Hello there, friends!
It’s been a while, hasn’t it?
Before I tell you all about my latest creation, I’ll show you a sneak peek at what has been occupying a lot of my sewing time.
This is embroidery on a 1950’s “Mexican-ish” peasant dress. I have not done any embroidery for quite a while, so I’ve been reacquainting myself with the art. This is the back of my dress and I am about halfway done as I have the back and one sleeve done. This dress has gathers on the neck and sleeves, so you can imagine how much fabric there is! I’ve always wanted one of these dresses, so with the extra time it’s taking to make, it will make it extra special. 🙂
[source: Pattern Review]
The fabric I used for this dress is a J Crew silk/cotton voile from Fabric Mart. It took 6 1/2 yards to make this dress, plus the lining, which is an ivory cotton batiste. The print is kind of an abstract floral and was described as “goldenrod”.
Why is this dress a bit of a time suck when the dress looks deceptively simple? Well, there are MANY pattern pieces. The bodice front is princess cut, plus has flutter sleeves that act as a collar on the back. The skirt is gored as well, plus there are layers of ruffles and a lot of basting and gathering. It is also fully lined, but thankfully the lining pattern is not gored, so a little less to cut out. It took a while just to cut this out, plus longer than expected to put it together as I’ve been a bit of a lazy sewist as of late. I also French seamed everything and there is a lot of hand sewing going on. But, hey, I finished it!!! 🙂
Yes, I even did French seams on the skirt lining. The bodice is underlined. The pattern instructions call for double stitched seams, however. I felt the French seams would work better, plus I like to take extra time when sewing with designer patterns.
The pattern calls for raw edges on the collar/sleeves and the ruffles (top and bottom of each layer). I did not want to leave them entirely raw and instead did a slim zig zag along the edges. The pattern advises chiffon and georgette and other sheer fabrics and my silk/cotton voile works just fine for this pattern, although if one were to leave the edges raw as the designer original, chiffon and georgette would work best.
The pattern has a slim ribbon front belt that is sewn on to the dress and leaves the loose empire silhouette. I didn’t think this flattered me too much, so I made a sash that I tied under the bust to give it more of a shape. In the above photo collage you can see the difference between tied and untied.
This really is a wonderful ethereal feeling dress, so if you’re into peasant dresses like me and want an ultra feminine one with a bit of a vintage 70’s feel (+ a bit of the Regency era), this is definitely a pattern to add your collection if you can find it. I am truly in love with my dress. <3
Speaking of dress patterns….
Would anyone like this pattern? It’s the Christine Haynes Derby dress and it’s been cut and used with all sizes still marked as mine was graded up. This pattern just does not work for me and I won’t be making it again. Whomever asks for it first (regardless of country) gets it. (BTW, I have some more patterns I will be giving away like this in the future if you missed out on this one).
Happy Sewing!
- Dress: Vogue 2940 Anna Sui design in J Crew silk/cotton voile, made by me
- Shoes: Yellow Box
So beautiful & feminine this dress is on you….I cant believe how darling it is. I would never have given it a second look so thanks for bringing it to my attention. Beautiful details.
Thank you! It’s a lovely dress to wear! 🙂
Wow, Tanya. You look so happy! And that is definitely a *you* silhouette. You look “at home” or rather, what’s the word, “at peace” or “fully yourself” in that dress. The color is beautiful. I would not have thought a color sharing your skins undertones would glow and highlight as well as this does. Such a flattering fit. I too would have chosen self same fabric sash. The ribbon, even on the pattern model, hits at an odd spot, cutting the beautiful length created by the lines. With the ribbon, instead of seeing the whole dress, all I focus on is the ribbon at the widest part of the ribcage. But on your version, my eye travels to the shoulders and the lovely ruffle at the hemline.
I simply adore the embroidery you’re doing. Swoon big time! I’ve wanted one of those dresses for ages too! But, they usually look odd on me because they are a bit loose. I’m really excited to see how yours turns out. It’s challenging though to shift into slow, handiwork from the high speed work of the sewing machine, isn’t it? I dream of hand-sewing some Alabama Channin style pieces one day. But, that means I’d have to be willing to work at a slower pace, achieving progress less instantly. I know I will, it’s really just a matter of accomplishing a few other things first and getting my head in the right space. Do you find that you work on the embroidery at certain times? Do you keep other projects in flow while you have the embroidery to satisfy your own “need to complete”?
Thank you, Gwen!!! I definitely was happy wearing this! It’s comfy and feels like a nightgown! Generally these colors seem to look good on me, I have to stay away from the shades that make me look pallid like khakis and greys. That is a great observation about the belt. I think it looks great on the models, but on me, it adds extra bulk that I don’t need.
