SPRING FOR COTTON : : BURDA 7255 HACK

Spring For Cotton, #springforcotton, DYT Type One

Spring For Cotton, #springforcotton, DYT Type One

Spring For Cotton, #springforcotton, DYT Type One

 

 

 

 

Hallo everyone! I’m here and wearing my Spring For Cotton sewing project. And it’s polka dotted! And looky dat….we’s got the front views, the side views, and the me walking off into the sunset views. The Spring For Cotton sewing challenge, masterminded and hosted by the ever gracious Rochelle of Lucky Lucille, is pretty straight up….sew something vintage inspired, using 100% cotton. Just what the doctor* ordered. Every time I wear my Midnight in Paris Dress, I vow to sew another; and this challenge is a perfect fit. I made the pattern almost, nearly the same as my MIP dress. {It’s a hack on the Burda Blouse 7255.} This go round, I omitted the inverted pleat in the back bodice, and I made the skirt portion just a wee bit fuller. I used polka dot quilting cotton…and how is it that this is the first all-polka dot dress I’ve sewn, asks she? The trim is 100% cotton twill. I cut 1 1/2″ strips, and pressed the long edges under 1/4″. I lined the skirt portion with 100% cotton muslin. Although my shoes make me feel a bit like Dorothy, they are the closest to vintage that I have…um…and I love them. So? How true to the 1920s am I? Probably not very. But the design is similar to the lovely dress Marion Cotillard wore in the film Midnight in Paris. My fabric, however, is light, crisp cotton…quite unlike the lovely diaphanous and sequinned makes of the twenties. After a quick Internet looky, I believe my dress might be described as a 1920s house dress. A house dress! Call it what you will, I promise you this dress will not be staying in the house!

* I had my return visit to the eye doctor and my eyeball is looking just as it was a week ago…which is a good thing. Thanks bunches for all your kind words on my last post. They are so very appreciated! This time, I also had a routine eye exam, and…after fifteen plus years…I’m in the market for a new pair of specs. So far, I’ve found nothing suitable. It’s weird…at least to me….I’ve found frames that have polka dots, or stripes on the inside…on the inside, but not on the outside. {Insert sad face here} Ah well, the hunt continues.

All righty, a deadline is looming, so short and sweet today my friends! I’ll see you soon!

48 Comments

  • Reply beassewingadventures April 30, 2015 at 11:40 am

    I love the dress, it's so cheery!

    Re the specs- secret polka dots or stripes are still better than no polka dots or stripes at all.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas April 30, 2015 at 11:49 am

    hahaha…so very true! Kinda like when I use a polka dot lining for pockets etc….still makes me smile.

    Thanks for stopping by Bea!

  • Reply Melanie April 30, 2015 at 12:00 pm

    Whew, I'm glad your eyes are stable. And I'm glad you're getting an updated prescription – it helps so much with life in general.
    Onto the dress. Sproing! Lovely. NOT a house dress. The trim is beautiful – your attention to details always adds to your pieces. And your hair with its new styling matches wonderfully. You are the picture of spring but I like how you caught a refreshing and darkish warm wind (I hope it was warm!).

  • Reply PinhouseP April 30, 2015 at 12:21 pm

    I love this dress 🙂 You look great, too!
    I'm glad I found your blog, lots of nice stuff here!

  • Reply amy mayen April 30, 2015 at 1:18 pm

    I love the 1920's silhouette and what the it stood for. Girls can do anything boys can do:) a house dress, really though?! It's gorgeous and it looks comfy. I lived in dresses and now I live on a farm…so I won't be wearing as many. Keep sewing dresses so I can live vicariously through you!

  • Reply amy mayen April 30, 2015 at 1:19 pm

    PS I agree in the glasses thing, but I know you'll find a fun pair.

  • Reply Shirl April 30, 2015 at 2:16 pm

    Okay, I was already thinking “how Parisien” before I read your post. This is delightful on you and I like your choice of sparkly gold shoes too. And the gold star errings and star trim. Bon Vivant, mon Cherie.

    Shirl

  • Reply Heather April 30, 2015 at 2:54 pm

    What a great dress! You always have such great pictures. You pattern hack is great and it looks quite 20's flapper dress to me, plus those shoes are awesome!!

  • Reply Dana Bishop April 30, 2015 at 4:52 pm

    Your new blue dress and the deck rail together are so pleasing! Each brings our the color in the other! You look adorable, as always, and the star sprinkled accent is just perfect!

  • Reply Judi Pinkham April 30, 2015 at 8:56 pm

    That dress is adorable!!!!!!

  • Reply Curtise May 1, 2015 at 1:50 am

    A house dress? No, surely not! Your polka-dotted beauty is meant to be taken out and about and admired, especially when worn with gold glittery shoes!
    Fab photos as always, Sue, and I'm glad to hear your eyes are OK. xxx

  • Reply Anne May 1, 2015 at 5:43 am

    Go out and about with your lovely new dress and your new specs (whether secret polka dots or not!)

