I made this dress to wear to a friend’s wedding last summer. The pattern is a Vogue reissue of a 1954 pattern (some other Sew Retro contributors have also made this). The fabric is a beautifully soft printed Japanese cotton lawn I bought online. I love the richness of the verdant green.
I made a size 8 without any major alterations. If I made it again, I would make the bodice narrower as there is a tiny bit of gape at the back. The pattern calls for facings, but if I made it again I would line the bodice fully to strengthen the structure, especially if using another lightweight fabric like this one.
I wanted buttons that would contrast with the sweetness of the floral print, so I bought modern glass buttons from John Lewis. The buttonholes were done by hand, as befits the delicate lawn and the style of the dress.
The underskirt was improvised with a beautiful piece of handmade cotton lace given to me by a friend, which itself must have come from a petticoat. I gathered it further with machine stitches and attached it to a piece of white muslin measuring approximately 11×35 inches, which I then finished with lingerie elastic. It works really well with this dress, and I look forward to wearing it with my other summer skirts and dresses too.
It's gorgeous. I love the fabric and the underskirt you made to go with it.
So pretty! That dress has been on my "want to make" list for a while, and you've helped move it up the list!
Beautiful feminine look. I love the petti…I just purchased a vintage pattern to make one. The ruffle is so pretty.
What a beautiful dress. love the print so soft and feminine. Really lovely.
Ohhh! It's just so pritty, and fabric looks great. The photo's are lovely. Well done.
Beautiful! Love the underskirt, and that photo of you walking in the grass – gorgeous!!
Both pieces are beautiful.
so very pretty, lovely fabric choices and great pics 🙂
That is a gorgeous dress. I love the back, especially. I think that pattern may have to go on my list for when I have a bit more sewing experience.
Very pretty. Both the dress and the petticoat!
I love the dress and the petticoat is really a lot of work and well done!
Lovely! I'm a petticoat whore, so I definitely appreciate this post. Got to love a great underskirt. The dress looks very well executed as well. This looks great, thanks for sharing!