[ click for a larger view. ]
This is the project that distracted me over the weekend from getting much work done on the swimsuit muslin! I tend to do this a lot: cut out two projects at once and end up favoring the one that is quick and easy. lol. (Though now that this dress is safely out of the way, I have no reason not to get back to the swimsuit! I think I’ll get excited about it again once I get past the muslin making/fitting stage…) I partly blame this diversion on Lauren; she emailed me with a link to this vintage pattern she had found on a dealer’s website, saying that it looked a lot like something I’d make and wear. It certainly was! I ended up finding a good price on the pattern at Stitches & Loops and ordering it from there (which was a lovely experience–super fast shipping!).
[ back view of the pattern envelope here. ]
As soon as the pattern arrived I knew which fabric in my stash it was destined for: a pretty, floral rayon that I picked up on clearance at JoAnn’s back in June. I wasn’t sure about it the first time I saw it, and even waited a few weeks to get it, but I rather like the rich colors on the black background–it’s a nice transition print for late summer/early fall. The jacket is made up in a linen-look blend that is lined with the dress material (yes, I can make it reversible if I wish!). This project was also an opportunity for me to break out the buckram belting I had purchased recently to make a self-fabric belt; I love crisp, matching belts on dresses so much! Having the proper foundation material helped the final product quite a bit.
[ click for a larger view. ]
The pattern itself is a fairly basic design, but the bows and jacket are what make it special! Why? Those little bows at the base of the shoulder straps pass through slits on the jacket to secure it in place! Isn’t that genius? Little details like that are what keep me coming back to vintage patterns again and again–you never know what new little novelty details you’ll encounter! I really love how this dress turned out–I’ve already worn it a few days in a row! lol. Sans jacket, of course; it’s been way too hot to even think about wearing more layers than necessary. But I think once the days start to cool down a bit (whenever that will be!), this entire outfit will be getting a lot of use…
[ more pictures here. ]
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That black summer dress is just fabulous! I so dig the vintage look of it!
This is so lovely. I am glad I stumbled on your blog!! I will be back!
I love your 40s style! And the fabric you chose is just about an exact combination of the two on the pattern envelope! That is very cool. Fantastic job!
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