Throwback: New Life to an Old Dress

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Buenos Dias!

 I've got a quick post for you today. I haven't been able to start a new project due to a 12 page research paper on women's suffrage and 3 brides maids dresses overcrowding my plate...BUT! Last week I took the second dress I ever made and turned it into a halter versus the ill placed straps I had put on it previously...I think it looks way better!

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Simplicity 1609

Until I can draft my own patterns, I'll always be slightly obsessive when it comes to purchasing them. I mark on my calendar the dates my local fabric store puts them on sale and I get their within the first hour of being open so I get as close to first pick as possible (they are bad at keeping enough vintage repo & Gretchen "Gertie" Hirsch in stock!).

When I came across this style, I couldn't pass it up!

Find this pattern on the Simplicity website

As you well know, I'm bonkers for prints, and this dress style is purrrfect for going all out. When I began this dress I had intended to wear it to the Earth Day event I participated in for work. Read about it here. In true Earth Day spirit, I decided to only use materials I had on hand, and if I needed anything it would be purchased from one of my local thrift stores. Rummaging through my little stash of cotton prints led me to a forgotten treasure: a purple, pink, & teal Damask print with gold accents. I had bought it with the intention of using it for the skirt of a dress, but I thought that this particular project would put it to better use and show off how beautiful the fabric is more than a full skirt and crinoline. Plus, it's kinda psychedelic! It was destiny to use it for a 60's mod styled dress.

Now, there were a few issues while making the dress. First being, I was a dummy and didn't check to see how long the zipper needed to be. It calls for a 22" zip, and the longest I had on hand was 16". I ended up creating a loop enclosure (is that even the proper term?)  up at the top of my dress to finish it off.

I think I may add a second button to the top..thoughts?

Earth Day & Completed Butterick B5748

Happy Earth Day!
In observance of Earth Day, last Saturday our town held a small fair consisting of local businesses who offer "green" services. I actually work for a certified green business! Betty's Girl Boutique is a collection of redesigned vintage and recycled garments. I had been eagerly awaiting this day since February, so Friday night I hardly slept a wink I was so excited. That, and I was trying to finish a new dress in time...that didn't really happen..so I decided to wear my Butterick B5748 with a petticoat underneath the show you just how fabulous that skirt looks in all its voluptuous glory!

Our booth!

Bodega Bay

This week has been a pretty fun one. Which I really needed after the stress of my accident and constantly going to the chiropractor and doctor. One of my younger sisters is home from school for the week (she's actually going back today :( sad, sad) and we wanted to try and camp for a few days. Well, with my neck and back being cranky all the time, I couldn't really camp. Instead we decided to head out to Bodega Bay on Tuesday. It was so fantastic to lay in the sand and just listen to the ocean.

We've been going to Doran Beach since I was a wee lass. Isn't it beautiful?

Treat Yo' Self!

I've got lovely things in the works...but because of my car accident, life and whatnot I'm having a hard time getting everything started or finished! Balancing everything is tricky. That, and sitting in front of my machine doesn't feel so great right now. This laptop should take a bit of the blame. It won't recognize my camera!

I do have a little bit of an update for you though. I saved up my money and a few weeks ago bought...dun dun duuuuun! A new sewing machine!! Whoop, whoop!

Isn't our happy lil family cute?
Don't Lily is too excited about the newest addition to the crew...

Secret Weapon: Layrite

Hey there! So, I still can't really sit in front of my machine therefore...no new projects to share :(
BUT! I do have a product review!

Follow Wildcat on Tumblr! [x]

Downtown there is a FANTASTIC shop called Wildcat. It's stocked with vintage and retro inspired clothing lines and accessories. The shop's a total gem and the shop owner is super nice, helpful & fun to chat with.

Butterick B5748 (Part One)

My faaaavorite patterns are always found in a company's retro section. I've always loved vintage fashion, especially the 1950's and some 1960's designs due to their extremely feminine lines. I have a somewhat hourglass shape and love how complimentary this era is to my body type.

A Lil' Hawaiian

A few weeks ago I stopped into Community Projects and found this beauty:

A Dress for My Little Sister

Today's post is going to showcase my first attempt at using an adult size pattern for a child...
Nellie Bell's 12th birthday was March 22nd and while trying to figure out what to get her I had a brilliant idea! Why don't I make a dress, I thought. So, I pulled out some fabric, and got down and dirty.