swing kitten style
[ click for a larger view. ]
Well, it certainly was not my intention to just drop off the face of the earth last week… and skip another Inspiration Friday post! (Or not catch up on comment replies… Yikes!) However, as life seems to have a habit of doing lately, things popped up, days were spent running around, and we were out and about two evenings in a row (highly unusual for us homebodies!). That being said, I did spend most of Saturday and Sunday whipping up a new dress for myself! Well, it’s not completely finished, but I thought you all might like to see a peek at the nearly done frock. hehe!
[ click for a larger view. ]
I have been dreaming of a lovely autumn dress out of this black and white windowpane plaid fabric for some time. I think it’s a rayon/wool (I bought it on the clearance table at G Street Fabrics in Virginia, so I have no clue)–it’s got a beautiful drape! For a bit I mulled over making an a-line skirt and cropped bolero–a la late 1930s. But, my love affair with the ease of the one-piece dress won out and I went rummaging through my pattern boxes to find something suitable.
[ click for a larger view. ]
I rediscovered this pattern, a sweet 1940s style from Sense and Sensibility patterns. I had the pleasure of interning with Jennie Chancey years ago, and have had this pattern since then, but sadly never made it up (silly me!). Mostly because the right fabric hadn’t come along (picky, picky). This lightweight rayon suiting, coupled with the tailored lines and bracelet length sleeves seems perfect though. She based the pattern off of this design, and I love the detachable dicky concept (though it isn’t included in the Sense and Sensibility pattern). I have instructions in one of my 40s sewing manuals on how to make one, and I think that might be something fun to add down the road.
[ click for a larger view. ]
But for now, here’s the project halfway done. As is usual for me, I made a few changes and tweaks along the way, most notably the sleeves will be shortened. After trying on the dress halfway through, the length of sleeves didn’t work to well for me. So I am planning on chopping off a couple inches to make them a bit more flattering on my shortish arms. Now I just need to hem it and wish really hard that the weather will miraculously cool off. hehe!
Posted on October 13th, 2009 to sewing.
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coat connection »27 lovely thoughts to “swing kitten style”
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Erin says:
Great fabric choice! It’s such a simple dress style, but the plaid pattern and the way you’ve lined everything up, gives it just enough interest. I like it a lot!
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Sarah says:
Oh I really love this! It has such a nice line to it, and the fabric is adorable. So perfect for the cooler months!
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Jacquelyn says:
This is beautiful and fabulous
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Lizzy says:
Wow, that dress looks amazing to me! I love the fabric you used so much
You’re so talented. Such a pretty dress!!! -
Erika says:
I just love that style of dress! I so wish I could find a pattern for a dress like that, but as they´re a bit hard to come by in Europe, I’m placing my hope in a pattern making class I want to take sometime next year. =)
The dress looks lovely, and the print is just perfect for enhancing the clever cut and the interesting pleats of both bodice and skirt!
As far as I’m concerned you need not worry about dropping off the earth for a while, posts like these inspire me the most. I just want to take out my sewing machine and start firing away! =) -
Cedar says:
Gorgeous dress. The fabric you chose for it suits it so well. Can’t wait to see it in an outfit post!!
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sulu-design says:
October 13th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
Wow, wow, wow. I love that shape, love that fabric, love the two together. This one is awesome! Okay, everything you make is pretty awesome, but this is one of my favorites.
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Holly says:
How beautiful!
I adore reading your blog- you get me excited to do things I keep putting off!
I am acquiring a stash of vintage patterns, I have a budding library of vintage sewing books, and my stash of fabrics from special trips to G Street (my absolute favorite fabric store) is growing– that plus my beautiful sewing machine ought to get me inspired, but it’s so much easier to say I’ll find time or inspiration later, until I see someone doing what I keep ignoring!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful creations and showing your splendid style! -
Peldyn says:
Very nice. I love the color. You remind me that I need to get off my butt and sew! LOL!
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Caf says:
Missed an inspiration post? I would never have noticed, all your posts inspire me to go away and make pretty things! Even if I don’t always get them made… ;D
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Marmielu says:
That looks really nice! I can’t wait to see it on you – in person!!!! Oh, and btw – those pics are beautiful – such detail.
Mom -
Sal says:
Ach, that just might be the PERFECT fall frock.
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Quincy says:
October 14th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Oh, I can’t wait to see the finished project! The material is a dream for sure. I have so many projects I need to start! First I need to buy some fabric, hehe ;o)
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Karen says:
October 14th, 2009 at 11:15 am
I *love* this! Perfect fabric and pattern, and a great cut. I want one! I very much envy your skill. (And I can hear my mother right now telling me I should have paid attention when she tried to teach me to sew!)
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Sydney says:
October 14th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Beautiful work! What a nice fall fabric. It is going to look amazing when it’s done. The navy plaid would look amazing with a pair of navy and white 40′s spectator pumps! Oh I can just see it!
XOXO,
Syd Divine -
Mikaela says:
Hi!
Wow. I love your blog. It’s so… cozy. It’s like… a walk in the woods, or like drinking hot chocolate the night before Christmas or like strolling down a summer-field, or.. umh well yeah you get the picture – I looove your blog! v
You’re sewing soooo pretty clothes. I’m jealous, lol.
I just wanted to ask you; when did you start sewing?Lots of love
//Mika -
treeathie says:
That dress is going to look GREAT on you!!! Very good fabric choice.
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Dana Kruckenberg says:
Hi Casey, my daughter and her friend discovered your very creative blog! I inherited a full box of 1940-50′s patterns from my late mother-in-law (she was 87 when she passed two years ago.) Ruby made the vast majority of the family’s clothes—boys’, girls’, men’s and women’s clothing.Until now, I wasn’t sure I’d find anyone who might want them.
My daughter who likes your style, is just now going to learn from me how to sew…Pinkladydana from Today’s Project
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jen says:
i love this! the cut looks very flattering. and bracelet sleeve – the name is sweet and feminine.
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Rhiannon says:
It sort of reminds me of the windowpane fabric one at Anthropologie!! Or maybe it’s just the fabric , but it’s so Fall-ish and lovely!
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Gertie says:
Okay, now I need this pattern! It looks beautiful. I hear you on not keeping up with regular posts. There were tutorials and such that I promised to post months ago, and haven’t gotten around to it! Such is the life of a blogger, I suppose . . .
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Marjorie says:
WOW! I love your fabric choice! This is my absolute favorite S&S pattern…I have 3 frocks in my closet made up from it…and It’s so easy to make slight changes to for a different look from dress to dress! Yours is so sophisticated and lovely! Perfect for a Florida Autumn!
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Fleur says:
Fantastic dress as always Casey! Can’t wait to see it finished!
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Jessi says:
October 16th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Love the dress, but I’m absolutly in LOVE with that flower brooch… Did you make that or buy it???
<3<3<3
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Debbi (aka friend D) says:
Wow! So cute! I last saw it as a muslin work-up on your dressform. I finished the Tiger Lily dress, but haven’t worked on the pillows much. Although, I do have the fabric all cut.
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Cecilia says:
I wish I could wear something like that in tropical south FL!
I really do love the FLOWER PIN! Is it thrifted, vintage, home-made?
Keep on sewing,
Ceci
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Kristie says:
October 18th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Just lovely! I’m just getting back into sewing – I’m starting a class this week. Your obviously leaps and bounds ahead, but a total inspiration nonetheless!
Thank you ever so much for taking time to share your comment! Although I try to answer questions, I am not always able to respond to each comment individually. But please know that I appreciate from the bottom of my heart every comment I receive!