Friday, February 17, 2012

The Anti-Valentine’s Day Red Dress, Part 2




Here is my new red satin dress – perfect for any day excepting February 14th!  I realize that it is silly, but I absolutely refuse to wear red on Valentine’s Day. 


I love this pattern (from The Vintage Pattern Lending Library), and I am sure I will make it up again in a less formal fabric.  


I think that the pattern would make a fabulous skirt, as well.


The peplum looks like a little apron to me.



And the sleeves!  I am so pleased that I managed to squeeze the long sleeves out of my yardage.  I went with a bound buttonhole, with matching covered buttons.


My hat was found at an antique store in Sonora, CA.  It was a very dingy white with a turquoise bow.  It had definitely seen better days, but the wire form was too good to pass up for the price.  


With some leftover crushed velvet, I decided to spruce it up a bit with some ribbon and beads.  This chapeau is one of my favorites, but I believe this is the first time it has made an appearance with its matching coat!  


And I did not notice my matching ensemble until looking at the pictures.  How silly!


Now that I have finished this project, I am getting to know my new Bernina!



Coat:  Made by me, Simplicity 4403
Shoes:  Via Spiga “Unit” in Black Suede
Hat:  Re-Made by me
Gloves:  Borrowed from mom
Earrings:  Vintage
Necklace:  Restrung from two separate necklaces
Fishnets:  Simply Vera

5 comments:

  1. Love the red dress! I have my eye on a few patterns from the Vintage Pattern Lending Library. You are an expert seamstress, but are the instructions modern enough for an intermediate sewist? Or are they authentic as they would have been printed in the year they were made?

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    1. Thank you for the lovely compliment!

      An intermediate sewist should have no problem with these instructions (however, a true beginner might be somewhat overwhelmed, and I would not recommend this as a first project). The directions are not as detailed, and do not include as many diagrams as some modern equivalents, but there is nothing advanced about the pattern. If you can gather, apply a zipper, sew a buttonhole and facing, and set in a sleeve, you can construct this dress! I say go for it!

      And if you have any questions, I would be happy to help.

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  2. Overheard Conversation #11:

    "Where to begin?"
    "Mmmm hmmm. She could make a green eyed monster out of a lamb."
    "Why, look at us!"
    [scoff] "Cast off fabric, a truly vintage pattern, and she made it with her new Bernina! She even linked back to its arrival."
    "The day of infamy!"
    "Did you notice how she OBLIVIOUSLY pulled the gloves, hat, and MATCHING coat together?"
    [short exhale] "Yes, tastefully coordinating ensembles just CLIMB upon one's back."
    "Not yours."
    "HEY!"
    "Oh."
    [in unison] "THAT Laura Mae!"

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  3. So elegant! You are an amazing seamstress.Bound buttonholes too!

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  4. I am with you on the the 'red for valentines day', your dress is lovely, thanks for sharing.

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