Cool Summer Frocks

A few of the latest items hot off the sewing machine -

A lightweight cotton dress that has made it to its destination in the USA, where I hope they're having warmer weather than we are here in the coldest August I can remember!

The lady who commissioned this frock sent me 3 photos of widely differing designs, and fortunately was very happy with the dress I finally came up with combining elements of them. The dress is made from a cotton poplin, with glass buttons.

I was asked to make some bridesmaids dresses quite a few months ago, but because of the lockdown and other restrictions on Church services, it seemed as though the wedding would be postponed until next year. Fortunately, I did not have too much on, as the new date was brought forward to September, so I was able to get the dresses made in time. The skirts and puffed sleeves are of cotton lawn and the bodice and sashes are of crepe silk, a rather zany colour combination chosen by the bride!

It was interesting when I was photographing them out doors, to see my garden colours reflecting those of the dresses - there was even a blue morning glory peeping out at the top right!

1940's Chic

I know a little girl who needs a new Summer dress, and I decided I'd like to try out a very ancient pattern that I'd acquired from somewhere...

It's one of those that has no markings or seam allowances on the paper pattern pieces, and the instructions are just what you see on the front of the packet! My, those 1940's gals knew how to sew! We're so molly coddled nowadays with our 3 pages of illustrated directions!!

I had some lovely old fashioned-looking floral fabric that I thought would do the job, and I think it turned out rather nicely - in fact the lass's mother and I both agreed we'd quite like a larger version ourselves - although I think the Mum has the beanpole figure that would suit it better than my own rotund form! Little Miss isn't one for too many frills and furbelows, so I thought I'd leave off the collar, and set some rouleau ties of the same fabric into the front seams instead of a belt.

 As the weather is hotting up at the moment, I thought I'd make another version without sleeves.  I decided I didn't want to sew a whole load more button - holes, so...

I adapted the front placket to sneak a zip in instead!

Cool Summer Frock and Hat

It's always nice to have some pictures of the children modelling the clothes. Here we have Maria enjoying the sunshine in her new cotton summer dress, with matching sun-hat. A nice simple design that's pretty but practical, and not too fussy! She manages to be quite active in it!