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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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!
Oh I really love this! It has such a nice line to it, and the fabric is adorable. So perfect for the cooler months!
This is beautiful and fabulous
Wow, that dress looks amazing to me! I love the fabric you used so much
You’re so talented. Such a pretty dress!!!
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! =)
Gorgeous dress. The fabric you chose for it suits it so well. Can’t wait to see it in an outfit post!!
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.
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!
Very nice. I love the color. You remind me that I need to get off my butt and sew! LOL!
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
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
Ach, that just might be the PERFECT fall frock.
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)
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!)
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
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
That dress is going to look GREAT on you!!! Very good fabric choice.
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
i love this! the cut looks very flattering. and bracelet sleeve – the name is sweet and feminine.
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!
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 . . .
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!
Fantastic dress as always Casey! Can’t wait to see it finished!
Love the dress, but I’m absolutly in LOVE with that flower brooch… Did you make that or buy it???
<3<3<3
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.
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
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!