McCall 3857: The 'Pink Pinafore and Blouse'

Bright pink pinafores and floral blouses – this is my idea of heaven!

I used McCall 3857, an absolutely adorably feminine pinafore pattern.  I just love the slightly widening shoulders on the pattern and the princess seams that lead into an A-line skirt.

Overall, the pattern--because it consists of the slightly flared panels –makes it easy to adjust.  I do love the wide shoulders but I also need to remember that I have narrow shoulders and need to adjust (even sleeveless) patterns to take out some width in the shoulders.  I think it's ok on this pattern but I could have probably gone a smidgeon narrower.

I do love me some princess seams! So pretty!  

We took these photos at the Botanic Gardens--and I just love the glasshouse building!

The back has a pretty line because of the fitted bodice which flows directly into a nicely draping a-line skirt.  I could have probably taken out a small bit of length in the back bodice section but it's not so noticeable when I stand up straight :)

I got the hot pink wool blend fabric on a trip to Viet Nam several years ago--and it's a DREAM to sew with (and feels very nice to the touch).  I got the colourful print for the blouse (which is a very lightweight cotton) from Edinburgh Fabrics.  The funny thing is that I sat with this fabric for ages...I would go between loving it and then feeling it was too busy for me.  I think as a blouse it's perfect as the hot pink pops of the flowers really coordinate with the hot pink pinafore.  

And bright pink is definitely becoming one of my FAVOURITE colours (I even have shoes and seamed stockings to match....yipppeeeee).

I love this very Debi-esque version of the 1940 college pinafore--in some bright and cheery colourful fabrics! 

Hair: Ariana at Vanity Thrills

Photos: Darja Bilyk

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The 'Secret Garden Dress'

Welcome to my secret garden..full of greenery and the brightest red roses!

I know I say this about every outfit I make (well almost every one...), but this one may be my favourite!!  I used a tried and true vintage pattern (Style Print 1283) for a classic 1950s shirtwaist dress.

I've used this pattern twice before and have made both of the pattern views.  The last time I sewed a full waisted shirtwaist from this pattern was my 'Midcentury Madness' dress using a perfect autumnal 50s print:

When I came across this AMAZING vintage red roses fabric at the W. Armstrong and Sons vintage store in Edinburgh, I immediately thought of the Style Print shirtwaist pattern.

The fabric suits the pattern so perfectly. I just love it! I think the fabric might be a barkcloth type fabric--it's a little heavier and more textured than most cottons.  And the colours are phenomenal. I just love the red roses on the grey background!

I even had the perfect little vintage buttons in my stash --way back when I won a pound of vintage buttons from Tasia at Sewaholic.  I'm still working my way through the stash of buttons and these ones were a match made in heaven --1950s red buttons with cute little fake diamonds in the centre.

I paired my dress with a red petticoat that I got from Vivien of Holloway, red seamed What Katie Did stockings and grey BAIT footwear shoes:

I am so delighted with this dress! Shirtwaisters with unique vintage fabric are a great match!  Plus the other nice thing about this dress is that the fabric seems like it will be long-wearing and easy to travel with (doesn't wrinkle too easily)--which is a major bonus!

I wish all my dresses were covered with large red roses :)  What about you, any fabric in your stash that you absolutely love?

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1950's