Not Yet Spring Kimono Dress
After a long stretch of rainy weather and cloudy skies, the sun came out long enough to inspire me to make a a Spring dress. The floral fabric, what I assume was some sort of household linen based on its finished edges, came from the my visit to the East Bay Depot for Creative Refuse. Looking at the photo, I wish I matched the two front skirt pieces better — you live and learn. I absolutely loved this pattern when I saw it on eBay. Out of character, I spent $15 on it. I only with I hadn’t let my love of the pattern’s illustration cause temporary amnesia regarding high necklines.
Fabric: Floral linen from East Bay Depot of Creative Reuse $8 (total for 2 yards), contrast fabric $1.95 from Fabric.com.
Pattern: Simplicity 1685, $15 from eBay
Notions: Vintage zipper, 3 vintage buttons from this estate sale.
Time to complete: About 8 hours.
Year: c. 1946
First worn: February 2010
Wear again? Yes.
Total Cost: About $25
The dress was super easy to easy to construct. However, I wish I had pleated, and not gathered, the top of the bodice pieces. The contrast bodice piece looks a little too hospital scrubby so a more defined pleat would have made it look more finished. Everything else was a breeze and it fits so I can’t complain.
cute! for $25, that’s amazing!
I love the way you accessorized! Your hair looks really cute too – did you cut bangs?
No, I just pinned them up. After wearing it today, I’ve decided that I actually really love this dress!
Cute as a button! I appreciate your tracking the amount of time it took to complete — I often wonder vaguely how much time normal people spend making a single garment. Now I’m fairly sure I’m the world’s slowest sewer.
I think it’s a really cute dress! The big floral pattern is such a fun play with the pattern! :)
you look adorable!
You look fab!! You are fast becoming one of my style gurus!!
Oh my goodness, I may have to track that pattern down! I have some parasol fabric that would be so cute as this dress!
Such great colors for spring.