Hi there, friends!
*Portions of this post originally appeared on the Cali Fabrics blog*
Have you ever dreamed about a dress and then found that it turned out exactly as you imagined it would once you’ve sewn it? That’s me with dress. Since last summer I thought that this 1940 dress pattern (Vogue 8811) would look wonderful with a big gingham print. Once I saw this 1″ Kaufman Carolina Gingham pop up on the Cali site, I knew it was going to be one of my projects.
Source: Vogue Patterns
I love gingham immensely and already have a few gingham dresses in my closet. (In fact, I’m wearing one right now as I write this 🙂 ) Gingham is a perfect summer fabric and it makes me think about picnics and barbecues and county fairs. Speaking of picnics, I’ve steered away from red gingham until now as I was afraid of looking like a tablecloth. Do I look like I’m wearing a tablecloth? I hope not!
The design of this dress is pretty simple with dolman sleeves and a circle skirt. It’s made a little more interesting with keyhole back closure and a self-fabric belt. I added a vintage red Bakelite buckle to my belt. The pattern includes belt instructions and a pattern piece, but I was using a wider buckle, so I went with those measurements and made my own belt “pattern.”
The design of this dress is pretty simple with dolman sleeves and a circle skirt. It’s made a little more interesting with keyhole back closure and a self-fabric belt. I added a vintage red Bakelite buckle to my belt. The pattern includes belt instructions and a pattern piece, but I was using a wider buckle, so I went with those measurements and made my own belt “pattern.” (I have a new beltmaking tutorial on the CSC, if you’re interested in how I make belts)
My most favorite thing about this dress is the skirt. I made this dress long ago and that was my favorite feature of this dress. The skirt pieces are one piece front and back instead of having to be cut on the fold. The pattern has markings showing you how to place it so you can have a diagonal plaid/check look on the front and match the plaid/checks on the sides. It really takes the guesswork out of matching prints.
I just adore this dress. The Carolina gingham is such a wonderful fabric and one of the best woven ginghams that I’ve ever encountered. It’s 100% cotton and not a synthetic blend like some of the gingham you’ll find. Cali currently has it online in 1″ and 1/8″ red gingham, but I’ve seen a bunch of other colors in the store, so maybe Ron will add some more to the site some time? 😉 Besides being great to sew with, it’s wonderful to wear and not sheer, so I didn’t have to line it nor do I have a slip on underneath.
*Note: I received this fabric at no cost from Cali Fabrics as I’m part of the Cali & Co blog team.
Happy Sewing!
- Dress: Vogue 8811 in Kaufman Carolina gingham, made by me
- Shoes: Royal Vintage Hepburn (affiliate link)
- Purse: Vintage 1950’s/60’s
- Earrings & Brooch: Luxulite
- Hat: World Market
- Sunglasses: XOXO
- Lipstick: Besame 1939 Tango Red (affiliate link)
Adorable! You make the cutest clothes!
Another beautiful red dress, and 100% cotton gingham, I love it. The dress is fabulous on you and I like the yellow accent with your hat and bag, so cute!! And you even coordinated the beautiful dog to match your shoes!! 🙂 No, You definitely do not look like a tablecloth!!!
I love that this is retro but not at all fussy- its a pattern that I might even wear! It looks fabulous with the gingham, I love it!
Yes, it’s a very classic style! You have to watch which fabric you use for it though. I made one for a friend out of a light blue cotton and it looked like a hospital gown …
Oh wow, I can imagine!!
I think it’s lovely and you look great in it. Love the skirt and what you said about matching patterns.
Thank you! <3
Your dress makes me smile, Tanya!
It’s a perfect rendering for the pattern and emphasises all that’s good with vintage dresses. xx
Thank you! I”m glad it put a smile on your face! <3 The skirt is definitely my favorite.
Nope not a table cloth! It just screams summer! And you look faaahbulous darling!
Wonderful dress!!
Thank you! I”m glad that I don’t look like a tablecloth, although I know a picnic and I would coordinate. 🙂
You look fabulous in this dress. I keep saying red is your color!
Thank you! All my life people told me how good I look in red and I avoided it for so long. It’s only in recent years that I’ve embraced it. 🙂
That is one gorgeous dress! How nice that it is not too sheer so you can avoid having to line it or wear a slip under it. This can make a real difference on a hot day. You have a really classic picnic day look. Such summertime fun. Now all you need is a spray of cherries for your straw hat!
Thank you! Yes, it’s very nice not having to line a dress or wear a slip with it. Sometimes I avoid wearing dresses that I have to wear slips with…. I should add something to this hat when I wear it like this. I actually wear it when I’m out gardening, so it gets a lot of daily wear. 🙂