Are you inspired by what women wore in the past? Fashion comes and goes - but it always seems to come back. In researching my next Garment of the Month, I came across these dresses from June of 1875. Oh my.
Beautiful, but thank goodness these styles are not trending! They must have been so warm.
Actually, I'm inspired by the gathered sundress from Pattern Runway. It has the cutest pockets I've ever seen. The entire dress is so pretty, I love the nipped waist effect and the summery bodice. The whole dress has a retro look - so appealing. Great sneakers!
Alas, it also has a back zipper, a no-no for me.
I thought about simply using a different bodice, with an elasticized waistband, so I can pull it over my head. And I'll do this soon. But for my first version I've decided to make a skirt. A maxi skirt at that (I can always shorten it if I don't like it long). Here's my basic design:
Rather make it a pull-on, with an elasticized waist, I'm opening the front and using buttons all the way down. I'd like to keep the 'nipped' waist look. For fun, I'm planning to add a contrast bias band to the top of the waistband and all the way down the button placket edges, to match the binding on the pockets.
The main fabric is Nicole's Prints Retro Floral calico from Alexander Henry, and the contrast fabric is Savannah Flower Dots calico from the Stonehill Collection. To add a bit more body to the skirt and diminish wrinkling, I'm using a Symphony broadcloth lining (it's a very smooth, lightweight poly/cotton).
I'm looking forward to sewing this project! Working with the pattern (which is a PDF) and drafting new pieces for a skirt has been interesting. My living room floor should be covered with fabric soon!
Bye for now - Coco
Great combo of fabrics. Look forward to seeing your skirt.
ReplyDeleteI think this may have been the first indie pattern I ever bough; like you, just HAd to have those pockets. It is a great dress! I was inspired by Ooonaballoona, who used it for 'one pattern, five ways' a few years back... She made a maxi skirt from it for one of her variations as well. I inserted the back zipper, but I think you could move it to one of the side seams and still be able to get in and out of the dress without any issues. Can't wait to see your results.
ReplyDeleteAwesome pattern and fabric pairing. Can't wait to see it!
ReplyDeleteoh, these will be lovely! Can't wait to see!
ReplyDeleteHi Val! I think it came out originally with a side zip! Saw this mentioned in a reciew on PR.
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be so pretty.. Can't wait to see it.
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