AUTHOR: Erin TITLE: It's That Time Again DATE: 7:18 AM ----- BODY:

Crossword puzzle stunt dress time!

Yep, today's the ACPT tournament, and I'll be wearing this:

2009 crossword dress

I haven't sewn down the facings yet in this picture, so they're a little lumpy. Can you see what else is wrong with it? No?

2009 crossword dress

How about now?

Yep. I cut the ENTIRE THING OUT UPSIDE DOWN. (Insert forehead-slap here.) When I figured this out I was hopping mad for about ten minutes, but I didn't have enough time OR fabric for a do-over, so then I just laughed. It's funnier this way, and of course, from MY perspective (that of the WEARER), looking down at the dress, it's right-side-up! So that's how I'm going to think about it, anyway.

It's a Duro Junior (Simplicity 3875), which I think of more as a summer-type dress, but I'm just going to wear it with a black tee underneath it and tights and just hope it's not as cold as the weatherfolk say it's supposed to be. I'll be inside, solving (or, in my case, often NOT-solving) puzzles most of the day anyway.

I found this last stash of Michael Miller crossword fabric at Britex months and months ago -- for next year's dress I think I'm going to get some custom fabric made up at Spoonflower. Probably an easy NYT Monday puzzle solved in red ink and tiled to fill the yardage, or maybe even as a scatter print. What do y'all think?

Oh, and tomorrow -- check out my last column filling in for Jan Freeman in the Boston Globe; I'm writing about my inadvertent coining of the word "Duro" (and how cool you all were to use it, making it "real").

Labels: crosswords, Duro_Junior, Simplicity_3875, stunt_dresses

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sewuptight DATE:Feb 28, 2009 8:40:00 AM I love it!!!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kiera-Oona DATE:Feb 28, 2009 9:21:00 AM the style of the dress almost reminds me of a kimono with a simple obi to tie it with. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Miss Amelina DATE:Feb 28, 2009 9:24:00 AM HA! It's loverly anyway! At least you can look down at your dress while you are wearing it and read it right side up! :)

My mom (who is a very learned and wordy woman, like yourself) made me a fleece robe for Xmas a few years back out of an awesome purple Cookie Monster fabric (I was 30 at the time).

When I opened it that morning she explained, "I am guessing it's some kind of spanish fabric, because it says Muy Muy Muy all over it."

I put it on and looked in the mirror and realized she had cut the fabric wrong side out. It actually said, "Yum Yum Yum."

We both howled with laughter. I still razz her about it. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

cgirlslife DATE:Feb 28, 2009 10:13:00 AM All you need is a sharpie, and fill in a couple of answers (oriented the same way as the fabric) When people ask if the fabric is upside down, mention this was "the only way you could do the cross word puzzle" ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

indigotangerine DATE:Feb 28, 2009 10:23:00 AM How fantastic! I can't decide wheter if I would fill in a few answers or leave it blank if it was mine.If I owned this it would be part of day to way wardrobe. Its just simply too awesome. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Little Hunting Creek DATE:Feb 28, 2009 10:30:00 AM I didn't notice until you pointed it out, but I like it better upside down anyway. It's more fun that way ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

TheAntiKathy DATE:Feb 28, 2009 12:16:00 PM I second the motion to fill in a few words upside down. Think what wonderful words you could use, and how to juxtapose them! If you don't like to use a sharpie, use laser printed letterfont in an iron-on. Dress A Day, maybe? The whole URL, crossword style? This Was Cut Upside Down On Purpose? Gee, I'll be thinking of things to write all day now. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

kac DATE:Feb 28, 2009 2:08:00 PM Britex Fabrics in San Francisco? I LOVE that shop! I work in San Francisco and spend a ridiculous number of lunch hours at Britex. It's a veritable treasure trove!

PS: your dress is adorable! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Chantelle DATE:Feb 28, 2009 4:02:00 PM I love this dress! I also think you should fill in some of the boxes with a great phrase.

I love this pattern, too. Every time I see one of your dresses, I think "I should get that pattern." It looks to be universally flattering and wonderfully comfortable. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

bani DATE:Feb 28, 2009 4:54:00 PM Absolutely fab, darling! Also, it's right side up. I was thinking of that only the other day when my youngest was wearing his cars and lorries t-shirt, and he couldn't see them properly because they're wrong way up from his perspective... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

fourkid DATE:Feb 28, 2009 6:38:00 PM This is adorable- I love this dress. The up-side-down-ed-ness only adds interest - and is all in one's perspective anyway.

I love the muy, muy, muy robe story too!!!!!
Blessings,
Patti ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jenni DATE:Feb 28, 2009 6:52:00 PM I LOVE it! You are obviously a "glass half full" kind of gal! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Feb 28, 2009 7:56:00 PM I confess I noticed it was upside-down, and TOTALLY thought that it meant you could see it rightside-up! Hee.

-Jesse ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Empress L DATE:Feb 28, 2009 8:56:00 PM ROFL!! You poor thing... I have to admit that I'm happy I'm not the only one that makes mistakes. HA!! I would totally buy your story... sure I would... really I would... HA! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Theresa DATE:Feb 28, 2009 9:49:00 PM at least it is consistently upside down -- i made a dress with a four gore skirt and one gore the wrong way. i was mad but I got over it and wear it anyway ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anwen DATE:Mar 1, 2009 2:57:00 AM I was also going to suggest filling in a few of the spaces. Love it!!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

jnet blogs DATE:Mar 1, 2009 8:02:00 AM I love this dress! And DO NOT worry about the pattern being upside down. You are so right, it's funnier that way and much more unique. This reminds me of my hubby who inevitably puts his name tags on upside down. We tease him and he just says, "It's so I know who I am." lol ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cel Petro DATE:Mar 1, 2009 10:17:00 AM See how hapy an accident can be??? It's a beaut. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Mar 1, 2009 11:27:00 AM I read your column in the Boston Globe this morning and found out about sewing blogs, never knew such things existed! What fun! This is the first time I have ever read any blogs which probably gives a hint as to my age--72 but still making my own clothes and things for granddaughters too. Always do the morning crossword and think your dress is great. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Mar 1, 2009 1:05:00 PM Not only is it a charming dress, but it's a conversation piece and a useful comedy bit as well. Not bad for a "mistake." I think it rocks. --L ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kristy DATE:Mar 1, 2009 5:20:00 PM I didn't notice that it was upside down when I met you (it was nice to meet you, BTW), and I did think it was a really cute dress! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lavon DATE:Mar 1, 2009 10:48:00 PM Spoonflower is great! I just got some samples of the design I made and I am very happy with it. So I am sure your morning crossword dress will be great! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jessica DATE:Mar 2, 2009 9:08:00 AM I have never made clothes for myself with the exception of a few crazy simply summer skirts. I sew a good portion of my 2 year old's wardrobe though.

