Born on the 4th of July

Not really but I did watch Yankee Doodle Dandy this weekend. I didn't get to wear my patriotic dress until Sunday (more on why later this week) but here it is.

Tada! You may recognize this fabric if you've been reading my blog for a while. It was originally this dress, then I lost 30lbs and had to finagle it to sort of fit, but I wasn't happy with the fit. So this year, I decided to completely re-work it into a new dress.

I had really wanted to make the blue gingham version of Simplicity 2357. (I'm highly susceptible to pattern cover designs.....) But I had a blue gingham dress already! Since both had a circle skirt and the wrap dress meant extra fabric, I was able to squeeze it out of the original dress.

One thing I really do like is that there is no red actually on the dress anymore so I can wear this dress without having to be over patriotic.

Plus I can also wear a crinoline under it for extra poof!

I even used a stash zipper so this project was completely free. Yay! Maybe one day I'll make a peplum to go with it.

But for right now I love it with a red belt! It's so comfy with the kimono sleeves and gathers.

Due to fabric restraints, I wasn't able to match plaid as much as I'd like but with only a few pattern pieces, it's not too noticeable.

What did you wear for this patriotic holiday?

Pink + Nautical

I just adore all things nautical! And I really needed another nautical dress. ;)

Fabric: pink cotton twill ($5/yd)
Pattern: Simplicity 2801
Year: 1949
Notions: zipper, nautical braid
First worn: May 2012
Total cost: ~$25

I've been trying to make some more simple pieces but this dress just needed a bit more than all pink.

At first I wanted to do embroidery. But I did a little test embroidery and I wasn't feeling it.

Then I remembered this cute nautical trim and voila! Pink nautical dress!

I was going to make a self-fabric belt but it was still too much pink so my handy white thrifted belt came to the rescue!

Add a hair flower for pop of color and that's it!

A Touch of Western

I'm not really big on anything western or country or farm, but I do go to church in a barn so it had to happen sooner or later.

I've wanted a blue chambray dress for summer for a while and I'm so happy I finally made one!

 

Fabric: blue chambray cotton ($5/yd)
Pattern: Simplicity 2851
Year: 1949
Notions: western style buttons, zipper, belt kit
Hours to complete: 6
First worn: May 2012
Total cost: ~$25
 

I just adore this pattern! Late 1940s looks are so flattering. I've also made a winter version of this dress. Don't you love reusing patterns? I've been keeping an eye out for patterns that have both short and long sleeved options so they'll work for both summer and winter.

I found a set of vintage "pearls" among my stuff that's still at my parents' house a while back and I really like them! They are a bit daintier than my other faux pearls and will be great for summer.

I bought these metal western buttons on a whim at Costume College. They go great with the blue chambray for just a touch of country.

I know that this will be a favorite all summer!