I picked up 3 yards of this fun print at JoAnn last winter. It reminded me of a 1930s feedsack fabric, and I thought it would be perfect for an everyday dress since it is a dark print. And in my favorite colors.
Well, I learned something - next time I'll get at least 3 1/2 yds if it is a one way print! It was very tight to get the pieces all on the right direction, though there were only three of them and the dress is slender. I had to take a pleat in the sleeve and it still hardly fit.
But I was so pleased with the result! It's perfect for summer. My little sister calls it my "fireworks dress" because of the colors. Come to think of it, it would be a good dress to wear on the 4th of July!
This is the second version of this pattern (the first was my gray dress) so it was doubly easy to put together since I knew what I was doing already. I did the same adjustments to the pattern as last time, making it open with a back zipper instead of a side zipper.
I changed it up a bit by looping back the collar (made from white linen) instead of crossing it, and adding tiny red buttons as decoration on the sleeves and bodice.
I really like how the skirt isn't too tight, but also isn't too full to be a bother for wearing it while doing housework and normal activities.
Again, it can be worn without a belt. The triple front darts are both decorative and useful for a proper fit, and I probably will wear it without a belt during the hotter summer days ahead. But I also like pairing it with a red belt.
These are my newest vintage shoes. Not quite the right era, but I'm having a terrible time finding 1930s shoes. But I love these even if they aren't just right to wear with this outfit and was happy to snatch them off of Ebay for a good price.
It takes so much less time to cut out a dress that has only a few pieces to it! And not so long to sew it up, either. I made it from start to finish in 4-5 hours, I believe. Though I cut some corners by topstitching the hem on the sleeves and skirt instead of doing it by hand. The only hand work was for the collar and zipper, and adding the buttons. Hand sewing on a breezy back porch with a gorgeous view, is definitely not a trial!
I do love it when I can combine a needed project with a want-to project - and that's what this one was. Besides being fun to make, almost period correct, and a success. Can't beat that combination!
This is the prettiest dress I've seen in a long time!!!!! Probably my favorite you've ever made! I just love the style - it is SO flattering and pretty on you, and the colors are perfectly summery and 4th-of-July-appropriate. I just love the colors, and those adorable little buttons are the perfect touch. (I have some of those too, and can't wait to put them on just the right project!)
I apologize for falling behind so badly on commenting, but I assure you I have been enjoying your gorgeous outfits immensely.
Have a lovely rest of the week, Kristen! :)
Posted by: Esther | 06/16/2016 at 07:45 AM
I really like how this turned out! Such a cute print and I like that you used those little red buttons. They really help bring out the red in the print.
-Emily
Posted by: Emily's Vintage Visions | 06/16/2016 at 10:51 AM
It DOES look like fireworks!
Posted by: Emily | 06/16/2016 at 02:53 PM
Thank you, Esther! It's one of my new favorites as well, and I like how it looks on me too. So I'm sure it will get a ton of wear this summer!
I love the red buttons too, and actually took them off of an early project in order to use them on this dress.
Emily - that is so funny! I still think it looks like...flowers...actually, but I'm fine with the fireworks lookalike too! :-) Gotta love JoAnn's repro prints!
Posted by: Kristen Stoltzfus Clay | 06/16/2016 at 04:12 PM
I love the print! They look like little tulips to me. The collar is lovely too.
Jennie from theuglydame.blogspot.com
Posted by: Jennie | 06/19/2016 at 02:36 PM
They ARE little tulips, Jennie! But for some reason to an 11 year old, they look like fireworks. :-) My guess is the color scheme had something to do with it.
Posted by: Kristen Stoltzfus Clay | 06/20/2016 at 08:01 AM
The dress looks lovely! Especially the colour, it looks perfect on you :-)
Posted by: Welmode.blogspot.com | 06/22/2016 at 03:35 AM
Lovely dress, Kristen! I like the sharpness of the white collar, and all the patriotic touches. This style suits you very well, and I can imagine you wearing it a great deal this summer.
Posted by: Sarah A. | 06/22/2016 at 12:16 PM
So great, and these are my favorite colors, too!
Posted by: Emileigh | 07/09/2016 at 08:14 PM