Wednesday, September 12, 2012

The Sunshine dress.









We have no idea when this yellow fabric was made, nor where it came from. But we do know that for the past 20 years it has hung as curtains in an apartment in Melbourne city and for the past four years that apartment has belonged to my sister Emily.

Until two weeks ago when the curtains came down and we inherited them.

I thought we might use them on our bare bedroom windows but the farmer boy said they wouldn't fit. So they've sat in a heap in the corner of our room ever since. And I've worried about what to do with them. And I didn't let the photographer into our bedroom on her shoot because they embarrassed me. But still they sat in their heap.

And finally this morning I was all geared up to take them to the community op shop, when Miss Pepper decided she needed a yellow, sunshiney dress. I guess it makes sense with all the spring-time wattles and daffodils about.

So I tore a bit off. And I cut out the pieces. And I sewed it all back together again. So very Sound of Music don't you think? Head scarves next?

I know the back needs a press and that she does look a bit brides-maidy, but we are thinking a pocket or two will make all the difference. She wants to choose the fabric.

She lights up my life that one.

And I've only got about ten metres of yellow fabric left in the pile.
Any ideas?

Happy, sunny days peeps. 
Happy making.

xx

30 comments:

  1. Don't you think her belief in you is lovely? I do. 'I would like a sunshiny dress' the little girl said and there it was. It's a kind of magic really being able to make children happy making things for them. She looks lovely and happy in her new dress. She is a lovely girl and her character always shines through in the pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  2. It's gorgeous....very Sound of Music indeed....how fun to make a little something for everyone...that matched their personality. xxx

    ReplyDelete
  3. The dress looks great, especially with the boots. I love how little children can mix & match, yet they always look great. Tricky what to do with another 10m!!!! Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  4. How gorgeous! Love that the fabric was curtains and now is a sunny dress :) Beautiful.
    Is there enough material for a skirt? It would look really cute as a skirt!

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a brilliant idea- she looks so sweet in it, too!
    I think pockets will make it absolutely perfect.
    Enjoy making!
    Xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. Just divine, and what small child wouldn't want to look a bit bridesmaidy, sunny indeed

    ReplyDelete
  7. I think a matching teepee for her to use in the garden would complement all your wattle beautifully. melx

    ReplyDelete
  8. Very Sound of Music! Love the dress - something my daughter would love to wear. Maybe some contrasting pockets??

    ReplyDelete
  9. When we know the notes to sing, we can sing most anything ...

    ReplyDelete
  10. Throw pillows would be lovely in that shade! Placemats, or a runner for the table perhaps?

    Beautiful color.

    ReplyDelete
  11. 10 metres? I'd find an old bedspread for the back and make a summery picnic rug, with a big vintage sheet floral border!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Or you could make matching skirts for the rest of you and a sunhat for Farmer Bren and be very SOM indeedy

    ReplyDelete
  13. It's wonderful! I love it :) So sound of Music and definitely a beautiful happy Spring frock :) Kx

    ReplyDelete
  14. 10 metres left. Oh go on - you have to channel your inner Maria and make team outfits for everyone. You know you want to...

    ReplyDelete
  15. I had to laugh reading Jenny's comment as I had just had the same thought..but seriously..what about big sunshiney tablecloths..wouldn't trestle tables under your trees for a summery get together look fabulous in sunshine yellow. Love the dress too..and the way the light catches the shiny parts.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Lovely dress Kate and so nice to see a girls dress with sleeves. My youngest is fair skinned and red hair and there are so many dresses for girls now that are all sleeveless or pillowcase style surely in Australia we need more protection not less

    ReplyDelete
  17. Gorgeous...and if you want to be really Sound of Music-ish...then 10 metres is just about enough to make all the girls a garment! Ohh...I see that Jenny has already had this thought....Happy Spring to you all.

    ReplyDelete
  18. And I just have to add, when we were children (there were 5 girls) my mother bought bolts of fabric to make curtains...the left overs were used to make...you guessed it...dress upon dress!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Ooops - I remember getting a whole bolt of fabric really cheaply and then making everything with it. We lived on a boat and I made slipcovers for the bunks, a little dress for my daughter..... etc etc. It was only when I looked back on a photo the other day that I noticed - she blended right into the bunk as her dress and the cover were the same fabric!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Its obvious that the whole family should have matching outfits just like the Von trapp children!

    ReplyDelete
  21. All clothing , especially dressed, are better with pockets!

    ReplyDelete
  22. gorgeous dress! i would leave it exactly as it is though. looks very old time european.

    ReplyDelete
  23. The little poppet looks lovely in her sunshiney dress .... awesome skill to be able to take one thing and turn it into entirely another thing altogether.

    ReplyDelete
  24. That is the prettiest sunshine dress I have ever seen!
    As for the remnants...matching outfits...I dare you :)
    x

    ReplyDelete
  25. Loveliest sunshiney dress ever! I have a dress made from curtains and I just love it. Of course my family thinks I'm a bit of a nut.

    ReplyDelete
  26. it is so beautiful! and her expressions are wonder full. you are an awesome mama xx

    ReplyDelete
  27. Gorgeous! Yes pockets! An apron for you? Skirt? Pinafore, pillow shams, carry bag... In college my best friend & I mad dresses out of sheets. Nothing like no iron percale!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Heya i'm for the first time here. I found this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and aid others like you aided me.

    My website ... calculate bmr

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for stopping by...

I do read every single comment you leave and appreciate it very much, but I should let you know that I can be a wee bit on the useless side when replying to comments, that's just me, everyday life sometimes gets in the way....so I'll apologise now, just in case.

Kate XX

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Visit my other blog.