I know, the last time I was going on and on about dresses it was about little smocks and such.  But you’ll be proud of me because one of these dresses (the above one, actually) is one that I started a year ago, so at least I’m making myself finish what I start!

My intention was to wear this number last Thanksgiving in Texas during our grand “series of fortunate events.”  And while my husband’s family was planning most of the reception activity I was far too frazzled to focus on sewing this dress, especially when the sleeves stopped cooperating.  I finally decided, a year later, to finish it or give it up which was enough motivation to figure out the sleeve issue (ones I drafted myself) and apply the finishing touches.

This is Du Barry 2506B.  Hands down, one of my favorite patterns.  The sleeves in real life were too puffy for me so that’s why I had to change them.  The bow at the neckline was not quite as sweet as the one shown so I used this corally-colored satin ribbon instead.  At first I thought, perhaps, it looked too much like a Girl Scout or pilgrim dress but in these photos I quite like it.  The dark brown dotted swiss is really soft and so comfortable.  I omitted the belt because it looks fine with out it but I can always make one later on.

The next dress is quite different:

I had to blow out the photos because the fabric is so dark; it’s a midnight blue rose-pattern lace.  It’s the kind of lace that has a nice weight and drape and may be a cotton blend (similar to my wedding dress).   I ended up using a slightly darker Petersham (grosgrain) ribbon and kept the look monochromatic.

This style is a departure from my normal look, at least in terms of the sleeves.  I’ve seen them called “wingsleeves” before although I’m not sure if that’s the official term.  Very popular in the 1940s and ’50s they always struck me as being a little bit masculine or angular and therefore was never that appealing.  Over the last few years, however, quite a few vintage patterns with such sleeves have found their way into my stash and I might as well give them a try!

I reduced the width of the sleeves a little but besides that I didn’t have to do much to fit the dress.  The pattern size is too small but even vintage patterns add in a lot of ease and I only had to let out the front darts a little.  The tiny bows at the neckline are something a little extra I wanted to add.  The belt is cut from the pattern; I sewed ribbon along both edges giving it a more finished look while providing extra body.  It closes with a very strong snap and a couple of hooks and bars.  I couldn’t decide how I wanted to finish the belt.  I didn’t have enough fabric to make the belt long enough to accommodate a buckle but I couldn’t find any buttons currently in my stash to decorate it with.  I think it looks OK plain, yes?

Another thing about this dress (that is quite obvious): it’s see through!  I have some pale-colored slips but none would do.   I also have a black one which is suitable enough but I hope to find a navy blue one someday!

I have at least one more holiday dress to share (another one that I started quite a while ago) that I’m finally going to finish.  Stay tuned.

Happy Monday!

‘Ello, sweets!  I hope all of you in the Northern Hemisphere are able to enjoy some warmer weather this week.  I have been so inspired by the change I have updated my Etsy shop (fable*) with a ton of vintage (and some new) goodies!  Really, really wonderful things that I can scarcely believe I’m parting with.  I know these pretties will find their way to good homes so that makes it okay.  (Psst – I have also listed items at very reasonable prices too.)

There are lots of sewing patterns, millinery, beads and a couple of lacy, floaty wearables.

Special for blog readers this week: Buy any 2 millinery items, beads or sewing patterns and get the 3rd millinery item, beads or sewing pattern for free (equal or lesser value; through midnight Friday, March 26th, PT).  Just leave a note in the “Message to Seller” box when you checkout letting me know what free item you’d like.

Non-U.S. Peeps: Please convo me the item you are interested in, plus your city/country, and I’ll get back to you with a shipping quote.

» Visit the shop here.

Thanks for looking!

Blue fabric from my stash.  Perfect for a bevy of blue dresses (some of my favorite things!).  The top and second from the bottom are vintage.  Don’t you love that lace in the middle?  I can see it made up into a 30′s style dress or blouse.

For Poppytalk’s Spring Color Week.

So, you all aren’t tired of hearing about my wedding, right?!  I guess since we still have 2 (or more?) little parties to go, it’s still on my mind.  Plus, I realized that I really didn’t talk about the specifics of my dress too much and thought the sewing and fashion folks, in particular, would be interested in learning more.