But Friday, I ordered this pattern.

I am going to do it. I know I have the skills, it just seems so BIG to sew myself a dress.

I am pretty excited about it, although I am feeling much anxiety about having to choose fabric. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Mar 2, 2009 3:52:00 PM So cute! My mom once made me a lovely long sleeve blue dress with little puppies on it. All were upside down and it looked like a dead dog dress :(. She was reallly upset with herself, I didn't care. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Erin TITLE: The Last Duro Jr of Summer 2008 DATE: 10:28 AM ----- BODY:

So this is the last iteration of Simplicity 3875, at least for Summer 2008. This is (if you don't recognize it) some of the fabric I bought at Tomato in Japan.

Here's the bodice, close-up:

ultimate Duro Jr

There's a little white speck at the vee of the neck where I need to either clip the threads better, or color over the thread with a marker (I'm not fussy!). I used white thread for this, because I didn't really have any red or orange that looked right.

Here's the back:

ultimate Duro Jr

I altered the pattern to add a back waist seam for ease of construction, but (as you can see) I put it in the wrong place! It's right for my Actual Waist, but wrong for the waist of the dress. I'll raise it next time, if I remember.

Here's the back, close-up:

ultimate Duro Jr

I actually forgot that the entire back was two pieces, and not one on the fold (and so I cut it on the fold). I didn't want to have a center back seam in the skirt, though, so I left that part on the fold, and just eased it into the bodice. Worked fine. (I didn't want to leave the back bodice on the fold, because that would have screwed up the neck facing, possibly.)

I do this sort of stuff ALL THE TIME (especially if I'm in a hurry) and it's almost always recoverable. A slightly smaller or bigger seam allowance here, a few unplanned gathers there, and everything works out okay. You can do a lot of "fixing" if you just think about it for a few minutes before you give up. (Of course, I wouldn't have to do so much "fixing" if I spent those few minutes thinking before I cut out the pattern pieces, but I suppose that's why they're called "mistakes", and not "happy fun time jitterbug sparkles".)

Despite the mistakes, though, I was really happy with this dress. The fabric is beautiful; smooth and light, and I love the colors. I got a lot of compliments on this dress ... I wish we still had another month of summer for me to wear it in!

But anyway, speaking of "happy fun time jitterbug sparkles", Penny at Antique Dollhouse of Patterns is offering this pattern free to whoever clicks on it first. Go!

And Ingrid is giving away patterns here -- but you have tell her what you like most about Spring (guess what hemisphere Ingrid is in)?

Labels: Duro, Duro_Junior, erin_sewing, japan, mistakes, Simplicity_3875

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

LadyT DATE:Sep 3, 2008 10:40:00 AM This is BY FAR my favorite of the Duro Jrs! I love what you did with the stripes at the waist and the sleeves. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

lucitebox DATE:Sep 3, 2008 10:50:00 AM I agree--this is my favorite of the series! It's just lovely even if there are a few happy fun time jitterbug sparkles mixed into the project. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Myra DATE:Sep 3, 2008 11:16:00 AM Definitely like this one. Also, thanks for the link to Antique DH pattern, got it! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

San Antonio Sue DATE:Sep 3, 2008 11:16:00 AM And I love the way the back matches the print! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Little Hunting Creek DATE:Sep 3, 2008 11:28:00 AM Beautiful! I try not to call them mistakes...they are "design decisions". I love the whole 50's feeling that fabric has. I want to go to Tomato! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kristen DATE:Sep 3, 2008 11:29:00 AM that duro jr is stunning! Oh, I love it! Maybe you can get away with it a little longer this year, what with this fall's bright color palette... :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Miz Shoes DATE:Sep 3, 2008 11:29:00 AM PERFECT!! Like all your other commentors, this is the best Duro Jr, yet. Love the fabric, love the combination, love it all. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Penny DATE:Sep 3, 2008 11:31:00 AM Thank you Erin...My store is ringing off the hook and the free pattern went into minus inventory mode and sold 3 times.. Myra you were 1st to pay and sent you one pattern today, and I sent my second copy to the first person that actually purchased it successfully in the store, Julia.. Going out today... Thank you.. The patterns are now going home!!! Penny ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

What-I-Found DATE:Sep 3, 2008 11:36:00 AM Absolutely love this one...I am all about that fabric. Don't know why you feel so limited about when you can wear it, isn't that what all those cardigans are for?
I hope you go out and wow 'em!
Tina ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

KibitzKnitz DATE:Sep 3, 2008 12:12:00 PM Wow!! This is just awesome; definitely my favorite, as well. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jonquil DATE:Sep 3, 2008 12:13:00 PM You did a BRILLIANT job taking advantage of the pattern. Well done. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kate DATE:Sep 3, 2008 12:35:00 PM So so so so pretty, Erin! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

lorrwill DATE:Sep 3, 2008 12:50:00 PM I second the push it into fall vote. A nice little cardigan and you are set.

Excellent colors and what mistakes? I see some clever design interpreting, that's all! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

BeckyW DATE:Sep 3, 2008 1:06:00 PM Love your dress. I broke down and bought this pattern at a Labor Day sale. I must find some nice fall color fabric - will be hot here for a long time - but I guess I could get in the spirit with the color at least. I am dying to make it. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lydia DATE:Sep 3, 2008 1:24:00 PM I need to go fabric shopping with you. You have such a fabulous eyes for coordinating fabrics. I'm just terrible at it. *sigh* ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

xstpenguin DATE:Sep 3, 2008 2:29:00 PM Love it!

May I suggest the investment of some silk thermals? A long sleeve turtle neck and some leggings? Then you can wear some of your cotton dresses for longer. Silk is so comfortable and breathable you won't get sweaty in it like some of the cheaper stuff. I buy mine from Patra.
http://www.patra.com/default.asp
They are definitely expensive, but daily wear 7 or 8 months of the year, 2 pairs of leggings (one to wash and one to wear!) last me 2 winters in the cotton/silk blend. So I think it's worth it.

