Clara needed her dressy winter dress last Sunday, so together we made this old favorite pattern out of a beautifully-draping frost blue tiny wale corduroy. We lined the bodice with white cotton (a sheet!) and included a double-frill of lace at the cuffs to indicate that it is, in fact, a dress-up dress. It's as soft as velvet without being too fancy for church, and perfect for trips to the symphony!
Sewing projects are so fast with her helping--I run up the seams and she presses them, or I get busy setting in sleeves and she finishes seams. Even working with one machine we accomplish things twice as fast.
Giles asks that I note that his *real* camera is out for repairs and he is embarassed by the photos I am posting which were taken with the inferior camera which cannot be focused to his satisfaction.
I'm glad to know this dress drapes nicely in a heavier fabric. I have some raspberry baby corduroy and plan to make it up with a sash, since our daughter loves to have a sash! Thanks for recommending this sew and sew pattern - it is so quick! What a blessing for you to sew with Clara! I'm looking forward to that some day.
ReplyDeleteThat's see and sew! oops!
ReplyDeleteI just recently discovered your blog and you are inspiring me to begin sewing again. I have a difficult-to-fit 8 yr. old daughter, so I think my best option is to start sewing for her. What is this pattern? I love it!
ReplyDeleteHi Rhonda! The dress pattern is See & Sew 4099. The pattern calls for a lining but you can forego that and just finish the neckling with bias binding. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteLove the dress. It's so sweet and simple. The frills on the sleeve gives it that little extra.
ReplyDeleteLovely, simple dress. I made "dozens" similar to these for my three daughters. Now I have two "grands" to sew for!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the picture. Tell G. that, tho' we can tell the difference, we love photos of any kind!
Tell Giles that I am so glad he would take the pictures even if he feels they are not up to his standards. I really enjoy seeing them. The dress is lovely. The delicate lace is just right.
ReplyDeleteI love corduroy for the fall/winter months. The dress came out nice!
ReplyDeleteHello. I am new to your blog - sort of - I have ran across it before and love it!!
ReplyDeleteThe dress is lovely. Such a pretty color and from the picture (it IS a good picture :-)) it looks so professional.
I was wondering how long you have been sewing. I am 41 and would love to learn how to sew....do you have any advice on where to start? I have two little boys (3 and 7 months) and an 18 year old daughter I could make something for, but I don't know what. I can sew curtains, but as far a clothes - I don't even know how to read a pattern. I would love to learn to sew a trumpet skirt (I think that is what they are called - they are form fitting and then flair out around the bottom). Well, let me clarify form fitting - not skin tight, but a nice fit and a fling. hee hee.
I look forward to reading more posts. You are very inspiring to me!! :-)
Anna -
ReplyDeleteThe dress is lovely! And it is special when we get to work side by side with our girls, isn't it. :o)
To Giles -
Perfectionism: the sign of a true artiste! :o) Your pictures are always lovely because you have a good eye for interesting shots.
Anna and Clara, the dress is quite elegant. I am sure the corduroy adds some warmth. I have a fabric shopping trip planned soon with my daughter. Perhaps we'll look for some baby corduroy. I like the look of that drape.
ReplyDeleteGiles, your photos are ALWAYS wonderful. Thank you for them. Be assured, you can do wonders with even a common camera! :)
Cara
The dress is so pretty!
ReplyDeleteVery sweet dress... :)
ReplyDeleteIt inspires me to get sewing.
~Stacy
How lovely! That shade of blue is so feminine. I think the pictures were really good.
ReplyDeleteThe dress is lovely! I have been trying to find this pattern. Do you have any ideas of where to fine it? My dd is very old fashioned and would love to have this made up!
ReplyDeleteLisa