ginger dress
[ sorry for the lack of lipstick in these photos! I totally forgot to put some on before I started... haha! ]
Thank you all so much for sharing in the excitement of the sneak peek post yesterday! You’re just as excited as I am… lol! Anyway, on to the dress unveiling. This dress started when my my sweet blog-friend Jen generously sent me an amazing late 30s sewing pattern. I had actually been eying the pattern on Ebay a couple times (outbid every time! lol), so I was super excited to be able to make it!!! (Thank you again, Jen!)
[ click for a larger view. ]
Now, something I have to admit about this project: the fabric (a rayon faille print), while lovely, does get in the way of the design lines. I was a bit too eager to get going on this that I just grabbed the only length I had that was an appropriate weight. While the dress is still cute, I would love to make this in a “calmer” print or solid so the tiny tucks and yoke-lines stand out a bit more. So see: everyone makes mistakes from time to time! lol.
[ click for a larger view. ]
This is the first dress I have used my serger on for finishing seams! If it is possible to be in love with a sewing machine, than I am completely smitten. It took about 1/3 of the time it took to finish seams the old way (a complicated procedure of zig-zagging, straight stitching along the zig-zags, and trimming to prevent fraying; which only worked sometimes), and looks so much better. I shall do a more in-depth review of the machine once I have a few more projects under my belt. Although, any time I saved in using the serger, I sure made up with doing the buttonholes bound! On this particular fabric, despite interfacing and basting everything like crazy, it was still super temperamental (now if I could only find one of these handy tools…). lol.
This was also the first dress I used the vintage method of making sleeve stiffeners (also known as “sleeve heads”) to help keep the “pouf” of the puffed sleeve caps. It was pretty simple to do! I’ve actually been playing around with various methods of shoulder/sleeve support in my latest projects, including homemade shoulder pads (so I can control how much stiffness is in them!). Anyone interested in a post on vintage methods for achieving these? (Or am I too geeky?! haha!)
Why the “Ginger” dress? Well, perhaps I’ve been watching too many 1930s Ginger Rogers films, but the entire time I was making this I couldn’t help thinking of her! Something with how the dress drapes? Or maybe, as I said, I’ve become too engrossed in 30s films!
[ detail of the bodice yoke. ]
Even though I’m a little annoyed at myself about the fabric selection (but that may just be my perfectionist side being a bit too assertive? lol!), I really love this dress! The fabric is light-as-air and the design itself is so comfortable. It’s tempting to run out and buy more fabric to make another version (perhaps a snappy-colored linen?), but other projects are calling my name and have been woefully neglected. On to the next one! (More photos of this project here.)
[ close up of the vintage belt buckle. this was my last, white vintage buckle, and I'm very sad because I've had a hard time finding affordable lots or even single buckles lately! ]
Posted on January 28th, 2010 to sewing.
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weekend finds »67 lovely thoughts to “ginger dress”
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Stephanie says:
So pretty! I do love the print, but can see from the original pattern that using a more subtle design would have shown off the details better. You also have me intrigued by the sleeve stiffener method…. I’ll have to look into that further. Thanks for sharing another of your lovey creations:)
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_marguerite_ says:
Oh this dress turned out absolutely lovely! I would be very interested in a tutorial on shoulder & sleeve supports. I also find pouf sleeves more flattering anyway, so having a few options to achieve the look would be wonderful!!
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Sunni Standing says:
Oh I think it’s just darling! I love the print, but must agree that I think the front details would show more on something calmer. I would love to see a tutorial on the sleeve stiffeners. It’s so cute on you! Darling, just darling.
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Marjorie says:
OH!! I’m swooning over that pattern! How lovely! And you did a beyond-beautiful job on it (as always)!!!! I love the colours of the fabric you chose!!
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Franca says:
wonderful! Looking forward to seeing it in adifferent fabric!
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Ann says:
Oh it’s lovely, Casey! I think the print is great, and isn’t it a bit, I don’t know, luxurious to have all that design detail when it’s not so noticeable? It makes it all see effortless.
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Kelley Anne says:
Its so beautiful! You look a bit like Scarlet Johanson in this pictures.
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Erika says:
Wonderful! Simply wonderful! But I do understand what you mean, the cut of the dress gets a little lost in the fabric print, perhaps more in the photos than in real life? I would love to see this pattern in a plain fabric, but the dress is super cute as it is!
