There’s nothing more exciting than an invitation in the post don’t you think? We don’t receive a heap of paper mail these days so when a lovely friend’s wedding invite dropped with the dresscode of “A Little Bit of Colour" you betcha I ran – didn’t walk – straight to the sewing room.
The all important planning stage.
After digging through my vintage 1970’s patterns, I found one of my old faithfuls, Style 4316. I already know this retro beauty has a bodice that fits me like a dream. I’m not super into short skirts at the moment and sketched out an idea of lengthening the skirt and adding a ruffle. Who doesn’t love an extra swishy skirt on the wedding D-floor?!
I’ve been busting to use this epic, large scale floral Ellie Whittaker print for ages and this assignment is IT!
My toxic sewing trait is this: I NEVER follow the recommended fabric requirements stated on the back of the pattern envelope. There, I said it! My brain short circuits when the sewing counter employee asks, “and how much were you after?” I stutter and mumble how I’m supposed to be getting 3.5m but surely 3 will do…does anyone else do this??
After pattern-tetrising my little heart out, I admitted defeat when it came to the lovely balloon sleeves. Yay me, slinking back to my local Spotlight store to buy some extra fabric.
Love, love, love my Sew Your Way magnetic tools!
Once all the pieces are cut out, and I’ve read and re-read alllll of those vintage instructions, the dress came together rather quickly. I used my favourite method for the facings and we’ve made a lovely video about it over on the Sew Your Way Instagram and TikTok if you’d like to pop in and say hi! And of course I kept my pins handy at all times with the help of a Sew Your Way magnetic wrist band. Setting the sleeves and wrangling all those ruffles was a piece of colourful cake.
The finished dress – isn’t she divine?!
And the only photo I took from the wedding.
I am a true believer in the power of dopamine dressing and slipping into this little number guarantees a good time! The dress turned out better than I could have hoped and to be sure, it received plenty of compliments on the actual wedding day. I hope you’re feeling inspired to add a little bit of colour to your life.
Let us know what you think!Happy sewing!
Lindsey, Sew Your Way