You've sewn a lot this summer - keep going, wanna see what you do with the next lot of fabrics!!

Cheers,
AJ ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Gidget Bananas DATE:Sep 3, 2008 3:25:00 PM Cute! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Pretty Jane DATE:Sep 3, 2008 3:27:00 PM This is totally my favorite fabric so far--loooove the way the print works with the shape. Yum! Wear the crap out of it 'fore the coldness sets in! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

MARLA DATE:Sep 3, 2008 3:59:00 PM Absolutely my favorite Duro - the fabric seems perfect for this pattern. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

baylibrarian DATE:Sep 3, 2008 4:20:00 PM Best, best, best--I really love the stripes and the reiteration of stripes in the leaves. A beauty. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sara DATE:Sep 3, 2008 5:09:00 PM This dress is really lovely, Erin -- beautiful fabric!

I almost bought this pattern this weekend, I didn't even recognize it as the Duro Junior...d'oh! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Rose Campion DATE:Sep 3, 2008 6:15:00 PM This is Chicago. You may well have another month (or two) of weather warm enough to wear this dress in. Or not. You never can tell with Chicago. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Becky O. DATE:Sep 3, 2008 6:38:00 PM I'm with everyone else- This is my favorite! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sandra DATE:Sep 3, 2008 7:24:00 PM My fave also. Awesome print! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

3KillerBs DATE:Sep 3, 2008 8:51:00 PM I'm with the majority -- this is the best of your Duro Jr's.

Surely a red cardigan, black tights, and a slip underneath would stretch the wearing time until late September.

When I lived in New England I would often layer up several skirts to keep the chill off my legs. Two or three layers of cotton in fall and spring, two or 3 layers of wool in winter (Much warmer than jeans -- at least if you like your skirts mid-calf to ballerina length so they would come down over the top of the snow boots). ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

jen DATE:Sep 3, 2008 10:40:00 PM "happy fun time jitterbug sparkles" - i'm totally using this the next time i make a sewing mistake. there's nothing like a smile to diffuse a situation. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

enc DATE:Sep 3, 2008 10:49:00 PM Your Duros/Jrs. are getting so great, Erin. This dress is really sophisticated. Nice job. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Candis DATE:Sep 3, 2008 11:00:00 PM That is simply super fabric. And I DID recognize it as the fabric you got at Tomato...I said to myself..."hey, I know that fabric!"
Thanks for allowing us all to follow you around on your adventures. Sometimes it can feel like stalking...but it isn't. Ü ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Elizabeth DATE:Sep 4, 2008 4:24:00 AM I love this Duro Jr. Fabulous use of this fabric. Thanks for hipping us to this pattern - even though I'm pregnant at the moment, I plan to buy the pattern and make it next summer. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

S DATE:Sep 4, 2008 6:50:00 AM Very Orla Kiely! Stunning. xx ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sickofitcindy DATE:Sep 4, 2008 11:11:00 AM That dress is lovely. And the fabric is adorable. I don't suppose Tomato has webstore. Then again, I probably wouldn't be able to translate it even if they did. Does anyone have any ideas where to buy fabric like this online? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

engineer beth DATE:Sep 4, 2008 11:48:00 AM Erin, I'm going against the tide here. It's a lovely dress, but....
Surely you have done enough sewing now that you can use a coordinating thread or backstitch at the top of the neck slit. And why would you put that seam in the back? Would you get sloppy with spelling? I think not. You pick such lovely prints. Put in that little extra effort and make you dresses look professional, not home made. After all, you are wearing them in a professional capacity, not just around the house. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kim M DATE:Sep 4, 2008 3:46:00 PM I love this dress!! I love the fabric......too bad I can't sew! :) Maybe one of the famous Duro dresses will make it into a box of goodies headed to Jax?!??! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nora DATE:Sep 4, 2008 7:29:00 PM What a lovely late-summer juicy tomato of a dress!

And thanks for the implied permission to make mistakes, and call them jitterbug sparkles. Why not? To respectfully disagree with engineer beth, while you are a professional (insofar as you have a profession), you're not a professional dressmaker, you're a happy amateur! Nothing wrong with that. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

ceciiii DATE:Sep 4, 2008 10:56:00 PM i have always been kind of skeptical about duros; duro jr.s i liked better but to look at. I saw this one and I fell in LOVE.

This is the duro I want in Every color. <3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3 :] ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Sep 5, 2008 4:24:00 AM My favourite of your duros ever!!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

ginabutton DATE:Sep 5, 2008 10:46:00 AM Simply charming. The fabric reminds me of Orla Kiely's fabrics. Her clothes and bags are really cute. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

wundermary DATE:Sep 6, 2008 7:26:00 PM Oh, I love this! I am with Engineer Beth, though. You are at a point where with a few seconds of planning, you would have anyone who stood behind you thinking "Wow! Where did she get that?" Not, "What lovely fabric, looks like she made it herself." It is so nice to say "I made it myself!" to the comment that accompanies the first thought. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

amp DATE:Sep 17, 2008 1:18:00 PM this? this is the most beautiful duro, jr. or otherwise, that i have yet seen. absolutely gorgeous with that fabric. GORGEOUS! i tell you! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Melissa DATE:Apr 21, 2009 2:10:00 PM I've always said that it's more important to know how to recover from a mistake than it is to not make any. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Erin TITLE: The Penultimate Duro Jr DATE: 6:29 AM ----- BODY:

As promised, the penultimate Duro ... this is Amy Butler Morning Glory Slate (yesterday I thought it was Lotus, but I think that's the name of the line, not the pattern). Anyway, as you can see, it marks a return to piping. I also piped the bottom of the midriff, which you really can't see here, but which lets me someday decide to wear the sash tied in the back (as if).

Here's the back, which has no piping:

Amy Butler Lotus Duro

As you can see, I made no effort whatsoever to match this pattern on the back.

Here's a slightly closer view of the bodice:

Amy Butler Lotus Duro

When I first saw this fabric I lurved it, couldn't wait for it to arrive, had all sorts of plans for it ... and then I waited. I had ordered it through ... well, I ordered it from some folks who were not very well organized, and so I waited. And I waited, and I sent some emails, and then I waited some more, until when it finally DID come, I was so over it that I didn't really want to look at it. I kept dragging it out and looking at it and then folding it up again and putting it back on the shelf. I'm glad I was so exasperated, though, because otherwise I would have used this up three times over and would not have had it available for the Duro Jr.

