sunshine dress

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Description

I made this using instructions from a vintage sewing booklet I thrifted a few years ago. It was originally just a halter blouse, but after I made one, I realized it would be a really killer wrap dress! So I added a skirt and the sash, and viola! The shapes are pretty basic, but I love how poufy and lady-like the finished design it. It really reminds me of the designs of Claire McCardell: easy-to-wear, simple shapes that the wearer can customize to her own body.

The fabric is some I bought earlier this year from Denver Fabric's online store, and it's a beautiful, light but not-too-sheer cotton lawn. I really love the colors, and this has been my "yes, I can wear yellow and orange!" experiment. :)

I did a post about this recently on my blog: http://blog.caseybrowndesigns.com/2008/06/a-tribute-to-claire/

Materials

Cotton lawn

Credits

Vintage sewing booklet
Claire McCardell :)

COMMENTS (21)

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emlj Ï Posted 10 July 2008 at 7:09 AM

such a pretty dress, and pretty pictures!
Polychromatin Ï Posted 10 July 2008 at 7:16 AM
altering and repairing

Super-sweet :) I absolutely love it!
senaSews Ï Posted 10 July 2008 at 7:27 AM

that's adorable. i love it!
fashion1 Ï Posted 10 July 2008 at 7:35 AM
go to fashion school

I was waiting of a new creation from you! you look so adorable. cute dress and pics!
dinkley101 Ï Posted 10 July 2008 at 7:59 AM
sewing with a vintage pattern

Wow, cute dress, fabric is adorable, am also loving the great shoes!!
emrichkh Ï Posted 10 July 2008 at 8:32 AM
Painting complete!

This turned out great! Very vintage. Love the color of the fabric with your walls! :)
CarlaTV Ï Posted 10 July 2008 at 9:01 AM
3 day weekend coming up!

BRAVO!!!
rbsmom Ï Posted 10 July 2008 at 9:36 AM
trying to serge

Great dress,colors, shoes pictures! Well done!
fabricaddict Ï Posted 10 July 2008 at 9:47 AM

Wow what a lovely dress!
camilaustral Ï Posted 10 July 2008 at 10:22 AM
yeah, i'm from Chile...

you allway make such beautiful clothes!! :) you look great
aliceruth1992 Ï Posted 10 July 2008 at 1:14 PM
knit, sew, knit, sew.

this is just beautiful :)
jd98 Ï Posted 10 July 2008 at 1:34 PM

it's gorgeous! yes, you can wear yellow and orange!!! :p
chipdale7 Ï Posted 10 July 2008 at 1:38 PM
making a dress for my little sister

adorable! great job:)
EmilyKate Ï Posted 10 July 2008 at 3:06 PM
stoked about flickr up for swap!

This is very successfull, looks like a real "McCardellism"!
ms_noodles_Friends Ï Posted 10 July 2008 at 8:04 PM

i love all your designs and projects. this is one of my favorites. it's sew very well together, like all of your items. i love the design of this dress and the pattern used.