Thursday, June 16, 2011

The "Coming Up Roses" Dress

I made a dress--just for fun! This is the one I started in the midst of my recovery from filming. It felt very spontaneous and creative. The pattern is my own, a simple bodice that I added a bias fold trim to.


The skirt is a basic circle. I did true tea length! What do you think?
I bought a petticoat to go underneath it. It's a little long, but I like the way it peeks out.
The back is shirred with elastic thread for comfort. I'm writing a tutorial on how to adapt any dress pattern to use this technique! Check back for that.

New green shoes.
I also made a self-covered belt, but it totally blends in.
The fabric is this really great printed cotton pique. The texture is really tiny and subtle. They still have it at Paron's if you're interested.
The dress and crinoline are on my dress form in the living room and I love how it looks. I want to make it a permanent decoration!

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99 comments:

  1. KestrelJune 16, 2011 at 7:10 AM

    It looks fantastic! I'm intrigued about the elasticated back too, that seems like a really useful feature. And I love the kitty checking out the new shoes :)

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  2. AnonymousJune 16, 2011 at 7:12 AM

    Wow, this is just gorgeous! The design reminds me a bit of a gown I made for an ROTC Air Force ball in college from a "Vintage Vogue" collection pattern. It is one of my favorite dresses ever! I absolutely love that patterned fabric. You look beautiful in this dress!

    Also: looking forward to learning more about the shirred panels...

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  3. LouiseJune 16, 2011 at 7:18 AM

    Love the shirring at the back, look forward to a tutorial on that one...

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  4. KimsterJune 16, 2011 at 7:20 AM

    Love the dress and the fact that you made this to relax and enjoy yourself. Thats what sewing is about (for me). Looking forward to your tips on how to enter the elastic back.

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  5. SWDJune 16, 2011 at 7:31 AM

    omg that is so super cute!!

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  6. ErikaJune 16, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    Gorgeous dress! I totally see why you'd want it as a permanent decoration =) I love the fabric and the tea length! And the little bias collar really is the cherry on the top =)

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  7. Popbabe7June 16, 2011 at 7:38 AM

    Wow wow wow!!!

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  8. SheriJune 16, 2011 at 7:40 AM

    Lovely dress, and it looks great on you. The bias trim gives it a special touch and the elastic shirred back is a super addition! I really like the tea length, as well.

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  9. magic and drudgeryJune 16, 2011 at 7:40 AM

    I love this dress - I've just volunteered to make my own bridesmaid dress for my friends wedding next year and its a dress just like this that she wants me in.

    I will look forward to your tips on how you made it. And the elasticated back panels tutorial would be perfect.

    Jeez I love your blog!!!

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  10. DanielaJune 16, 2011 at 7:41 AM

    Hello I'm Dany and i'm reading your beautiful blog from Rome I'm following you!!good bye !!

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  11. AnonymousJune 16, 2011 at 7:43 AM

    that is just a beautiful dress. when you no longer have space to display it have room him to show it off.

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  12. zoeJune 16, 2011 at 7:46 AM

    I adore the tea length, it makes it look so stylish! Its lovely. Share how to please!

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  13. CaseyJune 16, 2011 at 7:49 AM

    What a stunning dress, Gertie! :) The print is amazing, and I love that you added the shirred back panel. Can't wait to see a tutorial on that! :)

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  14. AngieJune 16, 2011 at 7:53 AM

    I'm looking forward to the shirring tute -- yay! The dress I once had with elastic sirring was sooo comfy.

    Super lovely new dress, Gertie.

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  15. KristaJune 16, 2011 at 7:55 AM

    Don't you just love how a great dress and get bring a smile to you face. That would be a dress to go out and dance in. Love the back and would definitely to a crack at after seeing a tutorial.

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  16. KateJune 16, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    It's a beautiful dress and you look lovely in it. Did I miss a post where you decided not to carry on showing us your daily outfits? The idea inspired me to put a bit more effort into my own freelance daily outfits.