  • Reply Rebecca May 1, 2015 at 6:59 am

    Every time I visit your blog and see your beautiful creations, I am so tempted to buy a new sewing machine (last used one about 35 years ago!). You are so creative and meticulous about your projects.
    You look great – keep looking for the eyeglass frames of your dreams. There is a shop in NYC (Devonshire Optical) and they have the greatest frames. Maybe they ship.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 1, 2015 at 9:16 am

    Thanks Melanie. Yes, my hair is feeling the freedom of spring too, LOL. I think because we were on the pier, it was windier than on land….it wasn't really that warm either. I was happy to put my coat on after.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 1, 2015 at 9:17 am

    Thank you so much! I enjoy seeing your work on Flickr!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 1, 2015 at 9:19 am

    Great point Amy! Breaking free, not just from constrictive clothing, but ideas as well! I've got an old pair of jeans that I wear when working in the garden. I'm just that messy. I have a friend that manages to look like a magazine photo well she 'tends' her garden…not me, LOL.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 1, 2015 at 9:19 am

    I WILL!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 1, 2015 at 9:20 am

    Thanks Shirl! The gold earrings were a no-brainer with this dress, oui?

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 1, 2015 at 9:20 am

    Thanks Heather! I'm happy you can see the influence of the twenties!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 1, 2015 at 9:21 am

    Thank you Dana! Ah…you have that discerning artist's eye. I appreciate that you noticed my attempt at cohesiveness in my photos!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 1, 2015 at 9:22 am

    Thanks Judi! Thanks again for your comments on my last post!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 1, 2015 at 9:22 am

    Thanks Curtise! I feel that way about my dresses….as though I'm literally taking them out and about, LOL.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 1, 2015 at 9:23 am

    Thanks Anne! I'm not in a mad rush to get my new glasses, but I now have a mission…polka dots!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 1, 2015 at 9:26 am

    Thank you so much Rebecca! Sewing garments seems to be experiencing a renaissance. A lot of people, both women and men, are discovering or rediscovering the joys of sewing! Could be you?!

    I'm curious about Devonshire Optical. I will look and see if they have a website! Thanks so much for sharing!

  • Reply sabine May 1, 2015 at 12:47 pm

    I am glad your eyes are fine and hope you will find the right specs, Sue.
    Your 20th inspired dress is amazing, so feminin and cheerful. Did the ladies in the 20th wear specs or lorgnettes?
    Beautiful pics dear
    Sabine xxx

  • Reply No Fear of Fashion May 1, 2015 at 1:42 pm

    Oh rats,…. my comment disappeared !!! And I had written such a lengthy one… OK again…
    I love you using such vibrant colours. This dress is again a feast for the eye. You always spent so much time on details which makes the result so special.Love the star trimming and the matching of the earrings. Where ever do you find this matching jewellery? You must have a box full (me too I admit). The shoes are so right with this dress. Colour wise and style wise.
    Fortunately your eyeballs were good but I suppose this is not the end of it yet? Or is it?
    Hope you will find the right glasses. Don't settle for good, go for awesome. After all you have to wear them a lot. Come to think of it, buy three pairs. After all you have more than one dress too, don't you? LOL
    Greetje

  • Reply Michelle May 1, 2015 at 1:43 pm

    Polka dots are the absolute BEST! I love the scenery you've chosen for this photo shoot. It's very 1920s boardwalk!

    I'm glad that you're getting things with your eye straightened out. Glasses are fun. I promise. They're another accessory to throw into the mix. 😀

    I've been tormenting over whether or not to cut my hair lately. I build up the courage, then the internet sends me subliminal messages in the form of Pinterest pictures featuring long curly locks. My latest great idea is to try the CG co-wash method to see if it 'heals' my hair enough to allow it to grow. Mine's super thick but insanely fine and it frizzes and breaks easily. Such a pain.

  • Reply Michelle May 1, 2015 at 1:52 pm

    On the topic of glasses, I wanted to share my favorite producer of frames. Both Mike and I currently wear frames from Etnia Barcelona: http://www.etniabarcelona.com/en/collections/?cat=&ord=col&tip=view

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 1, 2015 at 2:19 pm

    OH MY GOODNESS! These frames are fabulous, and I've only just started looking!!!!! Thanks Michelle!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 1, 2015 at 5:14 pm

    Thanks Sabine! I'm intending that my eyes remain stable! Good ? about the eyewear. I imagine spectacles at that time. I think the cook at Downton Abbey was fitted with glasses a season or so ago…

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 1, 2015 at 5:18 pm

    Oh, I hate it when that happens! Thanks for taking the time to re-write Greetje! I do indeed have a lot of fun jewelry…

    Well, future eye health will optimistically be well! Having said that, I am still experiencing some floaters and some flashes. I do know others that have had this experience and it goes away on it's own. I am trying to up my self care with supplements that are helpful for eyes.

