I made this dress several weeks ago, strictly on a whim, inspired by a wee baby’s dress I found at a yard sale and a blouse spied on Pinterest (via Casey).  In my excitement and haste, I went about things rather haphazardly, throwing all caution to the wind.  It’s made in a typical 1920s fashion, the skirt is created from a series of squares and rectangles sewn in various ways, not wasting too much fabric.  2 rectangles for the front and back, 2 slits cut into each, and a triangle (half a square) set into each slit is all the skirt is, easy to do but looks extra nice.

While I love wearing silk georgette, I simply do not like sewing with it (see my other dress using this fabric).  The nude fabric inset’s seams are a bit wonky.  I think if I had planned better and not rushed, stabilized the fabric (or something) it would have turned nicer.  All I can say is the next time I do a fabric inset like this, it won’t be with georgette!  The bodice and hem are finished with a zigzag stitch and the back closes with a single vintage button (that I forgot to photograph).   I like to think it looks like an actual vintage garment and not something newly created.

But, despite the issues, I adore this dress.  Unlike many projects I have sewn, I wore this out and about–to the pet store of all places…ha!  Why wait for a fancy occasion to wear a fancy dress?  And the color is gorgeous.  I’m not sure how it looks on your monitor but I would describe it as salmon pink.

I have other sewing projects in the queue (as usual) that I hope to continue working on this weekend but I’m also going to start a knitting project, something I haven’t done in quite a while.  (And it’s all I can think about even though it was 98 degrees yesterday!)  I bought a skein of the prettiest mermaid green yarn that I’ll use to make this little scarflette.  I’m just going to ease into knitting slowly before I jump into anything more complicated!

Have a splendid weekend.

I have been checking my mailbox at least twice a day for the past 4 days, waiting for this to arrive.  (OK, not yesterday as it was Sunday–and Easter!–though I was thinking how I looked forward to Monday, of all days, to check the mailbox again.)  I don’t know, I just get that way about things sometimes.

PICTORIAL PRINTED PATTERNS (#5802).  Yes, it is quite small in size, even for me.  But I think I’ll just need to widen it in the bodice to make it work.  And yes, I can see it is a girls’ pattern, but I am young at heart, right?  This can totally translate into a pretty grown-up dress, even for a grown-up who has just discovered–just this morning, actually–even more grey hairs whilst tying up said hair in a ponytail.  (Yes, I have hair enough to do that now; with my bangs cut short it looks a little bit like the one sported by Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face–if you don’t mind me making such a comparison!)  Anyway, made up in some voile this dress would be so perfect for spring/summer.  And since it’s a ’20s-style dress (1925 to be exact), the construction should be relatively easy with no closures and such.  (Listed under notions: Thread–that’s it!  No zippers or snaps or buttons to mess with.  Yay!)

Oh, I have to share with you some of the text, one of my favorite things about vintage patterns.  The description reads as follows…

GIRLS’ AND JUNIORS’ FROCK.  A bouffant skirt, made in three horizontal, gathered sections, lends a party-like air to this frock.  [Goodie!  I like parties.]  It may be made sleeveless with the cape collar [!] or with puffed sleeves which carry out the quaint feeling.  [Hee hee.]  Ribbon is suggested for the neck bow and tie-belt.  [Okie-dokie, got it.]

Oh also, suggested materials is always a fun read…

MATERIALS SUITABLE

1.  Taffeta, Organdy, Batiste

2. Organdy, Taffeta, Dimity

3. Georgette, Cottons

Celanese, rayon, Bemberg or A.B.C. Fabrics in some of the above materials.

(I do believe the numbers are referencing the views, or versions, this pattern comes in.  I’m not entirely sure what the last line is referencing but I’ve included it nonetheless.)

You will not be surprised to learn this pattern has moved up in my queue of new frock to-dos!  I really hope this is a simple as it seems in my sewing fantasy.  Wouldn’t it be lovely in Georgette as well, perhaps with the bodice and first tier in one (light) color, then the second tier in a darker shade and the last tier even darker than that?  Sort of like faux-ombre, or perhaps like the gradual change in color that happens in the petals of a rose?

I’m popping in to let you all know that everything in my vintage shop is on sale: 25% off!

I’d like to send this stuff to good homes so that I may focus on other things.  That being said, I’m totally open to a little haggling, flea market-style, so if you see something you like make me an offer via the “contact” link in my Etsy shop.

If you think you have a friend that might be interested in something here, please spread the word, thanks dears!

Some lovely vintage goodies are in my vintage shop!  Pretty things perfect for midsummer: gingham dresses and accessories.  (And one very sweet lone crocheted item, hee hee!)  For the first time ever, I’ve got dresses for our curvy ladies which makes me as pleased as punch.

For my dearest blog friends:  buy anything from my vintage shop and get *free* shipping.  To get this deal: please enter “BLOG” in the message to seller box and I’ll credit you the shipping & handling fee.  Free shipping deal ends this Friday, July 23rd midnight PT.

These listings are for U.S. delivery only but I might be able to ship elsewhere; please convo me on Etsy.