I made one more Duro Jr ... it's sitting upstairs in my suitcase and I haven't taken a picture of it yet. I'll try to do that soonish-like. (I'll give you one hint: it's made from one of the fabrics I just bought in Japan.)

Labels: Amy_Butler, Duro, Duro_Junior, Simplicity_3875

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Theresa DATE:Aug 20, 2008 7:27:00 AM My favorite of the Duro Jrs. I love it. You sew so well. (She sews so swell - say that ten times, fast!)Can't wait to see the next Duro Jr. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Alyssa DATE:Aug 20, 2008 7:38:00 AM Ah! This fabric is amazing. All the colors are colors I coordinate regularly into the wardrobe. And I love the piping.
I wish I could sew as fast! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Becky O. DATE:Aug 20, 2008 7:54:00 AM Wow, two thumbs up for piping! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Little Hunting Creek DATE:Aug 20, 2008 8:01:00 AM wow - I like this one the BEST! I love the piping, I must get this pattern - it looks good in everything! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

xstpenguin DATE:Aug 20, 2008 8:28:00 AM The piping really makes it. The other one was nice, but with no contrast fabric or piping you couldn't really see the shapes. I really like the blue and grey.

Some people seem to really go nuts for Amy Butler fabrics - haven't been bitten so far myself. I mean I like it, but I'm not trawling the internet trying to find some. (orange bandana on the other hand, very cool).

No you didn't make any effort whatsoever to match the pattern on the back. But does it matter? Please, this is not a rhetorical question. I really want to know, does it matter? I can see me agonising for weeks about trying to match ANY and EVERY pattern to match, being the detail obsessive that I am. But (apart from not 'labelling' your breasts with a target) will anyone notice. Has anyone ever said.. you know the back doesn't match?

I'd notice, but I do hope I'd be polite enough to keep that helpful comment to myself! And if I ever saw you, in one of your dresses, I'm pretty sure that would be the last thing on my mind!

Keep sewing!!

Cheers,
AJ ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

the_lazymilliner DATE:Aug 20, 2008 8:30:00 AM The piping does indeed make the Duro Dress. Congrats! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lydia DATE:Aug 20, 2008 8:33:00 AM Gods, Erin, this is just...beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. This pattern is topping my list of spring/summer 2009 sewing plans.

So what are your pattern recommendations for fall? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Gremly Girl DATE:Aug 20, 2008 9:06:00 AM Ooh, I love it! Must add this pattern to my ridiculously long list of patterns to sew up... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Miss Amelina DATE:Aug 20, 2008 9:21:00 AM This is so loverly, I actually gasped! Inspiring!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

San Antonio Sue DATE:Aug 20, 2008 9:22:00 AM 1) I LOVE piping! I am the PIPING QUEEN! The PIPING MAKES the dress!
2) As to "matching the print: does it matter?" I took some classes from Cynthia Guffey, the sewing diva, and she says if you want a couture look, you MUST match the print, stripe, or plaid. In this case, at least the front inset should be matched.
3) Erin, it's still beautiful! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

colour by number DATE:Aug 20, 2008 10:00:00 AM another winner!cindy ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Marjie DATE:Aug 20, 2008 10:12:00 AM The piping makes this dress. The fabric is nice, but the accent piping shines! Nice application of a favored pattern! (And why wouldn't you want to tie it in back? Just because it would make you feel 12 years old again?) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Erma DATE:Aug 20, 2008 10:18:00 AM Once again it's happened that you posted 2 dresses on consecutive days and on the first day I thought "What a lovely print and a great dress" and on the second day I thought "This one's an even more amazing dress!" (I also had these thoughts when you first posted your own Duros here followed by here.) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bex DATE:Aug 20, 2008 10:25:00 AM I love that print for this dress! It looks great. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

3KillerBs DATE:Aug 20, 2008 10:28:00 AM The piping makes the dress! Its wonderful.

@xstpenguin,
Personally, I'm a pattern matcher if the match can be made. I've worn a lot of cheap RTW clothes in my life and one of the tell-tales of cheap clothing is poor pattern matching. I just can't bring myself to ignore the pattern in any fabric that a pattern repeat can be detected.

Its a personal decision. Mine is influenced by my teen years spent in a high school that included blue-collar mill towns, new money, and old money. As a mill town girl in the college track with the money kids it was important to match the money kids' L.L. Bean and local boutique look even though my clothes were either homemade or from Hills (like K-Mart but cheaper). Otherwise I didn't have as good a chance at jobs, volunteer opportunities, and scholarships.

So I learned to match plaids and prints to the millimeter, at least at center front and center back, and to this day don't feel right about doing otherwise -- even though today's middle and higher-end RTW clothes are not as rigorously matched until you're at the couture level.

Not-matching can be done in an artful way that says casual, rather than careless, but it takes a certain eye for it. Erin has that eye. Not many do. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

wundermary DATE:Aug 20, 2008 10:44:00 AM I love everything about this, fabric included. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Gabriella DATE:Aug 20, 2008 11:12:00 AM I thought I didn't like duros but this one changed my mind. It is SO gorgeous, the fabric, the piping, everything! I am convinced! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

belphebe DATE:Aug 20, 2008 11:24:00 AM Erin,

That Age of Empire post messed up the web site formatting, at least for people that use Internet Explorer 6. (or it could just be this machine, since no one else has commented.) All your Ad banners are way down at the bottom of the page, below all the posts.

