4.7.11

meadow dress


Oh yes, I'm on fire with the dressmaking. Well, for the moment anyway but I know it's not going to last because here I am looking at the calendar and the realisation has set in that school's out this week. THIS WEEK. Aaaaaargh! Plus, with the usual end of term things to attend; prize giving, sports days, rounders match, dada dada dada, my time is being limited yet more.

I can't tell you how much I dithered before making this dress. Nothing to do with the style, nor the fabric even, but the question of whether to line or not! It's tana lawn again, you see, Meadow by Liberty to be precise and call me predictable but yep, I've been back to Fabrics Galore.


My serger and I have parted ways, and after a ridiculously short time together I might add. After sitting around in its box for a couple of months before I finally had my lesson, it was only used for five or six projects, most of them dressmaking and none of them heavy duty like stitching curtains or the such like. Heaven only knows what happened. But good old John Lewis asked no questions, even when I said I'd rather like my money back thank you very much, so I still love them and there are no hard feelings. Only a lack of a serger. And that's actually a pretty darned big deal since it's one of those things that makes you wonder how you ever managed without and I do think its absence may have been a contributing factor as to why I decided to forgo the lining this time. In truth I think a lining adds a touch of formality too, which is not what this dress is all about. This is a throw-it-on-and-have-some-fun kind of outfit and I'm imagining the Model barefoot, playing in the sunshine, walking along the beach without a care in the world.


The pattern comes from Girls' Holiday Clothes, which is a Japanese sewing book for bigger girls. Most childrens' patterns go up to 130 or maybe 140 cm in height but this one starts at 130 and finishes at 150 cm which is not only very handy but there are also some lovely dresses inside. The Model is 'growing into' the 130 cm size, it has to be said, but even so I had to unpick the neckline so I could shorten the elastic across the shoulders because it was gaping massively, but that was no big deal.


Incidentally, when employing a model (but with no intention of handing over cash payment), ALWAYS supply distraction in the form of nourishment, or any other bribery tactics you can think of! I do know I got off lightly this time with plum tomatoes ..


Have a lovely week and wishing blog friends across the Pond a very happy 4th July x

13 comments:

  1. What a beautiful summery dress, the print is just so right for this time of year.
    I hope the model doesn't read this and find out that she never is going earn any money from modelling!! ;)
    Vivienne x

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  2. This is adorable - fabric and design and all!! I like the layering and your model is the cutest!
    I have run out of ideas to bribe my daughter to model so I may start thinking of involving some finances, eh?

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  3. That's such a pretty dress and the fabric is lovely, my daughter will no longer model for me, at the age of 17 she is too cool for handmade, but I'm sure all that will change as she gets older..........her big sister is always begging for handmade socks, lol.

    lily x

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  4. I have had my eye on that Liberty print for a while now. Have you seen the Liberty Pink Princess Emerald print? I am besotted with it.

    I am itching to sew but find with a toddler running around it's easier to pick up my knitting and do a few rows because for sewing I really need to be sat down with quite a bit of time ahead of me.

    I think your daughter's dress is really pretty. Those Japanese sewing books are great, aren't they?

    Have a great day.

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  5. Your model sure is growing !
    Cheers
    Helen

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  6. I can just imagine The Model running freely over sand and shore and maybe over meadows in this georgeous summery dress. She already sports a summer glow and tan!

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  7. Oh what a lovely frock! No lining necessary! C.x

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  8. I know exactly how you feel - not with the dithering or the dress which is absolutely gorgeous, but the dada dada dada - I'm exhausted and we've still got three weeks to go!

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  9. So GORGEOUS!!!! What a lucky little girl xxxx

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  10. It's LOVELY! really gorgeous, I'd wear it myself! I think I might ask for some Liberty Tana Lawn for my Christmas present (always good to think ahead!), it makes the most gorgeous dresses. Your books look so lovely lined up like that in your previous post, you could have them on display as a colourful statement on your shelves, they're so wonderful. I'll miss you whilst your on school holiday duty! Love Vanessa xxx

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  11. The dress, the fabric, the model, and of course the seamstress...are all just wonderful!

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  12. such a perfect dress (and it looks fine without lining)
    have you seen the American shop called Sailor Rose? beautiful Liberty dresses ...
    enjoy end of term!

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  13. It is a truly beautiful dress on her, Kate. It looks like the perfect colours for her colouring. I don't think I would have lined it either as that seems very formal for a summer play dress. I hope she has lots of beachy fun in it. T x

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There's nothing like a comment to stop me feeling like I'm talking to myself. If you leave one here I'll pop one back here too, so don't forget to come back and continue the conversation ..

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