1950s dress with African fabric

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Description

There have been some wonderful African prints this summer, both in the shops and on Burda Style. With this in mind, I bought some African wax print fabric at East Street Market in Walworth, London for £10 - which turned out to be enough to make 2 dresses and 1 skirt.

This dress is from a vintage 1950s sun dress pattern. I think that the combination of vintage fabric and African print fabric gives it a nice, contemporary look. The fabric is stiff enough to give some shape to the full 1950s skirt.

I added a patch pocket which is rather usefully just big enough to hold a paperback book... the dress is also great for twirling!

Materials

African wax print cotton

Credits

McCalls: pattern
Beth (my sister): photos

COMMENTS (28)

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alison0000 Ï Posted 9 August 2008 at 7:58 AM

I love the dress! The print really makes it stand out.
maya511 Ï Posted 9 August 2008 at 8:22 AM

Wow!!! I love everything about this dress -- vintage style with an edge. I must look into these African wax print fabrics!
CarotteSauvage Ï Posted 9 August 2008 at 8:44 AM

hello Walthamstow girl! Lovely shape+great fabric=guaranted glamour
chri_stine Ï Posted 9 August 2008 at 9:02 AM
needs to start christmas gifts

very pretty, and the dress definitely shouts for twirling!
Milkyway Ï Posted 9 August 2008 at 9:07 AM
Planning my b-day party

I adore your dress. So love the 50's and 60's patterns. you look adorable and stylish
coffeina Ï Posted 9 August 2008 at 9:34 AM

well done!
karencilla Ï Posted 9 August 2008 at 11:56 AM
waiting 4 the semester's end

super chic!!! i looks so beautiful!
StarryJess Ï Posted 9 August 2008 at 1:55 PM
copying the hot hot heat dress

This is so beautiful! You must be really pleased
MJB14 Ï Posted 9 August 2008 at 3:12 PM
Way to busy to sew, unfortunately..

You look so beautiful. I love the print and style of the dress. I want one!
sunnyb64 Ï Posted 9 August 2008 at 3:26 PM
Me vs. pants, round 2

I agree with you-- the print makes it look very updated! Nice job!
Polychromatin Ï Posted 9 August 2008 at 5:59 PM
studying :/

Looks great! I'm also trying some old patterns form the 50ies. Your dress is super, great combination with that african fabric!
littlebutton Ï Posted 9 August 2008 at 7:57 PM
wishing I had more time to sew!!

Your dress is gorgeous - quirky and stylish at the same time. I'm also loving those shoes BTW.
fabricaddict Ï Posted 9 August 2008 at 11:23 PM

Wow your dress is amazing! it fits you perfectly, the fabric is fantastic and your twirling pics are so much fun!
CassieLouise Ï Posted 10 August 2008 at 3:25 AM

Thank you for your lovely comments! I was very pleased with the way the dress turned out... and exta pleased that it survived being washed (which is how I manage to ruin most of the things I make!).
MrsBowles Ï Posted 10 August 2008 at 7:22 AM
too busy and craving studio time

Fabulous idea and very nicely done. Love it!