Regarding the dresses: Both Duros are lovely! I think I like the red&pink better, but that's because I can wear those colors. But you did a great job on both of them! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cookie DATE:Aug 20, 2008 1:05:00 PM I as always admire the spirit and craftsmanship, but must say yesterday's dress speaks to me more. I think it's because there's less contrast. I swear to god, my mother went through a period as a free-spirited divorcee/dancer where she would work at children's parties as a clown (!) She was a very good and attractive clown and she certainly sewed neat costumes, but sometimes she dressed my sister and me up to do the parties with her (please DON'T do this to your children), and ever since, we've both felt nervous in brightly contrasting clothes with big prints. So, yesterdays Duro Jr. struck just the right tone for me. Bright and catchy, but not "patchworky". Anyway, that's my confession for the day: I Was An Enslaved Clown. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

tea DATE:Aug 20, 2008 1:22:00 PM I can't imagine the agonizing torture of waiting and waiting for that fabric—it is SO fabulous on every level. I've never found an Amy Butler with which I've fallen desperately enough in love to commit to purchasing, but this one fits the bill for me. The piping, my friend, is genius. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cookie DATE:Aug 20, 2008 1:48:00 PM << I can't imagine the agonizing torture of waiting and waiting for that fabric >>

And what of the agonizing torture of being an enslaved CHILD CLOWN?! It may have just been for a summer, but I'm telling you, this was good for years of therapy! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nadine DATE:Aug 20, 2008 2:23:00 PM The piping looks beautifully done. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

jasun DATE:Aug 20, 2008 2:33:00 PM Even though I am sure that being an unwilling child clown must be very traumatic, it makes a most excellent story! So's you know, cookie, I'm filing this and your jilted-party idea way for future fiction.. please, keep with the anecdotes! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

jen DATE:Aug 20, 2008 4:08:00 PM i really love this one and the piping is so appropriate! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Chantelle DATE:Aug 20, 2008 4:49:00 PM I love love love the piping! There are some Amy Butler fabrics that I like but I haven't liked any of them enough to buy them... yet. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jen ~ MOMSPatterns DATE:Aug 20, 2008 6:05:00 PM hahaha Oh Theresa!

She sell what she sews so well by the seashore?

That print is tres groovy, Erin.. so vibrant and just.. GAH!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

lorrwill DATE:Aug 20, 2008 7:37:00 PM I think this rulez, too.It is very Erinish. I hereby declare that a real word to describe dresses and skirts with that certain Erin panache. This so could be the picture for the entry in encyclopedias and wikis the universe over.

Cookie, clowns scare me.

In the immortal words of Bart Simpson:

Can't sleep. Clown will eat me!
Can't sleep. Clown will eat me!
Can't sleep. Clown will eat me! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jane DATE:Aug 20, 2008 7:57:00 PM Love this fabric with the piping. Bravo! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sarah DATE:Aug 20, 2008 9:16:00 PM Cookie, I really want you to write a tragic memoire about this. Please? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lavon DATE:Aug 20, 2008 9:22:00 PM The dress is beautiful.

Great work I love it! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Theresa DATE:Aug 21, 2008 8:40:00 AM Poor Poor Traumatized Cookie.

Lorwill - my sister and I are terrified of clowns. My son is creeped out by dolls. I used to have a Mona Lisa doll on my bed (till the dog chewed it). My son would not come in my room if the doll was there. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

engineer beth DATE:Aug 21, 2008 11:10:00 AM Erin,
Matching prints really isn't that hard. Challenge yourself. You're a smart person. You can do it. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Aug 21, 2008 2:22:00 PM I love the Duro Jr but I'm not a fan of the solid/print contrast. Piping is the answer to my particular farbic dilema. Thanks.

I have never like clowns. They are creepy. Anyone who goes to that much trouble to hide thier face is not trustworthy.
-evalyn ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

karooble DATE:Aug 21, 2008 2:54:00 PM Oh, Erin, I'm so happy you used the word "penultimate" correctly. That poor word has taken so much abuse in the past ten, fifteen years! Bravo! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Fia DATE:Aug 22, 2008 4:16:00 AM Yeah, I really love that fabric. And with the piping it's superb. And, as I'm not english-speaking normaly (I'm from sweden), I learnd a new word for me "piping" ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Miss Kitty DATE:Aug 23, 2008 12:25:00 PM OH! MY! GOODNESS! The fabric and pattern are truly made for one another. As always, Erin: great job!

And now I'm going to go try to find that pattern... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Some Like it Vintage DATE:Aug 24, 2008 11:18:00 AM Just found your site and love it! This fabric is fantastic - I've always loved piping, just finishes the look perfectly. Thanks so much! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Aug 25, 2008 9:24:00 AM Love this dress, do you sell them? I'm i9n love with big prints, like the topshop (kate moss) poppy dress, shopgoldyn.com had some beautiful prints too, you should look to top up your inspiration. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Serg Riva DATE:Aug 25, 2008 11:55:00 AM No joke,

I love this one.

-serg ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Katie DATE:Aug 25, 2008 2:02:00 PM The piping makes the print absolutely pop! Love it. :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Monique DATE:Aug 25, 2008 2:39:00 PM I think it is beautiful! I love the red piping. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Erin TITLE: Duro Junior, Again DATE: 9:43 AM ----- BODY:

Whoa. That pic's a little out of focus, isn't it? Try this one:

tropical Duro Jr

Ah, well. This is another Duro Jr, made from Simplicity 3875.

This is fabric I bought ages ago, probably at Vogue Fabrics in Evanston. I actually made a skirt out of it first, and then didn't like the skirt (and perhaps sent it to my sister? Kate, you there?), but surprisingly, there was enough left to make this dress with even a smidgen to spare. (I think I might have to go through my "leftover fabric" laundry basket and see what else might be ready for the Duro Jr treament ...)

The fabric has a slight pucker to it, and is ridiculously comfortable. I think the print may be a bit too much of a good thing (if I'd had a red or a pink that matched, I think I would have made the bodice bands and midriff bands in a contrasting fabric) ... but again, ridiculously comfortable, and that's what I was going for. I made this (and another one, which I'll show you tomorrow) for my trip to Japan, because I had been told that the humidity in Tokyo was slightly greater than that found at the bottom of the Mariana Trench (and they were right).

Here's the back:

tropical Duro Jr

And the back waistband:

tropical Duro Jr

I have cut out one more of these (and may finish it tonight, if a particular eight-year-old cooperates in the matter of BEDTIME), but I think that may be it for the Duro Jr this summer. I had big plans to make seven or eight of these ... and then the September fashion magazines arrived, with all their wools and turtlenecks, and the thought of more summer sewing seemed a bit risible. It'll be October REALLY SOON, won't it? And this is not really something you can wear a sweater over. (Nor does it seem as if it would work in corduroy.)

But as summer dresses go, man, this one is nice. (Especially once I added good deep side-seam pockets.)

Tune in tomorrow for another Duro Jr ... this time in Amy Butler fabric!