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  17. StephanieJune 16, 2011 at 8:17 AM

    Very beautiful!

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  18. AnonymousJune 16, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    The dress is lovely. I was in Paron yesterday but I didn't see that fabric. I gotta go back and buy some! What side of the store was it?

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  19. GertieJune 16, 2011 at 8:21 AM

    Thanks, all! Kate, a few commenters didn't seem too keen on the outfit posts the last time I did one, so I kind of cooled off on the idea. But I still want to do the occasional one. I haven't been very good about getting dressed to work at home lately. :(

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  20. NetmiffJune 16, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    Elasstic back what an ingenious idea! I love the length and the fabric, it's so bright and cheery, but I can't believe you actually BOUGHT a slip for it!

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  21. LottacurlsJune 16, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    Love, love, LOVE this dress!!! You do beautiful work...and it looks so beautiful on you!

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  22. GertieJune 16, 2011 at 8:26 AM

    Anon, left side back.

    Hey, time is money! And the slip was cheap!

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  23. AnonymousJune 16, 2011 at 8:27 AM

    That is such a stunning dress and I love the tea length. The petticoat really helps to make it that extra bit WOW!

    So gorgeous!

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  24. NathalieJune 16, 2011 at 8:31 AM

    I've tried shirring before and made a complete hash of it - either I was doing it wrong or my maching just wouldn't play game - so I'm really looking forward to the tutorial!

    Love the dress. And looks totally fab with the shoes!

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  25. StephanieJune 16, 2011 at 8:33 AM

    Absolutely stunning! Would love a tutorial on shirring!

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  26. reneeJune 16, 2011 at 8:34 AM

    Love the dress and I think the tea length is perfect.

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  27. PaulaJune 16, 2011 at 8:35 AM

    I absolutely LOVE it! It looks fantastic on you and the shoes are amazing!

    I love the bias band addition, it looks really pretty. And the petticoat - I adore petticoats!!

    Where do you buy a petticoat, anyway?

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  28. GertieJune 16, 2011 at 8:37 AM

    Paula, I linked to where I bought the petticoat.

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  29. labriekJune 16, 2011 at 8:39 AM

    beautiful!

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  30. ValerieJune 16, 2011 at 8:41 AM

    ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!

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  31. Sassy TJune 16, 2011 at 8:48 AM

    Absolutely stunning. Am going to search your blog for a tute on a circle skirt. I have made a half circle before. Suppose I could two of those but like looking at other tutes lol.

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  32. AdrienneJune 16, 2011 at 8:49 AM

    Wow! That is so impressive. The design is just gorgeous and it looks amazing on you. I'd keep it in my livingroom too, something that fab needs to be seen every day.

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  33. AndreaJune 16, 2011 at 8:58 AM

    Love it! So, so, so cute.

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  34. AuntieJune 16, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    So great!!
    Wear it out to lunch with a friend and treat yourself to an afternoon of pampering!
    The dress is truly lovely!

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  35. JaneJune 16, 2011 at 9:05 AM

    Breathtakingly gorgeous dress Gertie, I love everything about it. Fab shoes too. x

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  36. RoseJune 16, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    I would LOVE that tutorial! I just made a muslin of Butterick 5351, but the top is just way to tight to be able to breathe! I had the idea to do that shirring, but I don't know how. I know it uses elastic thread....

    Your dress is gorgeous, by the way. Like the tea length.

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  37. LynneJune 16, 2011 at 9:31 AM

    Wow!! That's gorgeous! Happy wearing.

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  38. EmilieJune 16, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    Beautiful! I absolutely love it! I wish I had one too... to go to a tea party or something!

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  39. TashaJune 16, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    Just lovely! I really like the shirring in the back, what a great idea to do a tutorial. I love when I find a vintage dress with shirring.

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  40. AnonymousJune 16, 2011 at 9:42 AM

    Oh Gertie, it's gorgeous!