It was in this post where I talked about the pattern and fabric I thought I would use which, it turns out, I did.   This pretty, soft white lace with a border is something I’ve had for years.  (I didn’t know I’d end up using it for my wedding dress, really!)  Here’s the pattern again, from 1948, McCall #7302:

Because of the short time frame I gave myself, I wanted a pattern that was relatively simple.  Oh, and it had to be vintage.  And comfortable.  I also had to consider what would look best on my body type.  Now, I don’t always do that when it comes to clothes…perhaps you do the same thing?  I mean, sometimes I let fashion or just my love for a certain unforgiving silhouette dictate my choices and so I end up not wearing a once coveted garment.

But this was for my wedding – it had to fit and look right on me.  I wasn’t about to delude myself into thinking that I had a body that I didn’t and this wasn’t my opportunity to show off what a skilled sewist I was, ha ha!   I liked this pattern because it looked simple to make.  It had a cute, square neckline that wasn’t too low (I’m as little self-conscious of my “bony” chest).  It also fit at the waist and flared down towards the knee.  All these features, I think, are flattering on someone with a typical “pear-shaped” body: tiny on top, fuller at the bottom.

Anyhow, I made some modifications as you may be able to tell from the picture.  First, the neckline: mine is narrower than the pattern’s – I tried it as directed and it ended up looking too late ’80s Laura Ashley for my personal taste; plus the size of the collar overwhelmed me.  I also added a little bit of ease so it would ruffle, just the slightest bit.  By the way, the pieces are taken from the scalloped edge of the fabric.

The soft darts at the bust were too bulky (those darts are not sewn all the way to the ends/points but rather stop an 1″ or so from where normal darts stop, creating pleats) so I sewed them all the way down.  The skirt does not have a center seam nor is it cut on the bias like in the pattern.  Because of the lace, I figured a seam down the middle wouldn’t look very nice so I cut the front and back into 2 big pieces.  The closure is still on the side seam but instead of a zipper I used hooks and eyes (from my late grandma’s sewing kit) and decorated it with vintage foilback glass buttons.  The hem is edged with the lace fabric’s border.  I sewed on 3 rows of rick rack near the hem, one of which covers where I attached the border.

(Yes, my dress has rick rack – naturally!)

The ribbon at my waist is just some Petersham grosgrain in a buttery cream color.  I cannot even tell you how many ribbons I went through before I chose this one!  That might be surprising too since this is the most subdued color among the candidates.  My very clever landlord/costume designer suggested that I take photos of my choices; sometimes what looks good right in front of you doesn’t look so great in a photo.  It’s sort of like holding up a drawing you’ve been working on in the mirror and observing its reflection or looking at the same drawing upside down: it allows you to see it for what it really is, and your perception doesn’t interfere too much.  So, I tried dusty rose velvet ribbon, velvet in a mustard-gold, chocolate brown satin ribbon and many others.  I went through a few vintage flowers too.  While I loved the more intense colors and big flowers I didn’t want my dress to look like a “party dress” if that makes sense; perhaps if the gown was floor length it would have worked (because I’ve seen bold sashes and flowers on other wedding dresses and they looked beautiful), and if there were bolder colors in my husbands’ attire.   Soft and subtle turned out to suit us the best!

And luckily I found this white crinoline at a local thrift shop for cheap (because it was ripped at the waist, which I fixed).  The pink one I was going to use was a little too long so I’m glad I found this one just days before the ceremony. Oh, and the shoes are from Remix. (I’m hoping the fact that there are not white means I’m more likely to wear them again!)

And in this past post, I showed you the underdress, which I made from a very pale pink batiste (the color doesn’t come through in the photos except that it really softens or warms up the white in the lace).  The hydrangea bouquet came from my container garden.  AND, the rhinestone star bobby pin is vintage.

Ok, WOW, I feel like I’ve just talked your ear off!  I must admit I’ve been kind of a hermit lately.  Hiding out from the heat, trying to get things done.  Anyway, I hope this was fun and maybe even a little bit helpful!  *Wheeee!* And it’s Friday already.  That means sleeping in late, staying up late, maybe catching a movie and working on some patterns.

Thanks for letting me share this with you!  Have a good one!  xo