Labels: Duro, Duro_Junior, Simplicity_3875

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Aug 19, 2008 10:04:00 AM Kwiksew has similar pattern in its fall line that looks more wintry somehow. It has set in sleeves and a waist seam also, which I know you lamented the lack of for this pattern. I might make it in lightweight winter fabric.

http://www.kwiksew.com/Catalog/
cat_detail.cfm?pid=3634&QL=
MissDress

cherylc ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Aug 19, 2008 10:41:00 AM A sweater wouldn't go over it, but turtlenecks would look really good under it. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lydia DATE:Aug 19, 2008 10:49:00 AM I'm crushing on that fabric. Glorious! Alas, I've had no time for wardrobe sewing this summer. It's been All Costumes All The Time.

Bah.

Too bad you don't think it would work in corduroy. Sadness! I'd love to try this pattern for fall. Wool blend, maybe? Or would that still be too bulky... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Little Hunting Creek DATE:Aug 19, 2008 10:55:00 AM Butterick 5031 is a Duro that could transition to fall. Plus I love the fabrics suggested: "Lightweight Cotton, Cotton Blends, Challis, Soft Faille, Matted Jersey and Voile".
I wonder what "matted jersey" is? Perhaps regular matte jersey having a bad fiber day?
This pattern would look very pretty in wool gauze or wool challis for fall. I'd stay away from that crazy matted jersey though. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

lorrwill DATE:Aug 19, 2008 11:04:00 AM I am so glad I am not the only one clinging tenaciously to summer dress sewing. Check my blog for my latest - 'oh crap it is probably too late in the season to actually wear this but I am going to sew it anyway'.

So what magazines are inspiring your fall sewing anyway? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sarah DATE:Aug 19, 2008 11:34:00 AM I think this dress would be great for fall in wool jersey. I'd make it a little longer for wearing with boots, and I'd probably extend the sleeves to the elbow and narrow them at the ends - batwings, no? The fun part would be finding the right interfacing or interlining for the neckline . .. . ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

bonnie-ann black DATE:Aug 19, 2008 11:43:00 AM i love this dress and i think the design on the material and the pattern were perfect for a japan trip -- it has a sort of touch of kimono about it, without looking like a slavish imitation. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

colour by number DATE:Aug 19, 2008 12:32:00 PM I love it...okay, you have sold me! I am cutting out tonight! pushing all else aside! cindy ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cookie DATE:Aug 19, 2008 12:37:00 PM This is beautiful! It looks terribly chic and comfortable to me at the same time. Really a Dress-It-Up-Dress-It-Down dress. Having solid pink or red breaking up the pattern would have taken this aspect away and made it funkier. You could wear pearls with this and not be stodgy. Nice nice extra nice! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

3KillerBs DATE:Aug 19, 2008 12:38:00 PM I love it! Bold, but not loud.

Of course, here in NC, I have another 6-8 weeks of 80+ daytime temperatures so I've only vaguely thought of fall clothes.

It wants a white wrap of some kind -- to fend off the over-enthusiastic air conditioning. But I can't see it with an ordinary jacket or cardigan. A knitted shrug? ??? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

bani DATE:Aug 19, 2008 1:07:00 PM Pattern is perfect and not at all OTT, don't be silly. Love this. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nadine DATE:Aug 19, 2008 2:15:00 PM I LOVE the print! Definitely NOT too much of a good thing - I'm pleased it has no contrast bands. Just gorgeous. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kate DATE:Aug 19, 2008 3:03:00 PM Yep! I've got the skirt version of this. And it is ridiculously comfortable. Also, my sister sews some pretty deep pockets. I bet I could fit several small kittens in those things. Erin, next skirt you send, pls include kittehs!
kthxbai! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Carolyn DATE:Aug 19, 2008 3:42:00 PM Wait - did you add a waistband on the back, or is that the "belt" looping around? I know the last time you made this dress, you wished the midriff band went all the way around the back. Did you modify the pattern? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Erin DATE:Aug 19, 2008 4:13:00 PM Carolyn -- I didn't modify it (yet ...) it's just the waist ties looping around. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

gwendolina DATE:Aug 19, 2008 5:23:00 PM I made one of these in blue pinstriped flannel two winters back. I wanted something comfy for kicking around the house, but ended up wearing it out more than in, with a boots and a long-sleeved gray shirt underneath. There's a bad picture of it at the end of this post: http://prairielark.blogspot.com/2007/01/what-i-did-with-my-winter-vacation.html ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

ash DATE:Aug 19, 2008 5:51:00 PM Oh it is so pretty and looks extremely comfy too! A win/win situation for a dress! Can't wait to see the Amy Butler one! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Miss Kitty DATE:Aug 19, 2008 6:31:00 PM LOVE this one, and can't wait to see the next if it's made of Amy Butler fabric! Hooray! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Aug 19, 2008 8:46:00 PM Darling! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Aug 19, 2008 8:48:00 PM Darling! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sara DATE:Aug 19, 2008 8:50:00 PM Ah, a new favorite "Erin dress," to go along with the crossword-print dress and the bandana shirtdress! It's so hard to find good florals that aren't super-busy or in a hideous colorway.

And I think the Duro junior would look great in some kind of wool crepe, with a white longsleeve underneath for winter. :-) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jamey DATE:Aug 19, 2008 10:23:00 PM such a great dress...how can you bear to walk away from it...i live in the south so this almost is a winter dress to us...i'd throw a blazer over it or a tiny denim jacket and keep pushing it...and if we got a cold snap--add boots and a scarf...but that's new orleans, not somewhere with actual seasons...now if i could actually sew... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Marie DATE:Aug 19, 2008 10:31:00 PM Pretty!! I like the waistband ties looping around. Artless but chic. And I agree, a denim jacket would make this go into the first part of fall.

I met someone today who described where he'd lived over the summer (Michigan) as so humid "it was like living in someone's mouth." ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

EmilyJ DATE:Aug 20, 2008 7:25:00 AM I'm a big fan of transitioning my summer dresses into autumn/winter - a cami top or tee underneath, a cardi on top, team it with tights and boots and you're away!

