Hello, friends! My apologies for lack of posting again this week, but I sliced my hand open the other day and ended up at the doctor’s for half of one day, and it’s just been awkward to work with a “wounded” hand. Thankfully, it wasn’t as bad as I had thought initially, but still needs time to mend so computer use has been restricted. Thanks for understanding!
Remember the little pattern swap that Gina and I did about a month ago? We finally finished both the outfits we decided to sew! (Be sure to scroll down to see Gina’s outfit and visit her blog.) I have a rather large backlog of summer sewing to photograph and share with y’all, but I was so excited about how this dress turned out, I couldn’t wait to show it off!
Here’s a refresher of the pattern and fabric. The pattern is a vintage early 1960s design, and I loved the “double breasted” back closure, and the low back neckline. The fabric was a linen that I purchased online several years ago and had been holding on to for just the right project. As the pattern was a bit large for me, I graded down a couple sizes. I had just enough fabric to cut the full skirt view out of my fabric, though in the end I had to cut the waistline piping on the straight of grain instead of bias as the pattern indicated.
Construction was fairly straight forward–sleeveless bodices don’t vary too much in making up. I did sew two bound buttonholes at the back, topstitching around the neckline and armholes, and added piping to the waistline. The latter is a detail I have always adored on many of my vintage dresses from the same era, but don’t use it a lot on my own sewing. It just looks so neat and tidy at the bodice and skirt seam–I need to incorporate this more into my future sewing!
I’ve worn this dress a number of times since I finished it nearly two weeks ago–it’s fast become a favorite! We took pictures when we went on a little day trip recently (Yorktown National Battlefield), so please excuse the wrinkles (though it is linen after all) and slightly sweaty Casey look–it was nearly 100°F that day! I really love the silhouette and the red buttons that I used. Although the print itself doesn’t have the same vivid red, I think the fabric and bright buttons work beautifully together.
- Pattern: Vintage McCalls #7248 (view B).
- Fabric: Mid-weight printed linen, purchased online a few years ago (sadly, not available any longer!).
- Alterations: Graded the pattern down to fit.
- Techniques: Bound buttonholes, piped waistline, and topstitching (I used a lightweight crochet thread wound onto a bobbin and thread through the top thread of my machine. I used regular weight thread in the bobbin, and the stitch length set to 3.5.).
- Make Again? I would love to! Perhaps in a solid color–light pique would be my dream fabric.
Here’s a peek at Gina’s lovely creation! She chose a two-piece outfit pattern I sent her, and I just love the fabric she used–so cheery! The style seems perfect for summer too. Be sure to stop by her blog to read about her project and the pattern she used!
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LOVE the dress Casey….so cute!
And those shoes!!!!!!!!! I want!
You are so gorgeous
Hope you are ok are after your injury. Hugs xxoo
Sorry about my poor typing….half asleep lol
Both dresses are gorgeous! I need the summer style inspiration because it is also hot and muggy where I am. I am so sorry to hear about your hand… I hope it heals quickly!
A perfect summer dress! I love the button detail at the back too – it’s details like that which really ‘make’ some patterns isn’t it?
Absolutely lovely! I wish I was as skilled a seamstress as you are! Am currently working on my first garment and aspire to one day be able to make such lovely things as you do!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
/Naomi
Aaww, I hope you and your hand are doing okay!
I hope there is someone to spoil you a bit (you know, make a nice cup of tea when you need it).
And puppy kisses will probably do wonders as well, although.. maybe not actually ON your hand.. that could be bad…
Wishing you all the best!
Sarah (the Dutch one)
(a.k.a. OldeSarah)
so cute! looks lovely and cool for the summer and i love the fabric and buttons. your hair looks great like that too!
Looks lovely… You both do! I especially love the fabric you used… It looks a whole lot like the one on the pattern!
I love Yorktown… The Swan Tavern is a favourite of ours
No gratuitous photo of Maverick?
Casey, this dress is divine on you! I adore the shape on your figure and the fabric and button back detail are perfect, perfect, perfect! Hope your hand mends soon too though you poor thing!
Off to have a good look at Gina’s lovely looking creation now…
Love this dress!!! I just wanted to say that the fabric you used, I just ordered about 4 yards from Denver Fabics website a couple of weeks ago. I haven’t received it yet but they always take a long time when I order from them. I don’t know if it is available anymore, but I haven’t received an email stating that they are out.
Too cute! I love this pattern!
What a gorgeous dress! It’s the little details like the waist piping and bound buttonholes that make handmade garments perfect.
Love Gina’s dress too. I’m off to check out her blog.
Oh Casey, hope your hand is OK! Yoiks.
ooooooooohhhhhh! Love everything about this dress — it looks so fabulous on you!
So sorry to hear about your hand! Ouch! Your dress is lovely! Sam xox
The dress looks really cute! I also want to add some piping to my projects. It looks so neatly finished that way.
