Here is a dress that I finished some time ago. I had a terrible time getting a good picture of it; I don't know if it was because of its dark color or if the conditions were just wrong every time, but I tried on four separate occasions, and these pictures were the best out of about fifty. I had to lighten them considerably in order to show the details, so just try to ignore how washed out the background (and my face!) looks.
I made it with navy and plaid cotton using this pattern from the Vintage Pattern Lending Library.
I made it with navy and plaid cotton using this pattern from the Vintage Pattern Lending Library.
I LOVE this pattern so much that I just want to make it over and over, and this is actually the second time that I have made it. I made a few alterations from the pattern instructions this time around. The original dress unbuttons to the waist with the yoke being completely sewn down. Instead of using the facing piece provided for the bodice, I completely lined the inside with plaid and made it open down to the point of the yoke. I did this because I really wanted to add some extra buttons there for aesthetic purposes anyway, so I figured that they may as well be functional. Also, I had a bit of trouble getting in and out of the first dress, so this helped with that as well.
Here is a close-up of the sleeve and some more covered buttons.