Love the fabric on this one - glad that it finally did arrive. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

EmilyJ DATE:Aug 20, 2008 7:26:00 AM Ok, the final part of my comment refers to the dress above - sorry! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jean DATE:Aug 20, 2008 5:09:00 PM You know, I'm thinking with 3/4 length sleeves the duro would look good in a cordaroy! Also, just want to tell you the pic's of these are great! Hmmmm guess I need to look for the pattern! ----- -------- AUTHOR: Erin TITLE: Seersucker Dress, As Promised DATE: 9:21 AM ----- BODY:

Here's the seersucker dress (the Duro Junior pattern again) I promised to post when I got back (and I did get back, despite my flight being canceled; I got the next-to-last seat in the last row of the flight that left before my flight, and ended up arriving half an hour later than my flight was supposed to -- myriad and strange are the ways of airlines).

(The antepenultimate and ultimate seats on that flight -- i.e., the two seats next to me -- were occupied by Masters of The Universe who were swapping stories of the first-class seats they'd lost when their flights were canceled. Oh, woe!)

Anyway, I wasn't wearing this dress on the plane, although I did actually wash it during my trip so I could wear it twice! The weather was so horribly humid, and this dress is so cool, that it was a necessity. (Also, being seersucker, it dried in about twenty minutes after I hung it up.) I wished I had eleven of these so I could change into them twice a day.

At first I was a bit worried that this was too "swimsuit coverup," but after wearing it for a while that wore off.

There's a few more changes I want to make to this pattern: I want to make the pockets wider and deeper, and sew the top of them into the waistband for extra support. I need to lengthen the front bodice another half-inch; and alter the seam across the top of the shoulder so that it curves down a bit. (I like the sleeve to follow the arm, not stick straight out.) I lopped two inches off the skirt before I hemmed it, but it would be more efficient if I altered the pattern piece instead ... and maybe make the skirt a teeny bit fuller, too, if only to better accommodate the bigger pockets.

Right now I want to make it in lemon-yellow linen with brown linen banding, dark gray poplin with red, a pink-and-maroon floral fabric (better than it sounds) ... the list goes on. Maybe for my next trip I really will have eleven versions!

Oh, and maybe next time I'll match the stripes. But probably not:

Seersucker Duro Jr

And quickly: Jen at MOMSPatterns has started using "fauxlero" as a key word, meaning you can search for fauxleros on her site. AND she's running a 20% off sale from right now thru Sunday night, midnight EST with coupon code 'fauxlero'. (And there's a nice history of the word fauxlero and list of fauxlero patterns on the Vintage Pattern Wiki ...)

Labels: Duro, Duro_Junior, Simplicity_3875

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

sixties sewer DATE:Jul 24, 2008 10:56:00 AM Erin, loving the stripes and how you used them. I didn't notice the mis-match until you pointed it out...a common compulsion with sewists to make sure everyone sees the errors!

I don't think 11 dresses would be too many. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

fabricgirl DATE:Jul 24, 2008 11:09:00 AM Great dress - I love seersucker for summer. Is this a current one? I have a skirt that I made a few years back out of something darned similar. The wide band at the waist is perfect.
I always alter that shoulder seam in cap sleeve dresses - I'm always afraid that I'll end up looking huge shouldered like some 80s mistake. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Miz Shoes DATE:Jul 24, 2008 11:16:00 AM I love seersucker for Florida. It is my favorite fabric.

By the way, last night I had a sewing dream. I found the perfect pattern, and the perfect print, but the fabric was only available in velour, not the perfect fabric. It came in a light-weight cotton that would have been perfect, but the color was wrong. Then I spent the rest of the dream looking at sewing notions and patterns.

You are starting to have some weird effects on me, woman. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

the_lazymilliner DATE:Jul 24, 2008 11:28:00 AM Summer seersucker sews so sweetly since spring sucks. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Deborah W DATE:Jul 24, 2008 11:33:00 AM Love the dress. So southern and feminine! I actually dislike matched stripes, so I love yours! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Birgit DATE:Jul 24, 2008 11:36:00 AM How cute! I actually really like the way the stripes don't match 100%! It gives the construction nice definition, and an almost artful effect. Great colors - and it does not look like a cover-up at all... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Feeder of the Hungry Beans DATE:Jul 24, 2008 11:38:00 AM No, don't match the stripes! Then you'd have weird Vs on the chest and weird lines going down the front. The effect is very nice with the mismatched stripes. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lydia DATE:Jul 24, 2008 11:43:00 AM I agree with the people who like the mismatched stripes. On a bold, duo-tone striped fabric, matching is crucial, but with these multi-stripes, the mismatch is much more pleasant. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

AnotherErin DATE:Jul 24, 2008 11:46:00 AM Really cute and summery dress :). I'd love to see the dark grey! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

La BellaDonna DATE:Jul 24, 2008 11:55:00 AM Erin, I'm not sure I understand the "swimsuit coverup" hesitation.

I've seen lots of nice tops, wraps, trousers, and yes, dresses, sold as "coverups" for swimwear, and I have happily bought items in each of the above categories and worn them - never once above a swimsuit! It's no less a dress because it's a "swimsuit coverup" - wear it and enjoy it the way you do the dresses that are "bra and knicker coverups"! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jean DATE:Jul 24, 2008 12:32:00 PM Now, if you only had the Ric Rac shoes in say brown? Cute dress, I'm all for the changes too, sounds great. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jul 24, 2008 1:17:00 PM This is a lovely dress--it exudes coolness in every sense of the word. I think I like this version better of the duro junior.

I have 4 yards of a super soft cotton seersucker that are waiting for a project. (Why do people even bother to make seersucker out of poly? Ugh!) It's nice to see something made up in order to visualize my own project. (My problem is I want to make EVERYTHING out of seersucker so I can't decide how to sew mine.)

Goshdarnit Mom's patterns-I just bought from you yesterday! Could've used the extra discount. I did notice the use of fauxlero. Also, Jen loves to use the word "killer" in her descriptions. Hard to pass up any item that has that word. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Chantelle DATE:Jul 24, 2008 1:22:00 PM Normally I'm a compulsive stripe-matcher but with this multi-stripe I think the dress looks much better. It shows off the wide band and front bands better than matching the stripes would have.