    I love the third picture from the top where Pip is totally admiring your shoes :)

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  41. LuchJune 16, 2011 at 9:44 AM

    I love that so much! I think the length is great and the shirred panels...the SHOES! Everything. Thanks for sharing.
    Heather

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  42. AnonymousJune 16, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    What an amazing place to be at, when you can just knock up a dress like that for fun. I love the fabric and the petticoat is tres cute.

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  43. The ExpatresseJune 16, 2011 at 9:52 AM

    Love the dress.
    Love the shoes.
    Love the cat!

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  44. LLADYBIRDJune 16, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    so pretty! i don't normally care for tea-length, but it is very flattering on you!

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  45. rjeJune 16, 2011 at 9:57 AM

    LOVE!! So fantastic & thanks for the petticoat link...i've been needing one of those for a while!!

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  46. SuzyQJune 16, 2011 at 9:59 AM

    Where did you get those shoes? Where did you get those shoes?

    I love the dress - excellent job.

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  47. uglybeatJune 16, 2011 at 10:04 AM

    Quite lovely! I'm excited to see the tute on shirring. Your fabric choice is fantastic and it looks great on you!!! Brava!!!

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  48. GertieJune 16, 2011 at 10:16 AM

    SuzyQ, check out yesterday's post--I linked to the shoes!

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  49. SaminaJune 16, 2011 at 10:23 AM

    Adorable dress - it looks great on you. Where oh where would you wear it, though? Or, is my life really that dull?

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  50. SunniJune 16, 2011 at 10:27 AM

    Totally darling! I adore the fabric choice. It looks lovely on you too and I too think the peek of the petticoat rather fetching! Lovely piece! xoxo, Sunni

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  51. DarciJune 16, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    You look absolutely amazing in that dress, Gertie! I love the length, the petti and those fantastic SHOES. (Serious case of covet going on over here!). Can't wait for your shirring tute!

    GORGEOUS!!

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  52. liza janeJune 16, 2011 at 10:47 AM

    Ooh, fun green shoes! I'm excited for the shirring tutorial. Love the true tea length.

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  53. MargoJune 16, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    I love that dress! You look fantastic and the green shoes are so cute with it. The full petticoat and tea-length are just perfect. I also am very intrigued with the idea of an elasticized back. I've been thinking about doing that with a maxi dress pattern so I can eliminate the need for a back zipper. A tutorial would be most helpful.

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  54. AmelieNoMoriJune 16, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    Lovely dress! I love the joyful fabric. And the length is perfect, it looks great.

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  55. AnonymousJune 16, 2011 at 11:27 AM

    It's gorgeous! I love how the petticoat peeks out. And completely agree--it should be a permanent decoration in your house, if not on your body.

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  56. Leah FranquiJune 16, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    Oh my lord you look amazing! That is so beautiful, I love love love the fabric, and I love the modern touch with the shoes!

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  57. Carlotta StermariaJune 16, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    Gah, the great news in this post is that there will be a elastic shirred back tutorial!!!! I've always wanted to know more about this technique.

    Lovely dress, but I must admit I prefer your usual length_ I find it just the right mix between modern and vintage...

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  58. lapJune 16, 2011 at 11:46 AM

    I definitely like the tea length on you! Super cuteness. I like the shoes even better on as well.

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  59. CarolynJune 16, 2011 at 11:59 AM

    I have a feeling that. You are going to have a lot of fun in that dress. And I love the petticoat! Haha..you have a great time. It looks wonderful. : )

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  60. SusanJune 16, 2011 at 12:15 PM

    Stunning! I really like how you added shirring to the back. It is a great idea for comfort.

    I don't blame you for liking it as decoration in your home, but it still needs to get out the house from time to time, especially since you look so beautiful in it.

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  61. Catholic BibliophagistJune 16, 2011 at 12:42 PM

    I think your dress is gorgeous and I'm looking forward to your tutorial about shirring. But I'll hesitantly voice a minority opinion on the petticoat. I love the way it makes the dress look, but I'm not fond of the way it hangs below the hem. Perhaps it's because I was alive way back when "retro" was current and up to date (albeit a child). It just looks a bit sloppy to me. Of course, in those days it would have been considered very embarrassing to have your slip showing.
    --C.B.
    But once again, I do think that both you and your dress are gorgeous.

