I Want Candy!

With so much to tell yesterday, I didn't get a chance to mention my new dress!

The plan was to draw people to my stall by wearing something eye-catching so I set about making something from the 'Atomic' print quilting material I'd picked up a few weeks ago. It certainly does grab your attention. Now, what to sew?

1940s Mail Order pattern for House/Day dress

For some reason, I've always referred to this pattern as the 'baseball dress' - I imagine the fabric is red & white candy stripes. It was very simple to put together, I only really glanced at the instructions and it was finished in a weekend. It did take me a bit to figure out the bodice piece though - it's only one piece and a very odd shape.

I've also managed to conquer my button hole phobia - I now just sew a couple of test ones on a scrap of fabric until I get the feel of it, then make them in my garment. I also use an air-erasable pen and mark the size of the hole of the back of the fabric, just in case it stains.

 I've been looking for a dress I can wear all day, everyday and I think I've found it!

The print is a bit crazy but I think the white collar tabs and inset belt break it up, giving it a bit more balance. I'm also really lovin' the buttons! When I first put them with the fabric, they reminded me of boiled lollies - exactly what I was looking for.

The only additions I need to make are adding a couple of press-studs; one to keep the front cross-over closed and one to stop the skirt flying open. On the positive side: at least you can see my beautifully bias bound hem.

 

What do you think? Gumballs? Jawbreakers? Or perhaps billiard balls?

No matter what they are, I love 'em!

-Tamara