Beth sent me a link to this dress (at Sew-Retro, now sold) and asked if anyone else had noticed how "pull tab to open" this pattern is ... which I hadn't, but now that's she's pointed this out, I will never be able to UNsee it. So, um, thanks?
She also sent this one, which is even obvious-er:
Anyone else have some good examples? Considering that I will not be able to make anything like this now that I have both seen the possibilities and posted about them ... I should be grateful to have some things taken off my "to-sew" list, actually!
Oh, and, speaking of the "to-sew" list ... Hotpatterns is having a $5.99 sale on all their no-sweat easy-sew patterns! Grab 'em while you can ...
Honestly, I LOVE the Butterick and would totally sew it--maybe in a soft linen for spring??--but the Advance is kinda creepy. Like, way creepy.
Posted by: Deborah | 10/06/2008 at 09:23 AM
That goes so nicely with the advice on the lid of a jar I have - "Reject if button can be depressed". Depressed buttons. Lovely.
Posted by: xstpenguin | 10/06/2008 at 09:54 AM
I like the butterick pattern and I see what you mean. If I have never been told of the pull tab to open it would never have occurred to me. However now that is all that I see of it. But I guess it would be great for a quick change! lol!
Posted by: Lavon | 10/06/2008 at 11:22 AM
Those chevron pockets rule!
Posted by: Rachel | 10/06/2008 at 12:05 PM
Well, sheesh. Until now, I thought this pattern was kind of cute... http://vintagepatterns.wikia.com/wiki/Butterick_7440Seeing tabs in a whole new light...
Posted by: Birgit | 10/06/2008 at 12:07 PM
Hello - A friend just sent me your blog. Very funny post! I'm just learning to sew.
Posted by: Steph | 10/06/2008 at 12:07 PM
Ha, I just love these, especially the Advance.
Posted by: wundermary | 10/06/2008 at 12:52 PM
Well, the bodice of that Advance pattern would be a good way to use up embroidered tea towels or something. (Any corner monograms could go right in the front.) Thrifty!
Posted by: Cookie | 10/06/2008 at 01:22 PM
The Butterick looks like it has a 'safety button' across the top to prevent "accidental opening".The advance looks like it belongs on a stripper! The pull tab is kind of suggestive. Especially in stripes! :)
Posted by: Justine | 10/06/2008 at 01:44 PM
I just LOVE that first one! Definitely a "to-sew".
Posted by: Nadine | 10/06/2008 at 02:00 PM
Oh, that second one? In banana yellow, it would be so "appealing". Get it- a peeling? Heehee!I love the idea of using a vintage embroidered something to highlight that "tab"- that would be cute!
Posted by: Gretchen | 10/06/2008 at 02:13 PM
Do Dress tabs have cola for beautiful people?
Posted by: the_lazymilliner | 10/06/2008 at 02:44 PM
I actually love tabbed dresses. I have the Advance one, but it is in a really tiny size :(I have often thought this same thought.
Posted by: Lisette | 10/06/2008 at 03:03 PM
oh but I love the butterick dress! possibly the accompanying pull-tab thoughts would just make me happier - i'm a sucker for funny...
Posted by: Kristen | 10/06/2008 at 03:05 PM
I've had that Advance one before.. but thought of it more as an envelope!
Posted by: Jen ~ MOMSPatterns | 10/06/2008 at 05:01 PM
Hilarious. Especially the bottom one - grab and pull, instant access!
Posted by: AmandaMay | 10/06/2008 at 05:25 PM
Ooh I just found one on ebay! It's sort of a variation on the Butterick one - but there are TWO tabs!!http://cgi.ebay.ca/Vintage-Mail-Order-Anne-Adams-DRESS-Sewing-Pattern_W0QQitemZ190255897645QQihZ009QQcategoryZ11801QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem(Does it work to post URLs on here?)I really like the style, but it's too big for me (Boo-urns)I love love love your blog btw! You have totally inspired me. When I am allowed to do machine sewing again come June, I want to use all kinds of my vintage patterns!You have also made me spend money now with the links you have posted. So now you must, of course, die.love,Carolyn :o)
Posted by: brocadegoddess | 10/06/2008 at 08:13 PM
How racy!
Posted by: mooimadeit | 10/06/2008 at 08:21 PM
Hm, I love the pull-tab-to-open detail! Such a cute dress (the first one especially) and I would ONLY tell my husband about the "tab" and tell him it was for his use only, LOL!!!
Posted by: Deborah W | 10/06/2008 at 09:02 PM
I love those, but I must be over-tired: My first though on seeing that one with the pull-tab was of those T-shirts that have arrows and say, "I'm with stupid."
Posted by: Latter-Day Flapper | 10/07/2008 at 08:00 AM
I have the Advance one on my website, in Bust 36:http://mainstreetmallonline.com/patterns/listingview.php?num=11116ref=1
Posted by: Miss Helenes | 10/07/2008 at 09:10 AM
I too love the Butterick one. Pull tab, sharp pointy sleeves and all!
Posted by: theresa | 10/07/2008 at 10:06 AM
I just put this dress on my site and noticed how nicely it coincides with your post. Here's a blog entry about the dress: http://www.lucitebox.com/blog/?p=59
Posted by: lucitebox | 10/08/2008 at 11:20 AM