Sew your own sarong dresses — and more vintage dress styles — with patterns and fabrics from Gertie
Pam Kueber - Updated: August 18, 2021
Retro Renovation stopped publishing in 2021; these stories remain for historical information, as potential continued resources, and for archival purposes.
In yesterday’s story about sarong dresses, rompers and cabana sets ala Alfred Shaheen for Unique Vintage, a reader commented that famed pattern designer Gertie also has a sarong dress pattern — so if you have the skills, you can sew your own. That’s Gertie, above, I think — she’s pretty darned famous for her vintage dress patterns!
Gertie also has fabric collections available occasionally. Check etsy for snapped-up stock. Google to see if there are any collection up for grabs right now.
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5 comments
Comments
DJ Sparklessays
I’ve never wanted a romper until I saw this one!
bptakomasays
She is a fantastic teacher. I also have several of her books and follow her on both instagram and facebook. Look up Gretchen Hirsch, Gertie’s New Blog for Better Sewing.
If your going to try any of her Butterick patterns, make sure to check her blog on sizing tips. Butterick added more ease to the patterns to match their standard, but then they won’t fit as Vintage styles should.
She’s also super appreciated for providing patterns sized for ALL sizes of women.
Laurensays
She has her own line of patterns as well (small, but I believe a new one is due out soon?). Search for “Charm Patterns.” The Rita blouse is easy and very flattering!
tammyCAsays
Cool..I saw her recently on an episode of a sewing show & googled her. I can sew but not so great at making clothes, maybe the sarong I’ll try. 🙂
I love Gertie. I have all of her books and have used her patterns as the basis for one of my favorite dresses – a sweet, Peter Pan collar, sleeveless dress made from Michael Miller fabric of little mid-century modern houses with accents of lime green rick-rack. Gertie is AWESOME.
DJ Sparkles says
I’ve never wanted a romper until I saw this one!
bptakoma says
She is a fantastic teacher. I also have several of her books and follow her on both instagram and facebook. Look up Gretchen Hirsch, Gertie’s New Blog for Better Sewing.
If your going to try any of her Butterick patterns, make sure to check her blog on sizing tips. Butterick added more ease to the patterns to match their standard, but then they won’t fit as Vintage styles should.
She’s also super appreciated for providing patterns sized for ALL sizes of women.
Lauren says
She has her own line of patterns as well (small, but I believe a new one is due out soon?). Search for “Charm Patterns.” The Rita blouse is easy and very flattering!
tammyCA says
Cool..I saw her recently on an episode of a sewing show & googled her. I can sew but not so great at making clothes, maybe the sarong I’ll try. 🙂
Susan E Halla says
I love Gertie. I have all of her books and have used her patterns as the basis for one of my favorite dresses – a sweet, Peter Pan collar, sleeveless dress made from Michael Miller fabric of little mid-century modern houses with accents of lime green rick-rack. Gertie is AWESOME.