Oh, and please, if you have the time, please do a post on the vintage poof for the sleeves! It would be so great!
Have a fantastic day!
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Dalila says:
Very cute dress, Casey!
And congrats on being featured at BurdaStyle!! -
Stephanie says:
Really, really pretty!
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lsaspacey says:
This is gorgeous! Just think of the hidden details as a surprise treat for those lucky enough to get close enough to you to see them.
I have discovered that late 30s and early 40s dresses look the best on me. Though I still love the fifties, my waistline isn’t as “cinched” as it used to be so the whole silhouette isn’t as dramatic as it once was.
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Jill says:
really really gorgeous (and flattering). LOVE the late 30s/early 40s silhouette. Just so impressive!!!
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m says:
The fabric isn’t the problem…Even a row of rick rack or piping (I like the idea of red) around the button placket, along with matching buttons and belt bucket would make the details pop. Oh, and contrasting stitching too. Next time, I’d make a little test swatch with some different types of stitching. Use different types of thread too. Stick up your swatch on your inspiration board so you can see the combination from a distance…the way a friend might see your outfit as you can walk in a door. When you find a trio that you really like, dive in head first with your project. Since you’re a knitter, you can appreciate the fun and lack of commitment when you’re doing a gauge swatch. If you don’t like how your yarn is knitting up, you can unravel and try another needle size or knit/purl combo. Same thing with fabric.
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Victoria says:
What incredibly lovely detailing! You look down-right stunning in that dress!
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Anna says:
Casey, it’s a beautiful dress! Of course, seeing you in it and then looking out my window where the snow falls heavy, makes me even more jealous. I want to wear pretty dresses! But it’s too cold …
Of course we want to know vintage tips for making making sleeve stiffeners. Yes please!
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Gertie says:
Casey, it’s just beautiful! And so flattering on you. You’ll just have to make it again in a solid too.
And I’d love to hear your thoughts on sleeve head support, please! -
Sally says:
Casey, it is PERFECTION! And I can’t get over the matching belt. You absolutely rock.
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Quincy says:
casey, that dress is amazing! you are so talented and i’m so jealous, hehe
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Ashe MIschief says:
January 28th, 2010 at 10:34 am
I love that dress, and I love it on you! While you may be annoyed that the print outshines the detailing, I think it’s an nice way to make the dress subtley more complicated…because you don’t notice it until you’re up close.
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Mrs. Jess says:
January 28th, 2010 at 10:52 am
I really love the dress… though I do agree that the print gets in the way of all the lovely style lines. But hey – prints are good! Those style lines are there for a reason – to make the dress fit the way it’s supposed to. So I don’t see the print as a bad thing. Of course I’d love to see this made up in a solid of some sort so the tucks and darts really pop out. Gorgeous!
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Anna Allen says:
January 28th, 2010 at 11:03 am
love the dress! and i love that you named it after my favorite actress.
you are right, it definitely looks like something ginger would wear. oh, and btw, you look adorable with AND without lipstick. so there. 
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Lauren says:
January 28th, 2010 at 11:12 am
Oh my gosh, I love this! What an adorable dress! I really love the nice sleek line. When you make it up again it will be equally adorable
Ooohhh… wool gab might be cute and warm, not that you need that in Florida
Aww… bummer about the belt buckle. At least you had one to finish the project! It always seems the one I need is the one I don’t have, alas!
And Ginger would totally wear that dress. Yay for Ginger! Hmm… now I have to go put on Stage Door, I think -
Christine H. says:
January 28th, 2010 at 11:26 am
This is beautiful Casey! While I love the print, I understand what you mean about loosing the style lines. But hey! now you have an excuse to make it again.
I’m a sewing nerd, so of course I am interested in vintage sleeve stiffener methods!
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Danielle says:
January 28th, 2010 at 11:35 am
oh my gosh! i totally love it! so cute
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emily says:
January 28th, 2010 at 11:48 am
Casey, this dress is soooo sweet! I love it. As always, you did a wonderful job. And how do you always know to sew the same vintage patterns I would just love to find and wear?? I’m living vicariously through your sewing projects. Thanks for sharing them with the world!
