The ‘Modern Garden Party’ Dress

I made this dress about a week ago but wanted to share it with all of you.

I decided it was time to make my version of Lady Mary’s garden party/flower show dress from Downton Abbey.  I had the fabric and the inspiration, but just had to settle on the pattern and my final vision.  I wanted to do a modern take on the dress because I don’t wear things that are too heavily vintage.  They just don’t fit in with my own personal style and I wanted to be sure that I would wear it.  I played around with several pattern ideas until finally Colette announced her newest line of Spring/Summer patterns.  As soon as I saw the Hazel dress I knew exactly what I had to do.

So I set to making my own version.  A shorter dress to keep it modern and because I hardly wear long dresses with the California weather.  I very much live off of my Spring/Summer sewing as it easily shifts into something wearable for Fall.  Throw on a sweater and tights and you’re set for Winter too!  I added a bit of lace trim and vintage buttons to the neckline, so it was reminiscent of the original dress I was being inspired by.  And to create the effect of the darker band at the waistline, I made my own belt from a kit from a Fashionable Stitch.

I love how the dress turned out and I know it’s going to get a lot of wear!  More construction details and sources for my materials can be found on my blog, What’s Up, Cupcake?