Monday, August 3, 2015

The Daily Dress: '50s Nautical Rope Detail

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Vintage dresses can be the best inspiration for unusual trims. Designers of the '50s in particular seemed to have a special knack for using basic trims in completely innovative ways. Take this cherry red dress for instance--how sweet is that that rope trim on the skirt? This design is by Mam'selle by Betty Carol, one of the "better Seventh Avenue junior labels."

And I think my favorite thing about it is how accessible it would be to reproduce. A basic red frock, scalloped lace trim, thick cord, and grommets: done! Large grommets are set vertically down the skirt. The cord is laced through with a chinese ball knot on one end and a bow on the other. That's it!


I love the idea of reproducing this dress with my pattern B6094 as the basis.


The back could even use more knot balls or bows on the flaps.
I haven't gotten to make this design for myself yet, and now I'm a little obsessed with the idea. Cherry red corduroy would be perfect!

14 comments:

  1. Love this! I wonder if worn with a petticoat you could use the rope to 'hitch' it up a little as an extra detail.

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    1. Ooh! Great idea! I think you should do it, Gretchen!

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  2. Oh! The Daily Dress is back! I like the idea, and think your pattern would be great for it, but it's not something I would actually wear. Isn't that interesting, the difference between what you like and what you wear?

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  3. Gertie, your patterns are right up my street!

    B6094 I has a great back detail and I am afraid I would happily wear this everyday. I mean why not!

    I'm into this rope madness, I guess it could be placed along the waistline, what odd detailing!

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  4. I love the idea of using grommets in general. You could thread almost anything through there!
    Thanks for sharing.

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  5. I absolutely love that dress. I'm going to have to try and sew one for myself. However, I'd probably have to get my mother's help to sew the bodice.

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  6. Did you read the recent post on Sew Mama Sew about what was the best "make" of the Super Online Sewing Challenge contestants? Ziebergirl Sews chose this very pattern and her post mentioned you! She even met Tim what's-his-name from Project Runway in it. I'm following that challenge and as soon as I saw the Butterick photos I was like, "Hey, I've seen that dress recently." The button-opened back brought back the time and place of Barbara's post. I love that dress too but sadly I'm kind of hippy enough as it is and don't need waist gathers to accentuate my circumference any more than it does all by itself. :)

    http://www.sewmamasew.com/2015/07/challenger-question-round-four-whats-the-best-thing-youve-ever-sewn/

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  7. A basic red frock, scalloped lace trim, thick cord, and grommets: done! Large grommets are set vertically down the skirt. The cord is laced through with a chinese ball knot on one end and a bow on the other. my website

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  8. So beautiful! I love your blog!

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  9. I am really in love with that dress. It can make a girl look sweet. So beautiful.

    To help some of you sew better, I also want share some of my favorite brands: http://thesmartsewist.com/6-leading-brands-that-make-you-sew-better/

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  10. I love it and would love to see you make this!! Please, please!!

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  11. Beautiful vintage dress! I recently sewed for my mom dress like this!

    Stacy from www.stacyco.com

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  12. I LOVE that vintage piece! I'm dying to make your B6094, I'm thinking a wool hounds tooth, do you think it will still drape and hold shape though with the wool?

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  13. I'm so pleased with the "knotical" idea you've posted! I just purchased your pattern to sew up in a navy blue fabric dotted with white anchors for my 16 year old daughter. The grommets and knotted rope will add the perfect je n'ais c'est qua (sp?)!

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

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