Are you like me, always searching through the old paper patterns in op shops and garage sales just in case there is one you actually might make?Most often I don't buy these patterns because I don't have a great history of pattern following, but yesterday I did.
I bought this pattern and fabric at a garage sale on the way home from Ballarat yesterday.I sewed it up today.
I followed the pattern all the way through, including the properly inserted zip at the back and the darts pointing to my nipples. I also did the facing the way it told me to, but for some reason when I sewed it in, it made creases in the neckline.I added the ruffle at the bottom because it needed something more than the pattern gave me.
To be honest the outside looks pretty good but the inside is a bit of a mess. If you see me down the street, don't go lifting up my skirt or anything.
I'm pretty happy with it though. And I'm extra pleased I saved the most special bit of garage sale fabric for my second try of the pattern because there are a few things I'll do differently next time.
This is today's motif.I crocheted it up on the spot without a pattern to cover up the creases in the neckline. I'll sew it on properly later.
The pattern, McCall's 8818, is from 1997 so its not quite vintage yet.
I hope you have a great week this week.
That is very inspiring, as i am not good at following patterns! I think it looks great - i love the fabric and boots too!!
ReplyDeleteMmmm where's the crocheted ricrac? And the other two fabrics for the back? Don't you want to look cutesey like your girls?!! Seriously it looks fabulous. Well done for making something for yourself for a change too. I think I should do that too.
ReplyDeleteNice work - it looks appropriately flippy, twirly and whirly. Good to see you tried it out with a bit of garden frolicking with the little one.
ReplyDeleteOh and thanks for doing the darts to point out your nips!
Looks great :) The fabric is lovely too
ReplyDeleteIt looks fantastic & I love the frill! You've inspired me with your May motifs, I have tried over & over again to get one right & I've made something but it doesn't resemble the picture at all! More practice is in order, I am determined to get it right..eventually...
ReplyDeleteYou are a veritable 'inspire'! And I bet the designer of McCall's 8818 is kicking themselves for leaving off the bottom frill whatsit.
ReplyDeleteWow youre a legend at inserting a zip... I tend to shy away from patterns with zippers! Love the fabric too!
ReplyDeleteNow I see why your girls look so adorable in their outfit shots - they clearly take after their gorgeous mum! Dress looks fantastic and i think the frill is definitely the icing on the cake. for some reason I was expecting to see a close up of the darts but then realised that that would also mean a close up of your chest...at least the pattern didn't call for two giant flowers to be placed where your nipples are meant to go. i hate it when that happens!
ReplyDeleteI love it Kate, suits you well!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful crochet too, inspiring me to persevere with mine.
I love it so much Kate, it looks great on, such a versatile pattern to have too, you could make heaps of them and they could all look different with your frills and motifs
ReplyDeleteLooks fantastic twirling around with boots!
ReplyDeleteyou're so cute!!
ReplyDelete♥
Looks lovely Kate, great photos, you are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteLooks gorgeous- nice to see some beautiful photos of you for once! I never star enough in my photos. Great work. xo m.
ReplyDeletegorgeous Kate, and lovely photos of you and- Pepper (?).
ReplyDeleteYou look so cute in the dress.Lovely additions too.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! It's the ruffle and crocheted motif that really make it though. Beautiful job! :)
ReplyDeleteNice pins! Did you go to that weird garage sale on Creswick road? Hey, craft night is next week honey, if you see any of the others could you pass it on? Hope all is good with you, chat soon xo
ReplyDeleteIts absolutely gorgeous Kate! I have a couple of vintage dress patterns in the stash that I've picked up at the oppy... one of these days, I'll actually have the courage to have a go.
ReplyDeletePS - the ruffle is the perfect finish.
The fabric is beautiful, and I love this dress!!!
ReplyDeleteClever Foxy Lady!
ReplyDeleteYou did an awesome job with that dress, and that ruffle you added is pure genius!
ReplyDeleteP/S : I promise not to lift up your skirt if I ever see you wearing this dress!
Oh your dress is gorgeous...
ReplyDeleteI too look and have bought patterns at garage sales...