Great source for vintage belt buckles at good prices:
http://acmenotions.com/vibubebu.htmlScroll down on this page for buckles. I’ve ordered a number of things from this shop and the service is excellent.
And, just a thought to consider for the future…would you consider a post or series of posts on your process? Something like a dress diary with start to finish dress construction and fitting so we could learn a little about works for you? You’re a very skilled seamstress, and it always helps me as I am learning to see what other people do in terms of muslins, tissue fittings, techniques, etc.
Once again, your dress is gorgeous!
Emily
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Jesslyn says:
January 28th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
See what you mean about the details getting lost, but it’s still such a perfect print and pattern for a spring/summer dress!
Would LOVE a tutorial on the sleeve stiffening you’re doing.
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jen says:
January 28th, 2010 at 12:53 pm
ack!!! it’s gorgeous, i’m in love! despite the fact that some of the details do get a wee bit lost, it’s really, like i said on flickr, the cutest dress ever. and seeing it on you, you look lovely. plus, it’s super-flattering on your figure (if you don’t mind me saying so!).
this is definitely an instant of “it’s better to give than to receive” – i’m so happy the pattern belongs to you now!
oh, and yes, tutorial on sleeve puffs would be fabulous.
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Amy says:
Wow, Wow, Wow!!! What a beautiful dress. It’s a perfect fit on you. I watched The Big Sleep on Netflix and you do look do look like Lauren Bacall, only prettier. I hope you do make another one. The details are gorgeous. You knocked it out of the park Casey!
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Anna says:
It is really beautiful dress, very well made and suits you perfectly!
I’d agree the fabric doesn’t flatter the cut, but it flatters you, and that’s what matters!
And I’d really really love to hear about sleeve stiffening and other vintage sewing tricks, let’s go vintagey-geeky!All love
Anja
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Kathy says:
Poofy sleeve technique…YES!
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Jennifer says:
Adorable dress!! I love it and such a cute fabric you chose!
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Tuppence says:
What a beautiful dress. I agree it is a shame the fabric takes over the pattern details, but still it is a beautiful print. So I think we can all forgive it, just this once.
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reilly says:
Gorgeous!! That is such a beautiful pattern and so is the finished dress! I love the pattern and colors.
Definitely do the post about sleeves! Lately everything I want to make has puffy sleeves and they need support, haha. I think if you had the time a post about making belts would be really helpful too! I almost never end up making them.
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la femme says:
It’s really lovely. I bought one similar to this on ebay. The lack of lipstick is quite nice!
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Mel says:
WOW what an amazing dress! You did a fantastic job, and I think the fabric looks lovely! You can always make more with another print now that you know how to make it! I wanted a dress pattern similar to this one, but so far I haven’t found one yet. I’d love to see sleeve stiffening tutorial, something I’d love to try! Haha all you need is a Fred Astaire and you can dance the night away with your Ginger dress. Actually your dress reminds me more of Stage Door than her Fred and Ginger films!
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Lizzy says:
Wow that dress is so gorgeous! I really love the pattern of the fabric even if you are a little disappointed with the choice now I think it’s really pretty. I love little floral patterns like that. The close up shot with the dress on the dress form is great, I love the buttons and the collar
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Serendipity Handmade says:
Super cute! I think that the tucks are fabulous. I’d love to see it in a “calmer” print as you say, as well.
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Mugsy says:
Wow, fantastic…and I for one (of many
)would LOVE a tute on “sleeve heads” – with my love of mid-late 30′s fashion, ‘t would be very handy to learn, I guess… -
Marmielu says:
Very, very cute! I think it looks lovely on you, and yes, you are being a perfectionist about the fabric. I do understand the desire to make one to show off all those tucks, but this one is so pretty.
Love,
Mom
PS: Is the serger the same as the cash register? -
Melony says:
YOU are amazing. The dress is beautiful, and the details are so very sweet and perfect. Love it.
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clare says:
it’s beautiful and looks great on you. I have a tendency to fall in love with prints and make them into dresses with details … if it doesn’t ‘not’ work, don’t worry about it, the details have contributed to a fit which works with both your shape and the print. Having said that, you might be able to bring out those details with some careful top-stitching, in a shade matching what looks like dark red flowers? Good to hear the serger is loved and used – I can’t imagine not having one now.
