I admit it: I feel uncomfortable putting pictures of myself on the web. I'm not cute like Gertie. I'm not fey like Shannon. I'm not pretty like Carolyn. I'm not adorable like Sunni. And I am not fiercely gorgeous like Erica B. (If you are a sewing blogger, don't be offended if you aren't mentioned. Please. I lack space. Not to mention energy. So. Just imagine you are listed here. Add your own complimentary adjective. Okeydoke?) But. I've swallowed my pride. I've moved into acceptance of my looks. For the moment, anyway. And I am 
modeling a dress made from Butterick 7893, circa 1950s. Yes. It's from my closet. No. I did not make it myself. Yes. His Bertness snapped the pics, so I'm lacking detail shots. The man would rather watch the baseball playoffs than take reams of pictures of his beloved. Go figure. Oh well. What is, as some wise woman or man once said, is. And there you go.
This dress was made quite a few years ago by a tailor. A dear man. Absolutely. However. He had some ideas of his own. He made his own pattern. Alas. So there are no darts on the sleeves. And no gathering at the neckline. And since he did not make a muslin, it was too late. Even though I am a novice sewer, one thing I have learned: You cannot uncut the fabric, no matter how passionately you might wish.
I do like the dress, though. I do. I wear it often on those rare occasions I can be coaxed out of my yoga attire.
You can see the neckline changes. Just look. Still attractive, don't you agree? But. Not the original pattern. I'm a purist. (Mostly.) He did a very good job sewing and finishing. He did. I will voice no complaints there. None.
I wore this yesterday. To celebrate our 19th anniversary. Nineteen years. Who'd a thunk it? Probably few people who attended our wedding. Just goes to show you. Sometimes, when least expected, you go the distance.
Despite the lack of gathers, darts, etc. - the dress is beautiful. And who's to know that it was supposed to be any different? Not like you carry the pattern around to show when you wear the dress. You look absolutely stunning!! Love the cherry fabric!
Posted by: Irene | October 24, 2010 at 08:40 PM
I like the dress and you look fabulously alluring!
Posted by: Erica B. | October 24, 2010 at 08:58 PM
You look great in that dress!
Love the pattern. The dress is still great, but that pattern is just fantastic...
Posted by: Madelaine | October 24, 2010 at 10:04 PM
You look gorgeous! :) Even if the dress wasn't made up exactly as the pattern is designed (it's a knock-out pattern!), it's still a lovely style. I adore the cherry print. :)
♥ Casey | blog
Posted by: Casey | October 25, 2010 at 05:28 AM
I think the dress is really cute. Those cherries are adorable. And you, well, no need to feel insecure about your looks. Take a look at these pictures and admit to yourself what we all can see: You are beautiful!
Posted by: Karin van D. | October 25, 2010 at 05:35 AM
This post is a riot!And you my dear are lovely so no need for not wanting to model your outfits via photos on your blog.
Thanks for sharing the story of this dress . It looks great on you!
Posted by: Diana | October 25, 2010 at 05:48 AM
Happy Anniversary! 19 years is a very big deal and I am duly impressed. And you look gorgeous in the dress, so even though its not all that you want, it still makes you look very attractive.
Thanks btw for calling me pretty...who knew?! *LOL*
Posted by: Carolyn | October 25, 2010 at 06:03 AM
What a very pretty and flattering dress! Congratulations on 19 years.
Posted by: RobinDenning | October 25, 2010 at 11:11 AM
Congratulations on your anniversary! I love the cherries and the dress, even if it doesn't match the pattern. And you! Gorgeous!
Posted by: Ellen | October 25, 2010 at 05:39 PM
What a gorgeous dress on a goegeous gal! Such a wonderfully flattering look for you.
P.S. I looked up the defintion of "fey" and it reads:
"1. Having or displaying an otherworldly, magical, or fairylike aspect or quality.
2. Having visionary power; clairvoyant.
3. Appearing touched or crazy, as if under a spell."
So, I'm an insane fairy with a crystal ball, eh? At first I was a bit miffed and then I realized that you pretty much pegged me. Go figure! :)
Posted by: Shannon | October 25, 2010 at 06:45 PM
Denise: You are totally gorgeous and that is a fantastic dress!
Posted by: K-Line | October 25, 2010 at 07:14 PM
Everyone, thank you for all the compliments. You are so nice!
Shannon, I meant magical and fairylike. I absolutely meant it as a compliment! I love the word and so rarely get to use it!
Posted by: Denise Calhoun | October 25, 2010 at 09:10 PM
That is a gorgeous dress and your hair is fabulous! Wow!
Posted by: Elaine Good | October 31, 2010 at 04:54 PM