This Dress was a long time coming. I started working on it in November of last year. Originally, I intended to make it from a wool crepe and that the red rayon would be a wearable muslin. Using the Colette Patterns Oolong Dress pattern (purchased for 1/2 price, when they were discontinuing the pattern), I decided to make one modification – add godets to the skirt in the princess seams to give it a little flip and flare. That version was not so exciting, in fact, I was so disappointed with the fit, I put the dress back on rack to wait for some inspiration or divine intervention, whichever came first.
Earlier this summer I needed a dress to wear to a tropical themed Art Deco party, so I pulled the dress and pattern out of storage and decided to see what I could do. Necessity is the mother of invention, right? Well I ended up combining 3 patterns to make this one look – the Colette Oolong, Colette Parfait and the 1930s Ladies Afternoon Tea Frock – Reproduction Sewing Pattern #T3221 from Vintage Pattern Lending Library.
In the end, I’m pretty happy with the results. I don’t think I will make it up again, but If I did, I would fit the skirt a bit differently and make the godets come up higher. I’ve worn it twice now – once to the tropical event and once to a local production of Castle Happy, a play about William Randolf Hearst and Family.
If you are interested in seeing HOW I worked with the fitting and the patterns, visit my Blog for the full post.
Until Next Time….Happy Sewing!
I love that dress, especially the sleeves and godets. Beautiful fabric as well.
Thanks Robin!