Monday, February 8, 2010

The carefree dress.


After a week of non stop market preparation that included farm work, picking berries and making 87 jars of jam, baking close to a hundred meringues and lots of other random jobs, my reward today was to sew for a few hours.

Using this sheet, doily and bias binding I found in an op shop on our recent beach adventure and using the pictures from this book but not trusting myself with a pattern, I set to work.

I drew, and cut and bound and gathered and enjoyed.

It probably does look a bit like a nightie more than a dress but I didn't have to use my quick unpick once and that's all that matters today.

I didn't line the dress or use any interfacing which is probably why it doesn't sit flat at the back once buttoned up, but its hot today and I think it would be so lovely and cool to wear.


I'm off to pick up the girls now and take them to swimming lessons and although I haven't hung out the washing or unloaded the dishwasher, I feel a bit happy and carefree.

Sometimes a bit of sewing is as good as a holiday.

37 comments:

  1. Good on you for not doing the chores Kate - every now and then we all need a break from it, much better to have made that lovely dress I say.
    That book is apparently coming my way - but being a maker not a creator I'll have to use a pattern!

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  2. LOL - after a week of non-stop market preparation that included sewing sewing sewing, maybe I should bake some meringues as my reward!!
    Lovely work on the dress - hope you're feeling refreshed!

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  3. Oh, my holiday day will be tomorrow and if I can make something half as pretty as the carefree dress, I would be as happy as a pig in mud.

    Hope the market went well for you.

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  4. I totally get the whole "sewing is a holiday" thing. As I look sadly at the box marked "sewing supplies." I figured I had better pack it up for the move otherwise I would be tempted to do projects rather than pack a few boxes everyday. I'm looking forward to cracking that box open when I get to VIC!
    xx Amy
    P.S. love the ruffle and collar.

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  5. The doily collar and the ruffles at the hem and sleeve make this dress so pretty! Well done!!

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  6. I completely agree about the sewing is a holiday. I'm having one of those holidays tomorrow afternoon!!

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  7. Mmmmmmm... meringues! What was that you were saying...?!

    Oh the dress!

    I don't think it looks like a nighty at all, and it would be lovley on a day like today (I. Am. Dying.), it looks beautiful hon and I'm happy you enjoyed the process.

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  8. You've done a beautiful job on the dress!

    I've often thought of buying that book. It's in my fishpond basket at the moment. Is it good?

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  9. That dress and the shorter top version of it are my favourite items in the book ... I think. Your version is lovely Kate.

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  10. Adorable...the use of the crochet trim is very inspired. Love it.

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  11. It sounds wonderfully satisfying! And it's a lovely sweet dress, too.

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  12. It looks so lovely - I love the soft blue of the sheet (you must have quite the stash of gorgeous sheets to create with!). And I'm a fan of the raw edged ruffles.
    You have had a very productive week (87 jars of jam sounds like quite a stash too:)

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  13. Looks so sweet and cool for a hot day like today.
    And the Silly Billy Dress (Take II) turned out gorgeous.
    Ever thought of selling your own patterns?
    Andi :-)

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  14. hi Kate
    you definitely deserve a holiday after all that hard work!.. and your last photo is really beautiful.

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  15. You are just so clever, this dress is gorgeous and I just love the collar so much!
    Sophie x

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  16. mmm meringues, now that is one thing I would definitely try!
    that dress is adorable & yep, that 1st pic is absolutely stunning!
    hope it's not too hot for you, it is sooo sticky today.

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  17. The dress is lovely, stunning backdrop too! Have been enjoying reading your sewing adventures, looks like a happy ending for the silly billy dress!

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  18. What a lovely dress! I love the use of the doily. You'd never know it was one.

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  19. It seems you had a wonderful day Kate. You can always hang out the washing tonight and it will be dry in the morning for you. That is what I have planned as it has been so hot today. Meringues sound nice, do you pop berries and cream on top. The dress is gorgeous, doesnt look one bit like a nightie!

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  20. So true - a bit of escape from the usual and some creativity does wonders. Very pretty little dress!

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  21. I have been eyeing off this book for a while and I think I may of just been sold on it. I soooo love the whole detailing, gorgeous

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  22. This is so lovely! very 'vintage' like. And such great view you have!

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  23. The dress is lovely and you earnt the sewing time after all of that hard work. Hope you had fun,
    Abbe

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  24. Gorgeous. You are such a busy lady!

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  25. Wow! That doily looks amazing around the neckline. The dress doesn't look like a nightie at all - it's absolutely beautiful.
    Melinda :)

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  26. Perfect!! (due to these business hours...I am getting to your blog really LATE....so all the chick's above have covered the most of it)...so today you just get a simple PERFECT!!! xx

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  27. The dress is gorgeous! I love the doilly, it just makes it even prettier.

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  28. Hi Kate lovely to see you over at my blog:)

    this 'sew green' dress is a delight and I love the photo shoot how aussie!

    I so agree about sewing it relaxes me and is almost as good as a holiday!

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  29. Kate it's just beautiful! I love the use of the doily too.x

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  30. WOW! So lovely...you really have a great talent for throwing things together. I so envy your sewing skills! I avoid housework at all costs but sadly do not fill the gap with anything as creative as yourself :( Good on YOU!
    I am currently struggling with how I am going to deal with my PILES!
    http://franklyfeisty.blogspot.com/2010/02/i-have-piles.html

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  31. That dress is amazingly gorgeous! You are so talented. I want to start sewing but I could only dream about having an ounce of your talent!

    I also love the dress against the beautiful tree.

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  32. Alright that's it! I am off to buy some cute little sheets! I love this!

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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

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