    Oh, if I had the money to have an 'eyeglass' wardrobe. I seldom wear my glasses, so it isn't a priority to me. If I did wear glasses all the time, I definitely would have at least three pairs! I'm excited to be looking for them. Michelle, below, gave me a link to some really fun ones, and I've found retailers in Vancouver. There's another designer, out of Holland, that has some pretty fun looking frames too!

  • Reply Annie Case Hanks May 2, 2015 at 7:14 am

    I love the dress — especially the star detail. I hope you find an awesome pair of glasses to match your personality! We just found out my 8-year old needs glasses so we have been running all over trying to find that perfect pair. Good luck.

  • Reply Hana May 2, 2015 at 6:24 pm

    Beautiful dress, Sue! Love the polka dots and stars 🙂 Glad to know your eyes are fine xo xo

  • Reply Suzanne Carillo May 3, 2015 at 8:11 am

    What wonderful shots! And those shoes are making me so jealous!

    I love the playfulness of the patterns here. Reminds me of something I would put together for a scrapbook page.

    Glad to hear your eyes aren't worse.

    bisous
    Suzanne

  • Reply Flo May 3, 2015 at 8:27 am

    Very cute! It reminds me of some of the dresses my mom had when I was a kid (in the 60's).

    Glad to hear you got good news from the eye doc. I hope you find just what you are looking for in new glasses!

  • Reply Margo B May 3, 2015 at 5:42 pm

    Adorable as always Sue!! You will have so much fun finding glasses. I'm sure you will be sporting something spectacular! lol

  • Reply dan May 4, 2015 at 12:26 am

    I have missed some posts of yours ( owed to my moving house ) but today I can enjoy your new dress! Cotton is a very comfortable fabric, especially in hot weather so I think you will wear the dress often. The polka dots print is nice and fresh and, what to say of your sewing? … Perfect as ever!!
    Beautiful sunset and background!!
    p.s.
    I wish all the best for your health!!

  • Reply Merche Martinez May 5, 2015 at 4:40 am

    Polka dots and stars paired with those awesome shoes and wonderful photography. Who can beat that?
    Love your dress and I didn't know about your eyes, but glad that they are ok. No glasses with polka dot frames…what are the glasses makers thinking about?!

  • Reply No Fear of Fashion May 6, 2015 at 11:54 am

    The Dutch… they get everywhere. Top of a mountain: there is a Dutch person with a hotel. Beautiful waterfall in a valley? A Dutch couple selling french fries there. Hopeless.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 6, 2015 at 12:13 pm

    hahaha.

  • Reply V May 9, 2015 at 8:27 am

    I adore your dress! Polkadots are the best. On the frames subject, how about these?
    http://www.zennioptical.com/253721-plastic-full-rim-frame.html

    I order glasses for me and my daughter from this place at least once a year.

  • Reply V May 9, 2015 at 8:45 am

    I'm browsing for new glasses for me and found these as well. I think they might just fill the polkadot glasses niche perfectly.
    http://www.zennioptical.com/womens-fullrim-acetate-plastic-wayfarer-eyeglass-frames-105431.html

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 9, 2015 at 11:50 pm

    OH! These are so cute! Thanks so much for the links V. I've never ordered glasses online before, but I will definitely have a good browse through the Zenni site!

  • Reply Rachel May 12, 2015 at 11:42 pm

    I don't really wear heels, but glitter ones sure would be tempting! Polka dot fabrics always tempt me. Two of the skirts I made when I had a sewing machine featured polka dots, as did one of the dresses. I'm a fan!

  • Reply Jessica Cangiano May 15, 2015 at 6:11 pm

    It's so fabulously cheerful!!! I love that you paired a nautical coloured dress with a water setting. Isn't shooting on a wharf (or dock) a blast? Tony and I have done it a few times now and are always on the lookout for new-to-use locations, especially pre and post-tourist season, so that we have an unencumbered setting in which to grab our snaps.

    Thank you very much for your lovely comment on this week's vintage outfit post. It's always such a joy to hear from you, dear Sue.

    Big hugs & happy weekend wishes,
    ♥ Jessica

  • Reply Joni James May 16, 2015 at 8:33 am

    Such a cute dress! It reminds me of a favorite I wore in the 60's.
    Your closet purging sounds enormous! I can't believe you donated so many handmade items. Someone really found a treasure chest when they happened upon your tossed out creations. It must be hard to figure out which things should go. I find that most of what I have gotten rid of lately were thrifted and/or consignment items that just didn't fit well. Did your closet purging feel refreshing? or did it make you want to sew even more???

  • Reply Kristin Buchholz-MacKillop May 17, 2015 at 7:24 am

    Those SHOES are The Business! LOVE

  • Reply Rebecca May 19, 2015 at 2:52 pm

    I would never call this a house dress as it is too cute not to be seen on the streets! I love the fun color and pattern! Just perfect for spring! I sure hope you find the right frames for you with something fabulous on the outside!

    Rebecca
    http://www.winnipegstyle.ca

  • Leave a Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.