I absolutely, completely fell in love with Simplicity 1459 when it first came out. Enough so, that I actually made the pattern exactly like it appeared on the cover!! No small feat for me. Usually I can't help but make various alterations. OK, I raised the neckline by an inch, but that doesn't count. ;-)
This buckle was in the stash, and was the perfect excuse for a nice wide belt!
These buttons were from Aunt Daisy's house, and they just happened to be the perfect color, the perfect design, and the perfect number. :-)
I did bound buttonholes, since there were only 2 needed and it would be another opportunity to work on improving my technique. Still have a ways to go before I consider myself a proficient, but they are suitable enough to show up well on camera. ;-)
As you all know, I am prone to agonizing. I have been admiring this fabric at JoAnns for 3-4 years now. Each time I go, I think- "that would make a great fall dress"! And yet each time it's on sale, I somehow convince myself that I shouldn't buy it. :-P That's why I have my mother- she called enough enough, and made me finally get around to buying this for a dress. And 2 weeks later, here it is! ;-) I am so pleased with the fabric- it is very appropriate for both spring and fall, thus filling a crucial wardrobe gap.
We even had an appropriately cold spell right after completing it, so it has had several outings this spring. I look forward to wearing it to death in the fall, too. ;-)
· Thanks for the lovely pictures, Kathryn! ·
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It's so lovely! :D
ReplyDeleteHey! I made that dress, too!! Isnt it great? Good idea in raising the neckline, it is a bit low. Loving your fabric choice. Its PERFECT! I made mine last February with some JoAnn fabric as well, but in light green with off white dots. Love this dress. Its so simple to make (i also added a side pocket... Or wait, does it come with one? I dont remember im always adding them lol)
ReplyDeletehttp://sweetergetsthejourneyblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/under-influence.html?m=1 <<theres the post i did on it if you're interested.
Love the bright colors and belt buckle addition. You look fabulous!!
~Abigail
Your dress is lovely, Abigail! :-) And you're right- the pattern doesn't come with a pocket, but I added one too. ;-) Great minds!
DeleteOHHHHHH!!!! Lily this is gorgeous!!! The buckle, the print, the buttons... EVERYTHING is perfect!!! (sorry for "shouting" so much. :P) Beautiful work!
ReplyDeleteI too am still working on perfecting my technique for bound buttonholes. Still not quite good at it, but getting there. :)
Blessings,
Brigid
the Middle Sister and Singer
Thanks Brigid! And don't worry- I like that kind of shouting. ;-)
DeleteI really, really like this one, especially the fabric. :) So much so that I actually comment. And that's a lot. ;)
ReplyDelete:-D I'm honored that my humble creation induced a comment from the Highly Esteemed Susan. ;-)
DeleteLovely! And the hat is super cute, too. :-) That's quite a feat...making something exactly according to the pattern! Messing with patterns is an inveterate habit of mine, too. The general scenario usually runs something like this: "I'll lengthen it, change the neckline from a jewel to a square, use fewer gathers, make shorter sleeves... And yes...I am still making this pattern...it's just become much more of a...vague idea." ;-)
ReplyDeleteLOL! Yep, you know it! ;-)
DeleteLovely!!!
ReplyDeleteThis certainly is the prettiest dress I've seen in a while! I'm in love with it! Well done!
ReplyDeleteWant!
ReplyDeleteI love how the title "Wardrobe Staple" evokes images of black pencil skirts, cardigans, and white button down blouses. And then you scroll down and find just about the most colorful dress in your possession. ;-) It's SO CUTE!
ReplyDeleteLOL! Yeah, I hadn't even thought of that! But really, colorful dresses are much more "me" than black skirts. ;-)
DeleteOH. MY. GOODNESS! I adore this dress beyond description. Why didn't I make a dress out of this fabric? I looovved it too, but only got enough for an apron. I love my apron, but this is just too pretty. Next time I am at JoAnn, I am getting this pattern!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, gorgeous dress, hat, and everything!! :-)
I love that dress pattern!!! The fabric you chose is so lovely!!! I really like you blog:)
ReplyDeleteI would be absolutely delighted if your did a hair tutorial.... *hint, hint* :-)
ReplyDeleteThe dress is absolutely gorgeous!!! I love it,, and your hair as well!!! :D
ReplyDeleteBeautiful job. I was dying to see this pattern made up. This is a beautiful silhouette on your figure. I also just love your belt! Your hair is also so lovely...Maybe if you have some time on you hands you could make a how-to video. Very pretty, all of it!
ReplyDeleteCharming! I'm a Joann's minion, so I know that print quite well; one of the nicer calicoes I think. It looks great as this dress!
ReplyDeleteBEAUTIFUL!!!! You make such great dresses! I want to steal your hat =) lol! ANd I agree with Eva about the hair tutorial. ;)
ReplyDeleteI saw the photo of you in this outfit on Pinterest. It is so beautiful. Fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThank you all so much for your sweet comments! I'm pleased you all love this dress as much as I do. :-)
ReplyDeleteAs for the many hair tutorials- thanks for the suggestion! When I'm with my photographer next, I'll be sure to get pictures for a post. :-)
I guess that's the second pattern that I will buy after seeing your version of it - your dress is so pretty :-)
ReplyDeletebeautiful dress ... it looks perfectly paired with the hat!
ReplyDeleteLove this fabric!
ReplyDeleteThe brown dress! Drool!
ReplyDeleteHow did you raise the neckline? It would be easy on the front and facing pieces, but how did you work it on the collar? I'll be raising it probably an inch more than yours.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the help! :-)
Esther,
DeleteI *think* (can't quite remember) that I raised the neckline edge of the collar piece by an inch, then trimmed off an inch from the bottom edge to keep the same overall proportions. I'm not sure how it will work for raising it even more? That was one of the reasons I only raised it an inch. ;-)
Hope it goes well for you!
Thanks!! I am actually putting a slightly different collar on, so it should work out great. One more question, if I could ask, is where you get your necklaces. They're so pretty! Are they vintage or modern? I love them!! Thank you!
DeleteThanks! :-) They are usually purchased at antique stores, but I'm not quite sure how old they really are... At any rate, they're usually just $1-2 and in with the more "junky" costume jewelry. ;-) This style of plastic bead is trendy right now though, so you can pretty easily find beads at JoAnns/Hobby Lobby/etc to make your own.
DeleteBeautiful! I'm no good at following patterns beginning to end (or following directions for that matter). I've had this pattern for ages, but have yet to make anything. However, I did pull it out last week to trace off and I hope to use the skirt pieces & a self drafted waistband to make the "perfect" full skirt. Fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteI love this skirt shape- I hope you enjoy it just as much!! :-)
DeleteI made a black skirt and it's perfect! I mean, I wouldn't call my sewing perfect, but it resulted in the perfectly gathered & flared black skirt. I'm thrilled, so thanks for the extra inspiration!
DeleteI loved your version of this dress so much that I made one too! http://dollycreates.blogspot.com/2014/10/1950s-favorite-fall-dress.html
ReplyDeleteThanks for being such an inspiration! :)
Glad you enjoyed it so much!
DeleteHow did you make the belt? Get the belt buckle? Thank you!
DeleteHi Julie, I typically use vintage belt buckles and I make my belts with 2 layers of fusible knit interfacing and fabric. Most I don't top-stitch, but I did for this one. :-)
DeleteI made a dress out of this print as well! I love it as a dress AND a skirt, I am glad it got a new life! :D
ReplyDelete