Recently I've done quite a bit of sewing with linen--since Hancock's had it for half price at the end of the summer. I love it, its beautiful drape, glossy deep colors, and drapey heavy swing.
Here's a dress for Clara from an early 50s pattern, I'd guess. Love the big collar, and the big cuffs which I had to face with a little blue and white plaid when I ran out of fabric. Why does that always happen?
I just love the freedom and elegance she exhibits in these dresses. They show off her tiny waist and she can play her cello in the graceful full skirt. She usually pairs her frock with her beloved leopard-print sneakers and looks so right that I feel the time and effort of sewing for her is so worth it.
What a lovely set. Blue looks nice on Clara. I am working my way up in sewing. LOL
ReplyDeleteblessings
Paula
Leopard print sneakers? Oh please do show us a shot with them in it! LOVE the blue/pattern/figure!
ReplyDeleteAnd just in case you didn't hear it enough yet, I will tell you how extremely happy Charity and I still are that you are back to blogging again. We find inspiration and a sea of calm in your posts and pictures.
I have that very pattern, and have been waiting for just the right time and fabric to make it. I'm a little worried seeing it on Clara though. Did you alter the pattern to make it smaller for her, or did it fit as is? I believe I have two sizes up- for a 38 bust, and I'm nowhere near as tiny as her.
ReplyDeleteBlue linen and leopard-print sneakers--great combination! I love that dress pattern. It looks so *practical* for daily life--easy on, full of ease, cool and summery, good for cello-playing....& I'm admiring the respectable pockets in View 2.
ReplyDeleteIt's very beautiful.
ReplyDeleteTrudy
www.sewingwithtrudy.blogspot.com
Beautiful. I love that blue ... would we call it cornflower blue? Whatever, it's quite stunning!
ReplyDeleteI'm a lover of all kinds of crazy sneakers from baseball looking ones to leapord print so I bet they look sensational with the dress! The blue of the dress is such a pretty color and she looks lovely in it!
ReplyDeleteAnna, you do so well with these dresses - that looks great!
ReplyDeleteLisateresa
It's gorgeous - that blue is so pretty!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy linen clothing, but the wrinkles get the best of me....any secrets to keep them at a minimum?
ReplyDeleteI think wrinkles simply happen... not that I have so much experience, but I read a blog post on this issue by an English tailor, and he says the same: linen will always wrinkle, it's the way it is and it adds to its summery charm.
ReplyDeleteWhich is exactly what this dress has plenty of! I love the colour, too.
It is beautiful on her - but now I'm dying to see the sneakers, too!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're *back*!
Very pretty...she's about to look a lot like you!
ReplyDeleteTracy, the dress is a little large on her--plenty of room through the shoulders and high bust. The tie at the waist also takes up a lot of ease. I would say that it runs very true to the measurements on the pattern, but as always, would recommend that you make a mock-up before cutting into your fabric. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful dress. I love the color and linen is so nice to wear. I feel so inspired. Its nice to see you back posting.
ReplyDeleteAngela
I second third or fourth the request for a photo of the dress with the leopard print sneakers PLEASE
ReplyDeletemy kylie wears her black converse sneakers with her dresses, every sunday to church :)
ReplyDeleteand, since i've not said it yet (rarely comment)...i too, am happy to be reading your short, simple, sweet posts again.
Love it. Love it. Love it.
ReplyDeleteI agree that linen is meant to be a bit wrinkly. Iron but don't worry over that perfection that is so accessible with cotton. It always looks good!
ReplyDeleteWell, you may run out of material, but the end results of "making do" sure are beautiful. So graceful on Clara.
ReplyDeletemy most stylish aunt always called them "rich wrinkles". I love linen's rumples because they kind of stand and bunch up.
ReplyDeletedeb meyers
Anna, thanks so much for taking the time to answer my question; you're a real sweetheart!
ReplyDeleteOh, so glad that you're back. :)
ReplyDeleteI made a dress from this pattern (it's even blue) last fall. I've been too chicken to wear it out of the house, but this looks so nice on Clara, I think I'll do it. I especially like the tie waist.
http://theyellowwarbler.blogspot.com/2010/03/vintage-dress.html
Kara