Sunday, April 19, 2009

Sewing a pretty spring dress


Spring dresses are especially lovely...and to sew them can be as much of a pleasure, as to wear or spin in them - at any age! When special occasions arise, it is a joy to imagine, plan and create a dress, just for that event, and then enjoy it and the memories associated with it, for years to come.
This breezy, dress started with some vintage yardage, with a soft, cottony, hand feel and a pretty 50s era print. The fabric was narrow, only 36” wide, so I had to do some figuring to achieve a luxurious sweep to the dress - which was how it grew into the flounced design. The top part is based on Burda's pattern #8347/C. Elastic was added, encased in the waist. It expands so that you can pull the dress over your head without a need for any zippers or buttons. The flounce, with a circumference of 120 inches, is a couple of inches longer than the upper skirt and a narrow self belt with a vintage buckle has been backed in a lime ribbon. I do hope it inspires you to look through your fabrics and notions, and think about sewing some pretty dresses with spring and summer blooms to carry you into the next season.

5 comments:

Faye Lewis said...

Thanks for the advise on cutting the ties on bias. I'll do just that. I'm putting your book on my "Books to Get Wish List:!

Nancy said...

Wonderful! ...and I caught the bite, and am thinking about that top and how to make it as a dress, it's so lovely!

Laurie said...

love the dress. will show it to my daughter who is sure to want to make one just like it. How splendid it looks in the garden too!

Mabel said...

Beautiful dress!! I like the print of this dress!! Vintage fashion always amazed me...

Nancy said...

Mabel - I'm also fascinated with vintage, it has another quality and beauty.