Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Slight sidetrack...Ooh la la Pin Up Sew-Along

I know I'm meant to be focusing on the bridesmaid frock right now, but I just stumbled across this fabulous new sew along courtesty of two fabulous bloggers: A Few Threads Loose and Ohhh Lulu.
It's a sew along that includes two absolutely gorgeous vintage French lingerie items, a garter belt and a corsolet bra. I'm seriously tempted to get in on this as the garter belt in particular looks divine. The patterns are by Anna Depew and you can see both these and many more of her lovely patterns at her Etsy store - Mrs. Depew Vintage.
Pattern from Mrs. Depew Vintage
Pattern from Mrs. Depew Vintage

For information about the sew-along and a give away (if you're really quick!), check out A Few Threads Loose and Ohhh Lulu.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Butterick B6582: Full Skirted Floral Frock

 A while ago I saw this gorgeous Jerry Gilden dress on Couture Allure:

While this particular dress was beyond my reach, I put it in my inspiration file. A little later I came across this fabric and immediately thought of the dress. 

I wanted to make a similar style dress and was keeping my eye out for suitable patterns. Then I realised I had an excellent candidate already in my stash. Remember Butterick B6582? I made the straight skirted "screen sirens" version last year. The pattern includes a full skirted version as well. 

Since I'm already familiar with the pattern and the bodice fit quite well with minimal alterations, it seems a good choice for my next frock project. After the Crepe dress that needed so many muslin changes and the fabric that was a nightmare to work with, I'm looking forward to something a bit more straightforward.

And I have strong motivation to make this dress. My best friend is getting married in May and I will be her maid of honour. It's a nice simple ceremony so I've been spared the usual horror of bridal party wear. I'd like to have a new dress to wear and having a rough idea of what the bride will be wearing, I think a full skirted vintage style frock would be quite appropriate. And it will give me a chance to finally have something I can wear my very frilly petticoat with.