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  62. NanJune 16, 2011 at 1:01 PM

    This is beautiful on you and I love how you wear the green shoes to contrast, perfect!

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  63. sewistafashionistaJune 16, 2011 at 1:05 PM

    Beautiful dress! Love the ribbon edged petticoat.

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  64. DeniseJune 16, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    That is a gorgeous dress, and I love the fabric. So summery and fresh.

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  65. MariyaJune 16, 2011 at 1:13 PM

    such an cute dress.

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  66. Meg the GrandJune 16, 2011 at 1:42 PM

    Gertie, this is STUNNING!! I absolutely love it :)

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  67. UnknownJune 16, 2011 at 3:34 PM

    Wow it's beautifull, how much cotton did you need to make this dress?

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  68. Claire CooperJune 16, 2011 at 3:56 PM

    It looks great - Love it.

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  69. UnknownJune 16, 2011 at 4:39 PM

    My Step Mom wants a tea length Circle-ish skirt for her upcomming wedding (on monday!) But I am having trouble finding a way to cut it on the fabric that I have. What is the best way to cut one?

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  70. herlittlefeetJune 16, 2011 at 5:46 PM

    I love this dress!!

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  71. lianneJune 16, 2011 at 7:23 PM

    I like the length a lot. It makes you look taller, interestingly. Crazy about the shirring, too!

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  72. nightowl_72June 16, 2011 at 8:16 PM

    Absolutely gorgeous, as usual! I love the fabric, the length, the petticoat and the shirring is such a brillian idea.

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  73. Katrina BlanchalleJune 16, 2011 at 8:50 PM

    Awesome sauce. All of it. Let us establish a Green Shoes with Red Dress Day!
    I fell in love with tea length several years ago, strongly encouraged by the combination of varicose veins and cellulite that was slowly swallowing up my legs. Now I lengthen almost all of my dress and skirt patterns to that length,resulting in both great successes and dismal failures.

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  74. kristinJune 16, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    I love it! This is one of my very favorite things that you've made. You're such an inspiration. I wish I could sew half as well as you!

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  75. MegJune 16, 2011 at 10:44 PM

    Omigosh! Are exclamation marks de rigeur these days?! Because I have been getting rid of them in copy at work! Now I'm wondering if I am behind the times yet again and should leave them in!

    (But seriously, that dress is really cute and looks adorable on you. Nice work.)

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  76. HelenJune 17, 2011 at 12:31 AM

    The most beautiful thing about that very pretty dress is how happy you look in it. I love the magic of a dress so special that it makes you feel like twirling.

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  77. RachelleJune 17, 2011 at 2:31 AM

    That is a beautiful dress! I rhink I might have to make one for me for next summer; it being winter here right now.

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  78. JennieJune 17, 2011 at 3:16 AM

    It's amazing! I've got a shop-bought summer dress with a shirred back and it's the most comfortable thing. I'd love to learn about making them myself.

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  79. SolangeJune 17, 2011 at 6:03 AM

    Beautiful dress. Love the tea length.

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  80. LizzieBeeJune 17, 2011 at 6:28 AM

    Gertie: GREAT dress!! Can't wait for a shirring tutorial. I an't seem to get it right, but love my clothes that have it as a part of the item. (ie, I have a great short skirt that is shirred across the back: very forgiving, although it's a bit big now! Hense, I'd like to make a version that's a bit smaller!)

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  81. StephanieJune 17, 2011 at 7:06 AM

    OMG... the dress turned out beautifully, and the shoes are to DIE for <3 I have to say, tea length works well for this dress... I always shy away from tea length b/c I worry it'll cut my legs off at that awkward spot where ankle ends and The Calf begins (mine happen to be, shall we say, muscular), but secretly I've alwyas wanted to try it out. Hmmm =) Can't wait to see your shirring tutorial!

