This dress is being submitted by a partnership. Two minds and four hands contributed equally to the design and execution thereof- one being Kari (of this profile) and the other being Katie (of www.fatpatch.etsy.com).

The first thing we did to make this pattern our own was to chose materials that were obtained second-hand or otherwise post-commercial. Three vintage fabrics were chosen: a mid- to heavy-weight black cotton with white geometric flowers, a red, black and white tartan plaid jersey, and a plain gray for the trimming. Because the black cotton is heavier than the fabrics recommended for this design, we chose to alter to highlight this extra structure.

The first major design change we made to the pattern was to to leave the shoulder seems halfway sewn and line the area to make flaps which were then pinned back with decorative buttons. Secondly, the front of the skirt is slit, and a pleated panel was instered to add a little swish.

The drawstring casing was made in the liner fabric for contrast, and the opening was moved to the rear. To facilitate this change, the elastic portion of the drawstring was eliminated. A prim bow and hand-folded trim at the collar finish the vintage-inspired design. To use trim at the collar in lieu of bias tape, pin trim on right side of collar and baste in place, then turn the seam in-wards and top-stitch.

Dress is pictured over a tulle petticoat in order to highlight the pleated panel. Dress was made to fit L (12-14).

cotton fabric