When my girls were young I made many similar versions of this dress; some with smocked bodice fronts and some plain.
As good luck would have it, I've come full circle and can make this style of dress for my daughters' daughter....lots of 'em too!
The petal sleeves on this dress are really sweet. They sure beat the puffed sleeves on the patterns I used to use for my girls. They were a bitch to iron. I even tried using a hot light bulb to press them from the inside.
Oh, and the lace trim on the sleeve edge that was de rigueur way back then was also a royal pain to iron without scorching or melting it.
These sleeves are truly much nicer, easier to iron and of course I added piping.
Instead of a big sash, which my daughter just loves, I've been experimenting with skinny belts. This one has thick cording running through and held by carriers stitched on the side.
I'll make a Fairy Tale dress with a big sash in due course but right now I'd like to experiment with skinny belts.
Normally, I make a tucked hem. This time around I actually hand stitched the hem and found the process rather cathartic. Maybe I should hand stitch hems more often.
The dress is size 5. It fits perfectly and it's part of her Back-to-school wardrobe.
I have this fabric too!
ReplyDeleteDare I compliment?
Gorgeous Deb.
I remember this sleeves, stuffing them plastic bags to dry (which are pretty much unavailable in AUS)
Google Tim Mincin-Canvas Bags.
I tried plastic bags once, but the coloured ink came off staining the sleeves!
DeleteAhhh, that would be Minchin!
ReplyDeleteSusanne will never forgive me.
Got you meant Minchin. Funny bit. So is his Song in F Sharp ... love that one!
DeleteSo, so gorgeous Deb! It fits her perfectly (not that I am surprised a bit), The navy is adorable and I love the big dots.
ReplyDeleteCan't beat an O+S pattern!
DeleteOh, Deb, what beauties! And I love the material the dress is made of.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rose!
DeleteWhat a lovely dress, Deb!
ReplyDeleteI really like the color combo you used and the skinny belt is a perfect match!
This pattern features such a classic, timeless look :-)
You are so right about the pattern - truly a timeless classic.
DeleteSo sweet, Deb! The color combination is wonderful, and the pop of yellow is 'spot on...' I hope it gets lots and lots of wear - it's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks. She really likes it so I'm sure it'll be a favourite.
ReplyDeleteI ADORE this dress! The navy and white polka dots, pops of yellow from the piping and belt, the white collar...perfection.:)
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love the dress in this fabric! Could I ask the name of the fabric? I've not seen polka dots that large... The belt it a show stopper!
ReplyDeleteThere is no info on the selvedge. It was most likely made especially for Fabricland http://www.fabricland.ca/
ReplyDeleteI went back to the store where I bought it to get more but it was all gone. Checked two other F'stores and they were out of it as well.
Love this! How did you do the belt? Did it have raw ends?
ReplyDeleteBelt was a tube of fabric, stuffed with soft cording. Ends tucked in, stitched closed and then attached to the back of the bow. Added snaps (domes) for closures.
DeleteI really love this! How did you stuff a tube with cording? Thanks for all of the help.
DeleteI love this dress! I can't stop thinking about the gorgeous yellow piing on it. : )
ReplyDelete