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Alyssa says:
How do you always pick the perfect patterns? Or are there projects in between that just don’t work out and we never see.
Either way, it is delectable! -
Madeline says:
January 28th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
That dress is absolutely adorable! And I can completely see Ginger Rogers wearing that dress. Speaking of Ginger, have you seen Primrose Path? If not you should try to catch it sometime. There are some really cute clothes in it.
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Kate in Belgrade says:
It’s just heavenly! And please, anything you have to say about sewing will be appreciated. It’s not possible to be too sewing geeky for this crowd–judging by the other responses, people are really interested–and learning from you is learning from the best.
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Lel says:
Oh this dress is just beautiful! Wish I could order a few in different patterns and fabrics. Having said that I think the one you made is just so cute and fresh and summery. How clever! x
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chantele says:
I love this dress, and think the fabric is really pretty even if you cant see the details.
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Retro Chick says:
January 29th, 2010 at 11:07 am
That’s so beautiful!
One day I will be inspired enough by your blog to actually get my sewing machine out and see if I can remember how to sew!
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Jenny-Rose says:
I like the no lipstick look. It is sweet and innocent… and nice with the cheery print!
This is Bridget – not Jenny. She must have logged in when she was here in Oct, and I didn’t notice! sorry!
West Coast Love!
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Catherine says:
Lovely! It suits you well and I do so love the print!
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Karin says:
It’s so lovely. You look beautiful in it! I think it’s the perfect dress for a spring lunch
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angie.a says:
So completely adorable. LOVE the pattern and I love the fabric too, it’s not “obvious”, but its still beautiful. And I think I just ordered that exact fabric from Fashion Fabrics Club, hahaha!
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Lindsey says:
Beautiful! Yes please share your tips and tricks!
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Peter says:
January 30th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
Gorgeous dress. I also just started serging my seams: it’s a new world! Great blog (I’m new here).
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thephantommuseum says:
oh, what a wonderful fabric! ♥
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Treacle says:
Beautiful dress! I especially love that floral print.
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Liz says:
Try Les Bonnes Ribbons for affordable belt buckles, I swear I don’t work for them but they have a large selection of great vintage looking belt buckles at decent prices.
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Camilla says:
January 30th, 2010 at 11:48 pm
Have you seen the huge lot of buckles on Ebay? So cute!
And I LOVE the Ginger dress!!! -
Katie says:
Hi Casey – Love your blog and I really love this dress! You are so talented!! I’d love to know where you got this fabric – it’s so pretty!
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Paige says:
January 31st, 2010 at 10:39 am
I think the print is perfect for spring! It IS too bad that some of the details are hidden, but this way it’s kind of like rediscovering the dress when you get a closer look. It’s cute anyway, but further observation makes it even better!
(You’ve inspired me to re-work a vintage dress and slip I just bought.)
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Nadja says:
I love that dress! It so cute with all those seams and deatiles around bust and waist!
And at least I
want a post about vintage sewingmethods ! -
Charlotte says:
February 1st, 2010 at 10:43 am
So lovely! I love 1930s dresses but the high necklines don’t suit me.
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Jackie says:
February 1st, 2010 at 12:31 pm
I just love this dress, it’s very feminine and flirty. I would definitely like to see some sleeve tutorials, especially one that tackles easing sleeves into armholes without them puckering or pleating. I still haven’t figured that technique out and it’s getting to be quite frustrating!
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jm says:
That is some dress! Somebody, way back up there, said it is luxurious to have all those details but not in an eye popping way, and I agree. You can make it up again to show them off, but this is a dress to swoon over.
You look lovely! Who needs lipstick?
-jm-
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Angela says:
Casey, I absolutely love this dress! If I could sew, I would go to great lengths to make a dress similar to this beauty. If I ever learn to sew I would also love to learn how to adapt vintage patterns…. it is amazing.
A.
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Super Kawaii Mama says:
Indeed it is a beautiful creation. About the buckles… My lovely friend Nicole at Circa Vintage Clothing here in Melbourne has a fantastic and affordable stash. Although she doesn’t sell online, I’m sure if you contact her and let you know what you want, she’d be happy to help you out. http://www.circavintageclothing.com.au
Keep up the AMAZING work. xxx
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aya says:
What a gorgeous dress! You look beautiful, Casey
)
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!