I am excited to show you a new dress design I am working on. This is the first prototype and it only needs a few modifications to make it just as I want it. 

The lining is a Michael Miller spot I have had for a while (I don't remember the name). 

Last weekend my girls woke early and after my morning coffee, I started drawing in my sketch book.  By the time my husband was up an hour later, I had drawn up this bodice and sketched out some options for a new dress design.  This is the first dress that has come of the sketches and drafting and I am really happy with how it came out.

It features a cross over v-neck with flat rectangular collar pieces which are caught in the shoulder seams.  I need to fiddle a bit with the bodice line as when it is worn on the body the dress curves upwards a little, whereas I want it to appear straight when worn. These sleeves are three quarter with a small bias cuff which is top stitched in the ditch of the seam.  The skirt is gathered and the dress closes with three buttons at the back - with extra opening down the skirt.  This makes the dress super easy to get on and off - sort of the way you would donn an art smock.  I find I tend not to grab the dresses of the hangers that are not easy to put on and off as I hate trying to squeeze my little girls arms up into armholes through tight waistlines!

As the name suggests, this pattern and the future patterns I create and add to my shop will be vintage inspired.  I love vintage designs and fabrics, especially in children's clothing, so this suits me to a tea!  I already have my next dress design sketched out and I also have some smart flares and perhaps a pea coat in my sights!

 

 

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.

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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!

 

Today Juliette turned three years old.  This is her birthday dress.  I had lots of fun drafting my first (hand drawn) pattern - The Perennial Dress, but wanted to challenge myself and attempt a digital pattern.  The 'mini pinnie' is my new design.  I am going to make a variation on the dress also with a tunic option with larger piped bib pocket (more creations to follow in the coming weeks!)

 

 

It features piped shoulder detail with a faux strap with button.

 

 

The pocket tops are also piped (I made the piping with piping cord and homemade bias binding).

 

With tights and a cardi, the dress will be great for cooler days too.