But I think zips are scary...
I love the ruffle you added...
Tres cute!!!
1997 was last millenium so I suppose you could call it vintage???
ReplyDeleteWhat exactly is the definition of vintage? I suppose it depends on the age of the person using the term. For me vintage is last millenium but for my son vintage is probably anything from last year!
Great dress by the way and today's motif is fab. Loving the colour.
NOT lift your skirt up in the street. well, that ruins my plans :)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see your next dress - this one looks very fancy with your great boots!
Looks great! I did laugh at your lifting of dress in street bit to the point where I had to read it to my husband. He was not so tickled by it but it gave me a laugh.
ReplyDeleteI love the pictures of the two of you in your sweet dresses, they look wonderful! Perfect boots you have too!
ReplyDeletewhat an awesome dress! as for shifting around always looking for patterns in op-shops...I'm always looking for old sheets and pillow cases to use as fabric! My closest one I'm sure thinks I'm odd, since I pop in a couple time s a week and each time only buy one pillow case. they must think i have heaps of pillows or am crazy! hehe. Keep up the awesome sewing!
ReplyDeleteKate it's completely gorgeous! LOVE it, you are amazing. And who cares about the inside?
ReplyDeleteHope your Monday is a funday xo
Woohoo… A dress for Kate, you deserve it after outfitting your little ones so beautifully! Can’t wait to see you second try if this is just a first attempt!
ReplyDeleteYay for homemade dresses! Thank goodness for motif's to cover up not quite perfect bits. It looks fab, especially the ruffle at the bottom. We don't give ourselves nearly enough excuses to twirl around.
ReplyDeleteFab dress - looks great on you! Love the ruffle too, it's perfect! Wish I could sew like you! The crochet motif will look gorgeous, good stuff :)
ReplyDeleteOh Kate, it's lovely. Great fabric and really lovely shape and the frill just adds to it's loveliness - a good addition. I'm also very much liking todays motif and goes so well with that fabric! x
ReplyDeleteThats my type of dress. One you can EAT IN!!!!
ReplyDeleteKate, this is awesome, how cool all thrifted! Love it with the boots. Clever girl.
ReplyDeleteLoving the dress! :D
ReplyDeleteI love what Leonie said! I like to have clothes I can eat in as well.
ReplyDeleteYou must make more in all sorts of colours. I scour through patterns but secretly hate them, buy them anyway but never use them. Whats with that?
Love it Kate. Well done! xo
ReplyDeleteWell done - it looks great:)
ReplyDeleteWolf whistles :)
ReplyDeletelooove it- you look great!
ReplyDeleteYou're speed is astounding! I'm lucky to cut out a pattern one week then maybe get to sew one seam the next weekend and so on and so on. And I love that you made something for YOURSELF! Enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great dress Kate!So hopefully no one will try and lift up your dress, Otherwise hubby might get worried!hehehe!:)
ReplyDeleteLovely dress and fabric. Gorgeous with the ruffle and crochet flower!!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week !!
Cecilie
hehe...yeah. Hopefully no one lift up your dress ;)
ReplyDeleteI thought it (and you too) looks great though. :)
hehe...yeah. Hopefully no one lift up your dress ;)
ReplyDeleteI thought it (and you too) looks great though. :)
Such a lovely dress...looks super funky with your tights and boots. Your motif is lovely too :)
ReplyDeleteI am just catching up, I gasped when I saw that tea cup dress.
ReplyDeleteNice one Kate! please see email
ReplyDeleteYour dress looks great! I have long thought about making some lovely retro/vintage dresses but always tell myself I'll do it after I lose weight. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteLooks fantastic Kate! You are a sewing/crafting dynamo!
ReplyDeleteit's lovely, love flowery fabric and ruffles oh i'm a gonna ; ) i have never stuck to a pattern or finished a patterned piece ever so very impressed and inspired!!
ReplyDeletelovely dress - it looks fantastic :)
ReplyDeletel
x
The dress looks great!
ReplyDeleteLooks gorgeous Kate!!
ReplyDelete