the vintage vibe is in the air! can you feel it? that's right everyone - it's vintage may! i was so excited to be asked to join in for this fun series hosted by my pals kristin of the awesome blog - skirt as top and the equally as amazing jess of craftiness is not optional. i knew as soon as i got invited i could not pass this one up. a dress had to be made. a vintage inspired one at that. this is right up my alley! luckily i had recently gotten just the right fabric. bright, a modern yet still vintage vibe and an oh so cheerful color for my little one.
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the print i decided to use definitely reminded me of my inspiration - sally draper of the tv show mad men. i looove mad men and i love the clothing from the show. i thought it would be fun to use sally as my jumping off point. can't you just see her in a scene wearing this cute frock? the fabric i used is floradots in saffron by erin mcmorris for free spirit. i also have some in a blue/grey tone that i hope to use to sew my oldest a sally dress as well with some fun add ons. the bodice and pockets were then lined with hidden treasure gold from indie by pat bravo for art gallery fabrics. such a great print too!
when doing my original sketches i knew i wanted big pockets. but not just any pockets - pockets that show. easy ones to throw hidden treasures in - my little ponies, dolls, shells, rocks...you name it - my girls will carry it. they are constantly storing goodies in their pockets so this time instead of me finding it hidden in the wash i figured i wouldn't miss them in these big ol' pockets. plus, well, pockets just plain rock!
i also knew when designing this dress that simplicity was my goal. i wanted no closures - thus the square neckline. and yes, that's right - there is no zipper or buttons. you just pull it on. love it! and so does she! the bodice is fully lined as are the pockets. the pockets also go right down into the hem for optimum toy storage! i also knew i wanted a higher waistline, gathered skirt and a shorter length than normal. it's hard to tell from these pics but she could easily wear this as a tunic. i might have even gone a bit shorter if she had stood still longer for me to pin more accurately. darn 3 year olds...lol...don't they want mommy to make them stand on a stool wearing a piece of fabric with pins for 10 minutes while i measure over and over again? no way. she's a trooper though. she's getting there.
the best part of the whole process - that smile! she loves it and that sure does my heart good. such a doll this one. she just melts my heart.
what do you guys think of this dress? i've got so many fun variations of the sally dress that i'd like to try. in fact i'm leaning to making this one a pattern available. any interest? would you like to see a pattern for the sally dress? sleeves? long or short? i'd love to hear your thoughts! it's a fun dress to make and you guys know my style - if it's fun/rewarding to make, allows you to customize and shows off my fave fabric crush it's a winner in my book.
a huge thank you to kristin and jess for having me along as part of vintage may. please be sure to check out all the other bloggers involved in this fun series. there is a TON of amazing lovelies being made and it's not to be missed. you can find all the vintage may goodness below:
>> vintage may oncraftiness is not optional <<
>> vintage may onskirt as top <<
|| FABRICS USED ||
- floradots in saffron by erin mcmorris for free spirit.
- bodice and pocket are lined withhidden treasures goldfrom indie by pat bravo for art gallery fabrics.
|| PATTERN USED ||
|| VINTAGE MAY INSPIRATION ||
-sally draper of the tv showmad men.
*EDITED TO ADD - THE SALLY DRESS PATTERN IS NOW FOR SALE! YOU CAN FIND THE SALLY DRESS PATTERN HERE AND READ MORE ABOUT IT HERE! THANK YOU!*