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  82. aniexmaJune 17, 2011 at 9:45 AM

    Love the gown, especially the length! Well, actually, especially the fabric..and the shirring..and the shape..and the neckline/collar!

    Also love the way the green shoes bring out the green in your tattoos. Perfection!

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  83. CennettaJune 17, 2011 at 11:04 AM

    The dress is beautiful. My dress form stands in my bedroom always wearing a "beautiful" garment that I've made. My sister said, "Oh no, that would have to go to another room. I would scare me every time I entered the room." My reply, "I like it hear. And besides, I'm used to it."

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  84. Juli @ Sweet Little ChickadeeJune 17, 2011 at 1:16 PM

    Cute, cute, CUTE! Love the dress shape, love the fabric, and love those shoes! I'm really looking forward to your tips on how to do the elastic back. I just started sewing my first dress from a vintage pattern and your blog is so inspirational and an awesome reference! :-)

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  85. frk.bustadJune 17, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    It's absolutely gorgeous, and I love tea length! It's oh, so sophisticated!

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  86. jenna!June 17, 2011 at 4:19 PM

    I ADORE that dress. When you tire of it, let me know. I'll give you my mailing address. :-) But, I also must confess that my all-time favorite dress was a plaid Betsey Johnson with an elesticated back and I would LOVE to know how to do that.

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  87. zoeJune 17, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    I have to leave another comment because I love this dress so much!

    Dresses like this are pretty much the sole reason why i love the vintage look.

    Please please please more details on how you put it together.

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  88. PhoebeJune 18, 2011 at 12:05 AM

    You're a rose with green stems!

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  89. AnonymousJune 18, 2011 at 8:11 AM

    wow! I luv it!
    Ps I think my cat Frankie took a trip to the US while I wasn't looking - could have sworn that was him in the background - ha ha!

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  90. NuJoiJune 18, 2011 at 9:57 AM

    Adorable!

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  91. PeggyJune 18, 2011 at 2:02 PM

    I can't wait for the tutorial! Esp. since I have a smocking foot now!

    I find it ironic that I just linked to crinolines through your bog since that's what brought me here in the first place.

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  92. OliviaJune 18, 2011 at 2:06 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  93. OliviaJune 18, 2011 at 2:31 PM

    OH, I love that dress.. Very beautiful! Especially like the bias trim on the bodice...

    May I ask for some advice?? I've been planning to make a bathingsuit in a 40s fashion, but I can't fint any good patterns or advice on what to think about, for examples how to make the seams in the legs and armhole to fit wirhout turning loose when wet...I think elastic is the way to go but..well, im not sure... :)

    Have you ever made you own bathingsuit? Have any advice on what to think about??

    Have a great day!/ Olivia from Sweden Ps. Really love that Blueprints of F. book that I won in your giveaway last year, look in it almost every day....

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  94. melina beeJune 19, 2011 at 12:29 PM

    I'm never less than totally floored by the dresses you make, esp as this one features roses, one of my favorite prints. I actually prefer when pettitcoats are bit long and peek out from under skirts/dresses. great, fun shoes too

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  95. a little sewingJune 19, 2011 at 1:59 PM

    Stunning! I love the fabric and the simple style of the pattern. The elastic shirring is brilliant to get that lovely fit. Shoes- perfect.
    Tea length- yes!!

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  96. CorrineJune 19, 2011 at 8:26 PM

    stunning! absolutely stunning!

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  97. Diva452June 19, 2011 at 8:49 PM

    LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!! You are so amazing!

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  98. StarryJune 20, 2011 at 6:17 AM

    I don't comment much but just wanted to say I love this! I'm thinking about wearing a tea length dress for my upcoming wedding and am obsessed with crinolines! Loving the colour too, sooo summery! xx

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  99. LizJune 22, 2011 at 2:44 AM

    That is gorgeous!

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Thanks for your comments; I read each and every one! xo Gertie

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