Envisioning a light and airy sundress for an Independence Day picnic, I perused my pattern and fabric stash.
FABRIC AND PATTERN
Believe it or not, this pattern from 1981, that I purchased at an antique shop in Vermont a few years ago, beckoned me.
With two challenges, could I size it up to fit me, and could I update the 1980s look into Vintage Flair?
In the fabric stash I found this lovely 100% cotton red/white narrow striped fabric with a soft feel and gentle drape.
SEWING PROCESS
I ended up sewing two different bodices.
Without thinking, I cut out the first bodice as directed, with the stripe running vertically.
After sewing it to the skirt, which had the stripes running vertically, I felt that looked boring.
Improving the situation with a touch of 18th century flair, I recut the bodice with the stripes running as a chevron in the bodice.
After I attached that bodice to the skirt, I decided to add ruffles which then had more stripe interplay.
I loved the effect.
I’m still on the lookout for a belt that I like to wear with the dress.
Running out of time, I wore a red blouse with white shorts to my Independence Day picnics instead, which was perfect.
TRAIN STATION AT PURCELLVILLE
After church yesterday, my son took photos of me with my dress while we were out and about.
Our first stop was one of our favorite places, the train depot in Purcellville where my son set me up for all the different poses…
MOO-THRU ICE CREAM
Later that afternoon we drove to the Moo-Thru near Bealeton, for ice cream.
Crepe myrtles at the Moo Thru.
Unbeknownst to me while waiting for ice cream, a close-up of the contemporary vintage flair hat I trimmed a few years ago.
Moundz ice cream is the best!
FLYING CIRCUS
Later that afternoon we chased hot air balloons from the nearby Flying Circus.
DRESS ANALYSIS
Despite modeling before a mirror as I sewed the dress, I realize after seeing photos that I didn’t enlarge the bodice correctly.
Although the dress did not have the best fit, it is wonderfully comfortable due to being light and airy with a soft, lovely drape.
I loved all the ruffles I added and the way the skirt bounces against my legs when I walk, due to the mini petticoat underneath.
It’s a lot of fun to wear for a casual day out and about in the summer.
