Bathers

Debbie's Birthday Dress - View 2

May 13, 2013


In the spirit of Vintage May (a vintage sewing series hosted by Jess from Craftiness is not Optional and Kristin from Skirt as Top), and following my first version of  Debbie's Birthday Dress, here is view 2 of the dress.  It features the same A-line shape and but differs in that it has a centre front seam, peter pan collar and optional pocket.  After sewing this dress up in size 5, I have decided to lengthen the hemline just a little.


The fabric was given to me from the friend of a friend and is a light wool blend.  The pocket is made from a vintage doily.


The bodice is lined with a sweet spotted cotton - Garden Pindot by Michael Miller from Sew, Mama, Sew!  (Their shop is closing down and they are selling lots of their fabrics at discount).



This view of the dress is inspired by another dress Debbie wears preparing for her party...



I remember loving this illustration as a child - all that delicious food!
 
 
 
Stefan is coming home from work wondering if he has stepped back in time! The Wiggles bandaids on the knees give it away!
 
I have one more view to show you of the dress and then it is time to get busy with drawing and digitalising!! Exciting.
 
For more vintage inspiration, have a look at the Vintage May flickr pool.
 
Also joining in with Show and Tell for the first time.

Debbie's birthday dress

Debbie's Birthday Dress!

May 10, 2013


Here is my latest creation - a vintage dress that was inspired by my favourite children's book, Debbie's Birthday Party, by Gilbert Delahaye and illustrated by my favourite illustrator of all time, Marcel Marlier.  Delahaye was Belgian, as was Marlier.  Marlier started his career by winning a drawing competition at the age of sixteen.  He illustrated hundreds of books that have been translated into many languages.  Marlier illustrated well into his senior years and died two years ago aged 80 years.
 

I have decided that instead of developing the Mini Pinnie as my first digital pattern, that I will instead develop Debbie's Birthday Dress.  I am so excited about this design - I can't wait to get it out there!  The Mini Pinnie will have to wait!


It is a simple design that I am hoping will appeal to all sewers as a quick and gorgeous dress to sew up with a few design variations (the second is currently on the ironing board!).  The hemline is short but that is what gives it the sweet vintage appeal.  The bonus of this dress will be that as Juliette grows taller, she can wear it as a top with pants.  The dress took only an hour to sew once all cut and prepped.  I love a quick project! So satisfying.

 
The dress is made from a light weight wool - leftovers from Isabella's winter coat.  It is faced (lined) with an Aunt Grace print.  The bodice is embellished with a sweet crocheted lace I found at Spotlight.
 

The back has a simple button and loop closure - so no scary zips or buttonholes!!

 
 
Aren't these the most beautiful illustrations you have ever seen? So innocent and sweet.
 
 
 
 
Juliette really lapped it up reading in bed, saying, "Mummy, I'm not finished the book.  Come and take more photos!"
 
 
Did you love this book too?  Turns out my friend An is also a huge Marcel Marlier fan - makes sense, since she is Belgian!  Keep an eye on her blog over the next few weeks for her new pattern release. 
 
For more Marlier beauty, have a look at my Marcel Marlier board on Pinterest.
 
Stay tuned for the next variation of Debbie's Birthday Dress!