Yes, slow handwork seems monotonous sometimes, but I’ve always liked doing things with my hands whilst doing something sedentary like watching TV, so it works well for that. Otherwise, I don’t really like sitting around doing it too much. Hand sewing is great to do when traveling as well, so I imagine embroidery works the same way. I’ve been embroidering mostly in the evenings which is when I don’t sew, as I’m a daylight sewer. Ever since I was a little kid doing cross stitch, I’ve always liked sitting out on the couch watching a movie and working with my hands. 🙂
I love this dress! The idea of flutter sleeves becoming a back collar is such a good one. It’s such a fabric hog though, I’m sure it will just make me dream of a way to hack it. I have been craving a ruffled tiered bohemian dress for some time, and was leaning toward that version of the Serendipity Studios Bebe dress. I am sad I missed the chance at the Derby dress. I want to buy the Emery and the Derby but I hate paying shipping and nobody local sells Christine Haynes. Boo.
That is an ingenious idea, isn’t it? But yes… so much fabric…. I guess that’s why it took me a while to get around to making this! I’ll have to check out the Bebe dress! Have you looked on etsy on patterns? I often save on shipping by buying them on there.
Very pretty dress.
Thanks, Beajay!
I aspire to be as good as you one day! Your finishes are just divine. I think I’d like the pattern, I could use an easy-fit sundress or nightgown.
Thank you, Sara! I don’t always take the time to do nice finishing as my serger is my best friend as of late! Unfortunately, the pattern has been spoken for, but there will be some more 🙂
Eh, easy come, easy go. 🙂 I’ll keep my eyes out. Have you seen the Butterick $3.99 sale? I’m stocking up.
I think they are on sale at Joanns next week for $1.99. I’m waiting for the Burda/Simplicity sale this weekend! 🙂
Tanya- I love how it turned out! And wow… 6 1/2 yards of fabric! That is a LOT! I have always liked the peasant dress style (I was eyeing a BURDA one today)- Unfortunately I can’t imagine I would look good in one. Sigh. But you look marvelous! I am glad you finished it. Your embroidery is looking most excellent as well! ~Laurie
I think you would look fabulous in one, Laurie! I’ve seen you rock a lot of super cool dress styles!
This Anna Sui dress is so adorable. Those Vogue designer pattern really rack up the pattern piece count don’t they?!. I love the JCrew print; you are too cute. Also can not wait to see your embroidered masterpiece!
Thank you, Melody! Yes, they sure like to use a lot of pattern pieces!
Beautiful, flowy and looks so comfortable! Nice job! 🙂
Thanks, Patricia! 🙂
Hi Tanya! I love this dress, it is so special! I think its hard to hit the right spot between just enough kitch and over the top when if comes to peasant dresses (which is why I am kinda scared to attempt one myself), but you got it just right! Adding the belt was the right call. I would love to take that derby dress pattern off your hands, since I think we are fairly similar in size. I actually had never considered that pattern for myself until I saw your version, which I thought was totally cute (though I totally get not feeling comfortable/ not feeling like something is your style). Let me know if I’m the first and I’ll send along the pertinent info!
Thanks, Megan! I’ll be glad to send you that pattern!! Just email me your mailing address to: tmphughes@gmail.com
Hey lady- just want to make sure you got my email with my address! Thanks again!
nevermind! just got your email!
I really can’t wait to see what the embroidered dress looks like! 😀 I love the peasant dress. It’s such a gorgeous colour on you too.
Thanks, Andie! I’m really looking forward to finishing it, too! 🙂
Lovely fabric, Tanya, and a great choice for this pattern. Phew! All that work – good for you for sticking with it! The Derby looks like a lovely pattern, but not precisely my style so will pass. But how nice of you to offer – thank you! Glad you’re enjoying getting back into embroidery – I keep thinking I’d like to do the same – but haven’t had such a good reason!
xx del
Thanks, Del! I’m planning on embroidering some cardigans in the future. Maybe that’d be a way for you to have a reason to embroider as you have all that lovely merino from the fabric store!
I love the yellow print fabric on this dress you created! Your embroidery is wonderful. I have several embroidery threads I used in cross stitching; embroidery and I do not get along.
I hope you enjoy your creative day!
~ Vickie
Thanks, Vickie! I actually learned cross-stitch first and moved on to embroidery. I haven’t done any with floss (I have done a lot of bead embroidery more recently), for a long time. It’s nice to get back into it! I figured by the time I did the back and sleeves it would be good enough for the front! lol !