I must remember this for my next multi-stripe dress :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Little Hunting Creek DATE:Jul 24, 2008 1:30:00 PM Silly Me, I thought you DID match the stripes nicely until you said something. I thought that the design was intentional. Super cute - now I need to make one! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cookie DATE:Jul 24, 2008 2:03:00 PM That looks GREAT! It reminds me of Big Sur circa 1973; very cool and restful. I think it would look neat with rough turquoise or amber jewelry, and Mexican sandals. Very nice Go-Anywhere dress. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Erin DATE:Jul 24, 2008 2:06:00 PM Cookie, you need to stay around and help me accessorize. I have tons of jewelry I never wear ... I spend all my time thinking about the dress! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

colour by number DATE:Jul 24, 2008 2:19:00 PM Erin- you might see a double walking around of you...i want to make the exact dress. it is perfect for summer! cindy ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jul 24, 2008 2:43:00 PM Terrific summer dress; love how
you worked the stripes!
Enjoy wearing it. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

jasun DATE:Jul 24, 2008 3:08:00 PM Seersucker is great, and I also really like the line-up (/non line-up!) of the diagonals at the front. An actual line-up would be too smooth and look vague and confusing, I suspect. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cookie DATE:Jul 24, 2008 3:22:00 PM << Cookie, you need to stay around and help me accessorize. >> I'm not going anywhere, and am happy to offer my impressions for accessory opportunities. The other jewelry that would look nice is that heavy silver, Mexican inspired (?) jewelry that I think saw a resurgence in the late 60's and early 70's...I'm not sure how to actually classify it, except my mom, the merry California divorcee, used to wear it with rough woven skirts, leotards and shawls, etc, and it has blackened etching. You would just need a necklace in that style and a few silver bangles on one arm. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cookie DATE:Jul 24, 2008 3:28:00 PM This is sort of the vintage style I mean, though I don't see exactly what I'd pick. The necklace shouldn't have stones, and could be a loose choker length, like, hitting the hollow of your throat, single strand. Don't carry a straw bag, or people will wonder if your burro wandered off.

http://www.glitterbox.com/mexicansilverarchives.htm ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Pam DATE:Jul 24, 2008 3:50:00 PM I really hope no one takes offense at this, but it made me think:

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Duro!

It's awesome. I love it. I would wear it with my wooden hoop earrings and bangle and a big floppy hat! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

3KillerBs DATE:Jul 24, 2008 5:04:00 PM That dress looks wonderfully cool and practical. A modern version of your Secret Lives "Tuesday dress" that can go all over town or relax at home. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Theresa DATE:Jul 24, 2008 5:06:00 PM I love it. Cookie - I love the part about the burrow wandering off.

I always thing seersucker looks like baby fabric. I am officially changing my stance. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cookie DATE:Jul 24, 2008 6:05:00 PM It's interesting looking at that vintage Mexican jewelry on that site! Some of it's from the 1930's...I wonder what started a vogue for it back then? There are interlocking seahorse patterns I've seen elsewhere, sometimes poppy patterns...and some of it has Art Nouveau and Art Deco influences. I also like the pins and bracelets that look like fish, with abalone shell inlay! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Monabel DATE:Jul 24, 2008 9:02:00 PM Charming dress! Can you say more about the pockets and the waistband, I don't get it? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

theresa DATE:Jul 25, 2008 6:32:00 AM Cookie - some of it looks a little Celtic. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sara DATE:Jul 25, 2008 7:18:00 AM This dress looks so great! Nice work. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jenny DATE:Jul 25, 2008 9:24:00 AM @Cookie re: 1930's Mexican trend

I suspect that Prohibition pushed many people south of the border for vacations and entertainment, and then people brought the style home with them. The movie "Seabiscuit" comes to mind.

Then again, what do I know about jewelry? Not a thing! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jul 25, 2008 10:40:00 AM I love seeing your dresses! It has been such an inspiration to me. I have been doing my own 'dress a day' efforts but it has been more like a dress every couple of weeks.
It is nice to see someone else's efforts that don't always come out perfect. Sometimes when I make two or three of something, trying to perfect it, it is the first one that I like the best. Such a disappointment, when I saved the best material until the last. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Christy Sews DATE:Jul 25, 2008 10:42:00 AM I love the dress! The funny thing is, I passed up that pattern because it just didn't do anything for me. But seeing your dress, actually both of them, has definitely changed my mind. Not only do I love the stripes and the piping, I adore the use of seersucker. Now I want a closet full of seersucker dresses. Maybe next year. I have to move myself into fall or I'll be wearing capris in December! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Mandy DATE:Jul 25, 2008 11:14:00 AM It's smashing!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jul 25, 2008 12:55:00 PM Blogger Jenny said...

@Cookie re: 1930's Mexican trend

I suspect that Prohibition pushed many people south of the border for vacations and entertainment, and then people brought the style home with them. The movie "Seabiscuit" comes to mind.

Yes, Jenny, and Cookie, and there was a huge Hollywood caravan down Mexico way during those times. I *think* that Prohibition ended in 1933, though.
Off to google to research!
Liz F. from B. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Heather DATE:Jul 25, 2008 2:50:00 PM I love the dress as well. I did not noticed the unmatched stripes either (until you pointed out they were not matched). :) Really cute dress! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

ambika DATE:Jul 25, 2008 6:08:00 PM I adore this. I've only made one, very simple top from seersucker but I'm really in love with the fabric and could honestly use it for everything. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

enc DATE:Jul 25, 2008 7:34:00 PM Oh BOY! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

bani DATE:Jul 26, 2008 2:23:00 AM I just wanted to tell you that my husband looked over my shoulder and said "pretty dress" (probably thinking I was going to hit "add to cart" on some webshop and trying to help my decision along). So there you go! (I think it's pretty too. Of course.) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Aliyah's Hope Chest DATE:Jul 26, 2008 3:58:00 AM Lovely! I love seersucker too. I shall have to go buy some and make myself a skirt. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

charlotte carroll DATE:Jul 26, 2008 12:55:00 PM any pattern suggestions on a winter dress? I am searching but cannot find any that are not 1. to involved and 2. wont look good on an hourglass shape ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jul 30, 2008 5:02:00 PM Oh, that is so summery and cute! Seersucker usually doesn't move me, but I've never seen that multicolored kind.

I long for a dress with that kind of band a bit lower than the one in the ubiquitous empire waist. I simply cannot fit my chest into the designated area of those dresses, and it's not THAT huge. I guess this is why people sew, but I really fear it's beyond me.

Linda ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Retro Flower DATE:Jul 31, 2008 2:24:00 PM Hi,

Love the site. Feel free to browse us for any future posts/inspiration.

Many thanks,

Retro Flower ----- --------