Loves Me, Loves Me Not
Braving the snow ...
Fabric: 3 metres Rose and Hubble ‘marguerite’ print on polka dotted red ground. From Goldhawk Road.
Year: 1950′s/2011
Notions: 1 metre ‘marguerite’ guipure lace £5.50. Thread and zip from stash. Interfacing from stash.
Time to complete: 16 hours.
Cost: Fabric £3.50 per metre, notions £5.50; TOTAL: £16.00
First worn: In these pictures, February 2012.
Wear again: Yes – in the summer!
Remember that childhood game with daisy (or marguerite) petals to determine whether he loved you or not? I loved this fabric as soon as I saw it, as it combined red – a staple for me – with polka dots, so clean and crisp looking – and my favourite marguerite flowers (my alias). I found it in the last shop I visited with Charlotte Tilley on Goldhawk Road at last year’s UK Sew Weekly Meet. I kind of knew in my mind’s eye how I wanted this dress to look but didn’t have the pattern for it. I did some pondering – as Jen does! I used the Colette Crepe pattern twice last year, as I liked the style of it, particularly the sweetheart neckline and all in one sleeves. So, I’ve kept the bodice part, but instead of the wraparound back I used my favourite skirt pattern (which I already used 5 times last year in different incarnations) and the bodice back from my Duvet Dress - I shaped the sleeve part though to match the bodice front. I also inserted a zip in the centre back. The inside is finished with French seams and a hand stitched hem, with bias tape to cover the bodice and skirt attachment seam. The daisy lace trim is also handstitched. I really enjoyed making this from start to finish, because I took my time and know it’s all finished neatly as it should be. I’m outdoors this time, as the light is better – but casting strange shadows… No mean feat in February here in the UK!
- Daisies met exactly at the zipper …
French seams and bias finishing
Cute! I love it when the inside is just as pretty as the outside.
Thanks Clarissa – it’s a good feeling!
Beautiful dress! I love your modifications. And perfect seams!
Thanks Christine – really pays off to take time.
Lovely, Diane! Great fabric, and pattern. You’re brave to stand out in the snow.
It was a bit chilly Barbara – thanks!
Love this dress, love it Lots! such fine work you do and I do like how all of the bits and pieces all came together. It really does pay to muse over one’s creations. Cheers for the snowy picture too.
I love putting bits and pieces together, it’s all part of the fun for me. Glad you like it!
Very sweet Dianne, immaculate construction ! Happy Valentines x
Thanks Trish – Happy Valentine’s to you too!
Gorgeous, Diane!
Thanks Bethany!
I love that you have a marguerite theme on this beautiful dress Diane, that fabric is just gorgeous and you look so pretty! I am amazed by your finishing, your insides look fabulous (!). We must go back to Goldhawk Road soon… or at least a mini-meet, in King’s Lynn… You are so accomplished now with your sewing, I am in awe… we definitely love you! x
PS great marguerite lace trim too
Hi Charlotte – I was wondering if we could put together an East Anglian Fabric Ttrail … getting on and off at train stops on the King’s Cross to King’s Lynn train … it’s just an idea. There are loads of independent fabric shops out here that could do with some custom and it would be a fun day out for people too. I’ve just found another brilliant shop in Cambridge called ‘Rejuvenate’ selling vintage sewing materials and retro clothing. Plus there’s other stops on the way to King’s Lynn …
Gorgeous dress Diane! That’s so sweet that you’ve got marguerites all over your Valentines creation. :-)
I was lucky to find it … perfect for me! Glad you like it Kat.
That’s some clever pattern combining you did there Diane. And the french seams, bias seam covering and the zipper all look super neat. Very pretty on too.
Thanks Casey – a compliment indeed from the pattern altering queen!
Love all the combinations– sweet fabric and trim, patterns to suit you, and finishing techniques. I’m sure you’ll feel wonderful wearing this.
Thanks Lee – I think I’ll make another one now!
Love your meet idea Diane, I’ll send a message to your inbox… we should pick a date and go for it!
OK, heading off to look now!
Diane, the dress is charming. Xx
Thanks Rachel!
Very pretty, I love the neckline and sleeves.
Thanks – I like using this neckline, have 3 outfits with it now.
This is delicate and pretty! Your french seams are drool worthy- kudos!
I’m a delicate soul Amanda … (!) Thanks for the kind comment.
Lovely fabric, and the dress is perfect on you!! The neckline and sleeves are fantastic.
Thank you Meg!
You look gorgeous Diane, a very charming dress indeed.
Thanks Kazz – I love having your approval.
Really gorgeous! I have a UFO in this fabric that I may just have to try again with after seeing what you’ve done.
It’s great fabric to work with – I loved every minute of it. Look forward to seeing what you do!