This is my "milk maid" pose.
The dirndl is by a brand called Hammerschmid and I picked it because it was made of natural fibers, wasn't too flashy or expensive, and I liked the color combination. The blouses are sold separately and I was surprised to learn that they end right underneath the bust, like a crop top. That seems to help reduce bulk and keeps things tucked in.
The bodice doesn't have any boning, which seems fairly common. (Don't get me started right now. Oh readers, I have a whole post planned on the use of boning in dirndls.) However, the bodice does have fusible interfacing throughout and is fully lined in cotton so it has a substantial feel to it. The dress zips up the front and has a very snug fit.
I love the hooks for the corset lacing--they're open at the top, making them a cinch to thread the ribbon through. Genius!
The bodice back has piped princess seams.
The skirt seems atypical in that it is flared, with no gathers in the front, and just light gathers in the back. My understanding is that a typical dirndl style is a rectangle shape with gathers or small pleats all over.
The gingham apron has large pleats rather than gathers or shirring, which is what I've noticed on more traditional aprons.
A big thanks to my friend Melanie, who took these photos in her backyard, which I can almost make believe is in Austria somewhere! She also gave some great art direction having to do with "getting intimate" with the flower garden.
More dirndly fun to come!
Adorable! And Hot! Love it!
ReplyDeleteBeth
magnifique, vous le portez si bien.
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely! I love the colours and your setting does look rather Austrian!
ReplyDeletewww.pearlsandpurlsvintage.blogspot.com
Ah, you look so pretty and hot in it! ;) I love the colors, and the top frames your tattoos so nicely! Now I'm going to be obsessed with drindls.
ReplyDeleteYou look fantastic. I am eager to see where this new found love leads you.
ReplyDeleteSo cute! I see Burda Style has a pattern for that too.
ReplyDeleteHi Gertie,
ReplyDeleteI really like your Dirndl obsession :) I also love them especially since I started sewing and I dream of making one myself. Unfortunately outside Bavaria and Austria you don't wear them normally, just for going to "Oktoberfest" :)
What I like most about them: every woman looks good in them!! I really never saw one not looking quite feminine and "just good"!
Maybe you will start to create your own version and let us participate???
Greetings from Germany
Kathi
Hi Gertie,
ReplyDeleteI really like your Dirndl obsession :) I also love them especially since I started sewing and I dream of making one myself. Unfortunately outside Bavaria and Austria you don't wear them normally, just for going to "Oktoberfest" :)
What I like most about them: every woman looks good in them!! I really never saw one not looking quite feminine and "just good"!
Maybe you will start to create your own version and let us participate???
Greetings from Germany
Kathi
I'm definitely going to sew one! I'm in the research stages now, you'll be hearing more . . .
DeleteSo adorable!
ReplyDeleteFabulous!!
ReplyDeleteYour hair looks SO pretty!
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful! I love your color and detail choices.
ReplyDeleteI wonder where one would purchase those cool lacing "rings." I would love to get my hands on some.
ReplyDeleteI've seen some on etsy! Try searching "dirndl hooks" or something similar
DeleteVERY cute. I just love the detail on the bodice.
ReplyDeleteLooks very nice on you! Love your hair! I too love the corset lacing!
ReplyDeleteI started my sewing career back in 1958 sewing dirndl skirts--I did not have that name for them, but in the Thumb of Michigan with a large population of German and Polish people, that would would make sense--and they suited my 7th grade 1950's wardrobe well. I love the outfit on you.
ReplyDeleteIt's fascinating to me that the dirndl thing was so big in the US in the 50s--it kind of explains why I love them so much too!
Deleteadorable! There is a little German town close to my home and when October rolls around I love all the German clothes they wear for Oktoberfest! This totally reminds me of that.
ReplyDeleteHow fun! What town is it?
DeleteYou picked a good one! It looks great on you! Maybe there is a Dirndl pattern in your future or a book on or inspired by folk costumes! ;)
ReplyDeleteOh yes, definitely. Dirndl mania is already inspiring some patterns for next year!
DeleteLooks great, hopefully I'll see you sporting it at the Bear Mountain Oktoberfest :)
ReplyDeleteOoh, tell me more! I missed the Poughkeepsie Oktoberfest last weekend, would love to go to the Bear Mountain one. Any excuse to wear my dirndl!
Deletehttp://www.visitbearmountain.com/calendar.htm
DeleteIt's every weekend, started last week and goes on until October 4th :) It's right by Hessian Lake, there are vendors for crafts, beer and lots of german-inspired food. I was hoping to have a couple of dirndl's for my little girls sewn up but I just could not get around to making them this year and this came up so fast. We'll have to improvise.
Love it! And I can't wait to hear about the whole boning/no boning in dirndls, as I'm about to start making my own. I intend to use a few strategically placed pieces of boning to help keep the bodice smooth (since my torso isn't), but it will be interesting to read your thoughts and whatever research you've done.
ReplyDeleteOk good, I'm glad to hear someone else besides me is interested in that topic! :)
DeleteSo gorgeous! Check out Burda Magazine, the September issue has a selection of patterns for Oktoberfest!
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteAs it goes every september Burda every year it has lots of dirndl patterns so you can pick up an old issue from ebay and still use that and there are loads of patterns for them every year it seems for adults and kids. I would also love to make a dirndl but have yet to get round to it so would be interested in your proposed post as well. You could do a sew-along? I will join!
Wowzer! You look great!
ReplyDeleteGreat Dirndl. I found you through a link on Fehr Trade's Burda Magazine review and comments. Burda have some great dirndls at this time of year. I may even make one myself.
ReplyDeleteHi Gertie, I was following the MOMiform MakeOver on Baste&Gather and one of the moms is German and had this tutorial on her blog and I immediately thought of you!
ReplyDeletehttp://naeh-connection.com/2014/01/how-to-alter-any-basic-bodice-pattern-to-a-dirndl-pattern.html
Hi, I recently find myself in a dirndl obsession too, though I can't find the buttons (with hook or loop) that allows you to cinch the front of your dirndl. I'm getting ready to make my, but I want those kind of buttons. Have you come across any to buy on line?
ReplyDeleteDiana