I wish you get well soon!
The dress is SO cute! Great work!
Gosh, I love that dress. One of my favs ever!!! Gina look lovely too!
Hope your hand feels better! xo
You look very beautiful, Casey and not flustered or sweaty at all. You always seem so cool and in control
I love the dress, it’s gorgeous and the piping is a wonderful detail indeed. I think I am going to try and use it a bit more myself too!
Super cute! I just love that fabric
Casey,
So good to see you wear and review what you made! I love the shoes as well. Perfect for the East Coast weather I hear you all are experiencing. It’s perfect! Congratulations!!
P.
What a lovely dress and even lovelier fabric
It’s adorable, Casey! I really love the back, and the fabric was the perfect choice!
What a refreshing summer dress! It looks like the perfect thing to wear to a picnic or party. You did a gorgeous job as always, but I’m so sorry to hear about your hand injury! That could definitely cramp one’s sewing style!
Have a lovely day,
Katrina
Love the new dress! It’s so perfect for hot, sunny, summer days. The back looks fantastic, and the buttons are bright enough to stand out but still coordinate well with the fabric. Great choice!
You look beautiful as always! Thanks for the the pattern swap, it was fun and I love your dress. I do hope you make it again and again. It’s perfect for you.
AMAZING!!!
That dress is just perfect!
It brought to mind a question – what would you use to line a lightweight, light-coloured material for a summer skirt or dress? I see so many lovely light summer fabrics but then when I unroll a bit from the bolt to look at I think “goodness, this is more sheer than I expected” even though it is not really a sheer fabric and so I leave it behind at the fabric store but wonder how to get around the see-throughness of it all! Have you any suggestions?
It looks so pretty and I adore the back of it! The fabric is lovely too, cute hula dancers and little tiki huts – That’s all kinds of awesome.
Hope your hand heals up quickly!
I read your blog faithfully but have never sent you a lovely thought before–at least I don’t think I have. I LOVE the pattern, the finished garment, and how cute it is on.
You both look lovely!
I hope your hand heals up quickly
Casey I seem to cut my fingers so often lately. Crazy. Hope your hand heals quickly.
Your dress is so cute. Love the style. Looks great on you and that print is so cute.
It’s been in the 80s here, what a pleasant change from the 100s.
I love the piping around the waist. I am adding this to my techniques ASAP. It just finishes the dress so nicely. Speedy recovery from your injury!
Oh Casey honey, I’m deeply sorry to hear about your recent injury and am sending countless healing wishes your way.
Thank you very much for posting today – we would have completely understood if you didn’t. That dress (and fabric) is completely darling! Awesome work!!!
♥ Jessica
Gorgeous. Hope your hand gets better soon.
Ah, I love so many things about this dress! The flattering low back, the beautiful fabric, the bright buttons… I actually took the plunge and signed up for a sewing class in a few weeks, inspired largely by amazing ladies like you. I can’t wait!
I love your fabric! It’s perfect for the pattern!
Hello Casey:) You did it again! The dress and the model are gorgeous.. I love the pattern of course, but the details that had my heart stumbled are the top stitching and the piping. I would love to read your post on making these. Thank you! You are beautiful, very talented and inspiring!:)
the dress is so cute! and I am so sorry about your hand, gah. that’s horrible.
the piping detail is sooooo nice. can you get the dress on by yourself? is the button back the only closure? sorry if you mentioned this already. . .
you look so happy, and I dig your bangs!!
Hello Casey!! I really hope your hand recovers soon and well. Keep inspiring us!
What a lovely dress ! I hope you recover from your hand injury soon
.
Very cute, i love the dress!
Beautiful Dresses! Adorable!!
Simply adorable dresses. Loving the shoes too!
Both dresses look fantastic! I love the hula girl fabric (I actually picked up the same fabric last year, and had it made up into a 1940s sundress), and the piping and buttons add the perfect finishing touch to your dress.
I’m sorry to hear about your injury, I hope it heals quickly!
This is a gorgeous dress, Casey…and the shoes too!!I hope your hand recovers soon!!
You’re so inspiring!!
There’s a new Butterick Retro pattern that’s very similar to this, although the back neckline is rounded rather than square. Your version is super cute! And I covet that fabric
Goodness! That is just fabulous! And that fabric is to DIE for!! I wish it was still available! I’d love to make a sarong style dress with it.
xoxo
-Janey
What a lovely dress, so fresh, so summer.
Goodness you are having a bit of a time of it lately aren’t you?! Hope the hand heals quickly.
If it’s any consolation, you look gorgeous even in 100 degree heat – and the dress is great! Love the fabric, and the piping detail at the waist is lovely – maybe one for me to try sometime!
xx Charlotte
Tuppence Ha’penny
Hi , the dress is so cute and you are beautiful !!
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