently have discovered your channel and am binge watching.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Tony!

[@vivianagutierrez1966]

So beautiful! That dress looks absolutely gorgeous on you, wish I had your talent. Thanks for sharing

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Viviana!

[@lindaAA3101]

Your videos are always so much FUN!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lina!!

[@Fjjlf]

Thank you for killing my time during my quarantine here in my country Malaysia! Love all your videos. Your nonsense rumbling is so therapeutic for me in some weird but good way. Hope i will get well soon and back to my sewing room! Cant wait to moving those dart as well! Love from a far. ❤️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I hope you are feeling much better! ❤

[@margaritagerman]

It is mesmerizing to watch you work on the blue table of doom and gloom. I have made 2 skirts for myself now. They turned out great, I am pleased with them. A bodice block. Need to work up more courage first. I learn so much listening to you. Your finished dress is ooh - la - la! Your eye makeup and broach are beautiful! Thank you so for sharing. Don't forget to take time for yourself. ☺👍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Margarita!

[@Minji-ch8lh]

You are the catalyst of my pattern drafting journey 🥰

[@jenm4721]

I totally understand your explanations!! So thanks!

[@nancyruizalvarez4982]

As always, perfection! That was my favorite dress from the catalog! You’re proof that “ everything is figureoutable”! Thank you for sharing! Love the brooch❤️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Nancy!

[@charlesfreeman287]

YOU ARE AMAZING!!! I have a fashion design degree after attending 2 schools and about 6 different professors. I can honestly say you have made things SO much clearer! I luv your channel and all your lil qwerks! They undoubtedly make you special! Please offer classes! I will be there!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Charles!

[@caoimhenimhuireadhaigh1303]

It's so pretty!!! Thank you for documenting this process, it's very helpful!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Jessiebes]

I think you make lots of sense. You got me into pattern drafting and dart manipulation!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@auntnessy7340]

This was masterfully explained and executed. Bravo!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@saricadouglas5469]

Killer *chef’s kiss!*

[@kathrynmccarthy]

Loved seeing the pattern making process for this design!

[@juliaizquierdo6984]

My mind must be super convoluted because I have never found pattern making to be more clear than watching your videos. So yes, thank you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Julia!!

[@HockityPock]

Lovely to see this on a similar body type rather than the elongated no hips fashion croquis drawings. Very pretty results!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Yes things always look a little different on me 😂 30's stuff especially, I'm not the "right" 1930's shape lol

[@nataliewhittaker3824]

I've always had trouble getting my seams to line up properly, now you've explained about lining up the stitch line rather than the seam allowance I think I may do better! Thankyou

[@leslikuyweski4576]

Love this!

[@erikablanc4303]

Fascinating! Reminded me of a Workroom Social class (out of NY) on slopers and pattern drafting! Loved this!! ❤️❤️

[@marcco44]

a lot of labor but a fantastic result! really nice. and luv that your sewing machine says 'made in britian', so vintage!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Marcco! This model of machine was made in the UK, at a factory in Scotland ❤

[@yvonnek4980]

I love that you sew over your pins, it’s makes sense when dealing with slippery fabric and need to line up specific points

[@kimberlydonohoe3427]

Stunning.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kimberly!

[@Carmen-nq8ex]

What an absolutely stunning dress!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Carmen!

[@BethAge95]

I'll be honest I didn't even really try to follow the more complicated adjustments, but I love how the dress turned out! It looks so effortless yet elegant 😍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Beth! Yeah this one is a drafting doozy 😂

[@MysteryMommy1]

You explain things so clearly

[@mandycollins8795]

This turned out fantastic!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Mandy!

[@luzUpcycle]

Stunning! I love the dress and how it fits you! thank you for all these tutorials, I am learning so much from you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

OMG that’s stunning!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@lynetteshorten6043]

ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lynette!

[@MissPlaced84]

My brain is weirdly convoluted in a similar way to yours. Every time you comment on being unclear I think "but that made perfect sense?" I also get the garbled speech sometimes, like words just don't want form correctly. Anyway, really happy to see you do this, I've been wanting to try something similar since I saw the catalog video you saw this one in.

[@laurelnolen2056]

This turned out so well!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Laurel!

[@gerileemakes]

It turned out so pretty!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Geri!

[@renatak6529]

Excellent! Very nice dress as always.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Renata!

[@lynn858]

Gorgeous!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lynn!

[@gwensteddy2038]

Beautiful 😍

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

This has come out so well!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@suzanneknepp849]

Bravo! Excellent pattern revision application! You’re the best!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Suzanne!

[@h06anbjo]

That dress would have been gorgeous in a deep deep purple or burgundy color with a shiny black fabric for the corsetty waist bit!

[@rebeccawilliams071]

I love this dress so much!! Fantastic job!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Rebecca!

[@funkypunkypine]

Very stunning and VERY flattering ! 😍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@michelehayes9509]

So beautiful! You’re incredibly talented!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Michele!

[@SuzieQ-lw2kp]

😍 WOWSERS 😍 WOWSERS 😍 that looks Gorgeous on you 🌹

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@organiccher64]

Beautiful dress..alot of work..I like the the top and the waist and the brooche..😀

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Cheryl!

[@deniseheringer8972]

It’s a beautiful dress! I always enjoy watching your process and learn so much from your videos. Thank you Bianca!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Denise!

[@leannevantyghemleroux6003]

Omg I have really been waiting for this video since I saw your Instagram stories, I definitely want to try and make myself a similar dress! It's just so pretty 😍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Léanne!

[@ericathefae]

I learned so much from this video - thank you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Erica!

[@bridgetmoser2567]

Absolutely love this! I like seeing you come up with patterns and designs from pix! Super helpful! Even just hearing how many versions it went thru.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Bridget!

[@aimster2084]

Wow, that is beautiful. I love it.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Amelia!

[@Chowah]

THIS IS STUNNNNNNING!!! LOVE LOVE LOVVVVVE

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Gia!

[@rosikoenig7375]

I love that one. Very pretty!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Rosi!

[@blktauna]

looks wonderful on you and came out great!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@shirleydrake1602]

Beautiful!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Shirley!

[@RockinTheBassGuitar]

I absolutely adore the practical advise you give us during projects. I find your tidbits very helpful, even the ones I don't use.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Micah!

[@sewcute_sewvintage]

this came out so very good!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@DeniseMJoerg]

You did it again 👏 Beautiful!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Denise!

[@HattieMcDanielonaMoon]

Omg every color looks absolutely amazing on you! I feel like you could rock anything in any style!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!