When I scroll through 1960s sewing patterns online, I notice that they often have trim on the neckline and sleeves. So that was a must for this dress.
I made the piping with a mint solid from Joanns. I found the mint buttons there as well.
Did you know that in the 60s it was popular to pair houndstooth with lace? I wouldn't have thought of it myself, but I like it.
The welt pockets are such a fun (and much appreciated!) detail. Pockets are always a hit with the kids!
The sizing of this pattern is definitely generous, which works well with that more relaxed feel, a style I love. In this case, though, I was looking for a more tailored look, so after reading Gail's post, I chose to size down one full size - and I think I could have reduced the width by even 2 full sizes.
She'll need to grow into this one just a bit, but that means it will fit for a good long time.
And unrelated to sewing, but on the topic of vintage clothing, as in ancient vintage, all of my kids donned their traditional Ethiopian clothing this past weekend for an Ethiopian dinner extraordinaire.
Dan and I were out together a few weeks ago and met the nicest Ethiopian couple. We started talking about Ethiopia and our adoption and they were eager to meet Tarikua. We exchanged numbers and a few weeks later, they invited our entire family over for dinner to meet their family and friends. It was a feast! I'll bet they served 10 different dishes along with homemade bread and, of course, injera. They even had a traditional coffee roasting ceremony at the end with popcorn and two different cakes. It was truly amazing - and the best Ethiopian food we've ever had. The hospitality was equally incredible.
We are so honored and proud to be a part of this rich and beautiful culture through our daughter.
The dress is just beautiful, Rachael! I love the mint details - my new favorite color :-)
ReplyDeleteYou and your family look gorgeous and happy as always!
Thank you so much, An!
DeleteOh. My. Word. The dress is gorgeous! It's such a different take on this style, and you're right - it's totally mod! Love the details at the neck and sleeves.
ReplyDeleteAnd the photos of the family in their Ethiopian outfits! Precious! Photobombing dogs are awesome. He's like hey, I wanna be in the photo too!!
The dress is beautiful, so so lovely. I love black&white paired with mint (or aqua).
ReplyDeleteBut those group photos took my breath away. What a beautiful glowing family. I love it!
Wow, thanks so much, Nicole! That's very sweet. <3
DeleteI love this dress in the houndstooth - the simplicity of it makes me like this pattern even more. Gorgeous piping details.
ReplyDeleteThat is so wonderful that you and your family all continue to connect with the Ethiopian culture. You are such an inspiring family :)
Thank you so much. We are very blessed that the Ethiopian community has been so warm and welcoming to us. Even when we've been in the airport with Tarikua, Ethiopians have stopped us and asked whether she is Ethiopian and what her name is. They have been so supportive and it means the world to us.
DeleteIT's a beautiful dress - but more stunning is the photo of you and all your children! Lovely! The Hide-and-Seek was my favorite pattern of the new releases and I am dying to buy it but have told myself not until next year ... though if it runs that big maybe I should get the smaller size now. I already sew a 2 or a 3 for my 4.5-yo!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Masha!
DeleteTarikua is also a small girl so I do understand sewing down in size. Yes, I would definitely recommend sizing down in this pattern!
I have lots running through my head after reading this . . .
ReplyDeleteFirst, did you redesign your blog? It looks great - very clean. Love the picture of the kids at the top left:) As always, you captured such great lighting!
And that dress! So super cute, and looks fantastic on Tarikua! Love that you used piping - I wouldn't' have thought of that and just love the extra detail it gives. My regret is that I wish I read your review of the pattern earlier:( I have it traced and cut out already, sitting on my ironing board waiting to be sewn up. But now I'm wondering if I should have sized down . . . I suppose too big is better than too small but I was intending for this to be Katie's Easter dress. Maybe if I use larger seam allowances . . . (as opposed to recutting it all!). Oh well - I have a week to think about it as we leave for Spring Break tomorrow (finally leaving the eternal cold!) and I won't be able to sew for a week (and of course this fall during Spring KCW!).
And lastly, how cool is it that you were able to connect with an Ethiopian family and enjoy their hospitality! What a gift for both you and them:) Love the traditional clothing they're wearing - so important to celebrate Tarikua's culture along with her. I recently tried Ethiopian food for the first time and am now a fan:)
Hi Lucinda! I cannot take any credit for my blog redesign. I have a friend in the adoption community who does my blog for me. I love her work and she is a mom to both bio kids and now a foster baby so I really want to support her business, because it helps support her family.
DeleteRegarding the dress - I think if you're going for that flowy, laid back, almost Japanese look, then it will be fine. If you are looking for a more tailored fit you may want to use larger seam allowances, or see if you could recut it within what you have already cut. I know that's a huge pain, but it's not a fast pattern and may be worth it to spend the extra time recutting it, especially if you have all of the pieces already taped together (assuming you're using the PDF version). :)
I love Ethiopian culture so much, so adopting from Ethiopia was a really great fit for our family. Totally agree with you that celebrating their birth culture is so important!
I hope you had a wonderful vacation. You totally deserve it! :)
xx
Thanks for your thoughts on the dress, Rachel - it's good to hear from someone who has already "been there":) And yes - I think after the winter the Midwest has endured, a little warmth is long overdue! But I will miss my sewing . . . brought some hand sewing along for the long car ride.
DeleteRachel, love the new blog design... And that cute picture of your sweet kiddos! This dress is so so great. Probably my favorite version so far! I have this pattern cut out as well but am having a hard time getting a quiet chunk of time to sew it up. I love the piping you added, and the combo if that houndstooth and the mint is very inspired. -E
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Erin! That's an amazing compliment! I can't wait to see your version soon! :)
Deleteit's beautiful! i love oliver + s in simple, classic fabrics like this. the mint & black & white are great together, and the piping is such a cool detail. and i meant to comment before about the blog redesign but i'll chime in now - it looks beautiful!
ReplyDeletelove the piping and it's cool seeing this dress all in one fabric, it totally changes the look! i sewed a 4 which is what i'm sewing for Em in O+S these days (didn't size down) and like the fit, but mine has a different feel than yours in general. I'm wondering if the longer sleeves might balance a looser fitting dress better than the short sleeves do? Hm, not sure. Anyway. Very nice work and I loooove the photos of all of your kids and you together in Ethiopian wear! So cool.
ReplyDeleteBlack and white houndstooth and mint piping? Yes! Yes! Yes! I love the combo! It's so unexpected but it works great!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, beautiful dresses and beautiful family, Rachel! I can't believe how grown up Iris looks.
ReplyDeleteThe prettiest! And love the detail in mint, it mkes the fabric more child-friendly.
ReplyDeleteLOOOOOOOVE your version of this dress! Super sweet outfit.
ReplyDeleteAll of your children are so beautiful, and you've definitely convinced me on this pattern. I didn't like how ill-fitting it seems to be, but when it does fit well, wow!
ReplyDelete