Wednesday, April 20, 2011

A Smart Everyday Dress


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It was dark in the house so I took the tripod outside, windy day! lol

I tried to line up the checks


Closeup on piping on neckline cute thrifted belt!

I've had a passion for check fabric that dates back to childhood. If I could have made a dress from the check tablecloth my mom used for the camping picnic table, I would have. I really love how this dress came out. First, I must say I love the red piping that I found hiding in my sewing box. Although, it was difficult getting the piping sewn into the neckline and pockets, I am glad I took the time to do it. 

  I  also buckled down and got the sleeves put into the armhole correctly. The pattern was a bit confusing and specifies the fabric to be clipped at the sleeves and bodice in two places, but doesn't show you exactly where to clip.  Do you feel a little hesitant to clip fabric when making a pattern?  I do, I want an X marks the spot, clip here with an arrow or some indication. You've got to love 1940's pattern for their instructions, but after working a bit, the sleeves went in perfectly! 

 The buttons came off of a old jacket that was 1/2 price at the thrift. Buttons have becomes quite pricey, so I buy them on garments from the thrift, this is the best way for me to keep the cost down. Finally, I wanted to say, thank you, so much for all your encouraging words, I am overwhelmed with gratitude to the readers of my humble blog.

Have a wonderful vintage day and happy sewing to you all!

Gina

35 comments:

  1. I love checks/gingham too! This looks great with the red belt and the piping - and even red shoes : ) The front skirt seam looks perfect! I love the buttons too. Thrifted garments are a great way to find nice buttons!

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  2. I absolutely love the red piping with the navy/white check! You did a wonderful job with the details on this dress! Also, I'm very envious of the tire swing in your backyard!

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  3. really do love this dress. It looks great!! Could you please give me some details about the pattern because I would really really really like to sew this dress myself, this is the one that I' ve been searching for.
    Antje from Belgium

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  4. It's lovely. I've been a big fan of gingham since girlhood too! Love the red accents and buttons, it makes it really fresh and crisp. x

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  5. I LOVE it! the piping is a nice effect and the fabric is fantastic! very nice!! Sure did look like a windy day! :)

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  6. OOOOOOOOOOOOhh!! I just LOVE your dress!!! I love gingham too! and mixing those colors and the pattern the result is a lovely dress!!! I WANT IT!!! wich pattern did you used? do you mention it? JUST love it!

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  7. Gina I am literally crying with laughter at your falling tripod photo, ha ha!!! I've done the exact same thing,but the fact that it captured you so candidly is just magic,lol!
    Now, the dress, wow. That piping really makes the dress pack a punch. Fabbo!
    Pxxx

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  8. I love this dress! The fit, trim, the everything!! I aspire to the skill level you are at to make such a beautiful dress!! Bravo!!

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  9. You are on a roll with piping girl and I love it. Piping trims out everything so neat like. The gingham too is a favorite of mine, I used red/white all the time in sewing my quilts. This dress is fabulous on you. Now I really want to do some piping myself and am looking into the next project after i finish up this satin blue top.

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  10. Ha ha ha. The photo of you running for the camera was hilarious. It has made me laugh out loud this morning. I LOVE your dress too. I have been meaning to give piping on a pockets ago and now I will.

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  11. I wandered over after seeing this at Sew Retro. Very nice! the time you took adding the piping and lining up the checks was worth it. It looks great!

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  12. This is a really beautiful dress, and you're photos are always SO casual and romantic and wonderful. I especially love that 3rd picture of you- it's just too cute!

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  13. Hey, nice. Beautiful colors AND style. Looks nice on you.

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  14. Gina, this might my favourite dress of yours yet! I love the gingham and the red piping/buttons...stunning! Your 'tripod falling' photo had me in stitches by the way ;o)

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  15. Your dress is fantastic and you look great in it!

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  16. The picture with the wind is awesome! Thanks for including that one in your post. Again - you are a wonderful sewist. Your eye for detail makes all of your projects interesting and lovely. I love reading your blog!

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  17. This is an awesome dress. You did an amazing job.

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  18. I could love gingham too if it looks like this.

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  19. Antje from Belgium- The pattern is from the 40's. It has what they call bat sleeves, they slit open. The pattern is shown here http://vintagegirl68.blogspot.com/2011/03/my-summer-everyday-dress.html I made it in light purple before. The sizing was really good for me. It was pretty easy to put together. Good luck!

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  20. Seriously awesome dress Gina! Love the photos! Sam xox

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  21. Wow! I really love that dress, plaids and polkadots are my favorites. That dress is special, the details make it unique.

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  22. Gina...the dress is just lovely! And you matched the checks just so :)

    Mrs. M.

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  23. I love the piping, and am hoping to try it out myself soon. I hope I do as well as you. I have to make the piping first though, so we'll see if I even get that far. ;)

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  24. Love your check dress! The red piping and buttons are brilliant.
    Your windy-day-with-the-tripod shot is a classic!

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  25. Gina,

    Okay, sorry that I am late coming over to visit your lovely blog. :(

    Although I am not as found as checkered patterns as you are, I think your dress is just lovely, and the piping around the neckline and sleeves really adds a nice touch to the dress.

    BTW, you are TOO funny in front of the camera. I LOVED that picture of you making that funny face in the wind, LOL! Looks like you had a little "too much fun" out there taking pictures. Tee hee. :)

    Blessings,

    -L. Rose

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  26. Wonderful job! This dress looks so beautiful on you. With the weather warming up (and my never ending 1790's project) I'm itching to try my hand at another vintage dress. You've inspired me!

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  27. This dress is really lovely!!

    B.

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  28. Oh this is so gorgeous! So stylish and cute at the same time. Love the gingham and the red piping.

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  29. LOVE LOVE LOVE your dress! You are right - it's a SMART dress! ;o)

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  30. Isn't it great to be able to make something that fits so perfectly? II would buy that in a second if I saw it in a shop. I'll have to sart using a tripod too. I hate the pictures my daughter takes of me!

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  31. Oh, this is so cute, the fabric, the piping, I love it!

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  32. This is beautiful. Looks like a fun photo shoot too :)

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  33. After seeing your dress I had to hunt until I found a copy of this pattern. I've got one now and look forward to making it.

    --C.B.

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  34. Sexy bitch makes me hard

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