Today is Ten on the 10th. Where a project is created for under $10 on the tenth of the month. For February I created a Romantic Valentine Dress From The Thrift Store.
Romantic Valentine Dress From The Thrift Store
This month’s Ten on the 10th theme is “Thrift Store”.
I have been trying to incorporate more dresses into my wardrobe. But it is getting harder and harder to find pretty dresses in natural fabrics.
There is a wonderful church-run thrift store fairly close by my home that often carries old patterns and fabric. On one visit I spied a circa 1968 pattern made by Simplicity 7672. You may remember back in August I shared that I was going to celebrate my 50th year by planning to sew a few dresses to commemorate the fashions that were popular during that time. The price was right at $1.50 so I bought it.
A month or so later at the same thrift shop I found 3 yards of vintage calico on sale for $3. The colors matched some vintage trim and antique lace I already had. Given that prairie-style dresses are once again in vogue I thought, “Why not?”
Simplicity 7672
One thing I like about vintage patterns is that they show you how to create dressmaker details.
This pattern was clear and concise. One of the easiest dresses that I have sewed.
All of the interior seams are either finished with french seams…
…or bound with vintage cotton bias tape.
Finishing all the seams means you are basically sewing the dress twice but it will last much longer through repeated washings.
However, once I finished the dress I thought it looked a bit boring.
Add A Belt
I decided to make a belt and cruised the internet for a few ideas. There were several fabric belt ideas as well as different variations on fabric flowers. You can find the links to both projects I used on my Pinterest Sewing and Needlework page.
I would classify both projects as “Easy to Intermediate”.
It took about 2 hours to create the belt. I opted to sew on a contrasting fabric for the “leaves”.
You can see a small part of the metal sliding closure that is attached to the back of the fabric rosette.
A cameo necklace I made back in 2009 also ups the romance factor.
The back of the dress closes with a zipper. I am still working on bettering my skill at installing invisible zippers. But I think sharing that the dress isn’t perfect is important.
Underneath It All
I also found a pale pink vintage cotton slip a few months ago for $5.
(My dressmaker form is on its last legs hence the duct tape.)
The slip needed a bit of TLC in repair work and I shortened the hem. I love the pretty insertion lace.
A huge thank you to Sweet Guy for attempting to photograph me wearing the dress. Although it was wonderfully sunny, it was also horribly windy.
So most of the shots either look like this:
Or like this.
But as you know at Decor To Adore we never take ourselves too seriously and love to share a real laugh.
Having a pretty pink slip and a new dress for under $10 makes me happy.
What have you found at the thrift store lately?
Laura
McCalls 9153
For those who inquired. Here is the pattern information for the Christmas dress I shared on Instagram.
This circa 1968 dress pattern was also made for under $10 from estate sale finds.
I used McCalls pattern 9153. I will not be sewing it again.
The pleated and piped front was extremely difficult.
You look adorable. Love the new dress
That dress looks very pretty on you! I haven’t done any sewing in years, I might just give it a try again!
Very pretty! I sew but not sure I would have the patience to to do this. However, it is so well made. I love it!
Happy Ten on the 10th!
You are such a darling. This dress is so, so cute. I love it. Your sewing skills are amazing.
What a great find, Laura! I love the calico print ~ so pretty and en vogue. I found a black Evan Picone skirt and jacket with the cutest scalloped edging along the jacket bottom while thrifting last Thursday at Twice As Nice in Denton, Texas. Even though the jacket has the 1980’s/early 1990’s shoulder pads, I still like the design and with my narrow shoulders, I think they are a boost. Happy to have found this new outfit for $2.17 out the door!
Enjoy your new dress and I love the cute belts… Pinned all, of course! 🙂 Happy to be with you here on 10 on the 10th!
Hugs,
Barb 🙂
Back when I was a rising young executive, I loved my Evan Picone suits! Good find!
You are so talented! That dress looks wonderful on you. Adding the belt is the perfect finishing touch.
I love this, it is too cute! You have some great sewing skills !! Windy day or not, the photos are awesome! Have a great one! Hugs!
Laura, if you aren’t the cutest thing since the color pink, I don’t know what is! You are consistently amazing me with your talent and craftiness. Love this dress and kudos THE MAN for great pictures!
I swear I made the McCall’s 9153 dress when I was in college. I love sewing pleats for some reason and of course Peter Pan collars.
Adding the belt took the dress to the next level!
Cute, cute, cute! A friend and I were just discussing that whenever we like something someone is wearing, they usually respond that they have had it for a years. You’ve taken the concept another notch by making new clothes from good old patterns!
What a pretty and romantic dress. Tell Sweet Guy that the photos turned out well in spite of all the wind!
WOW!!!
They don’t make’em like this anymore! Plus, a cotton slip! That would make my week or month, if I found a beautiful cotton and lace slip, like yours.
I think I’m getting the bug! No, not the flu but the SEWING BUG!
Your dress it beautiful, Laura , and the belt added the perfect finishing touch!
What a great dress! I love the pattern you used!!
You look beautiful in your dresses! I really love them both and the pink slip find is just perfect.
Laura,
Oh, those dress patterns bring back memories. I used to sew all my dresses in the late 60s and 70s. I probably had both of these patterns. You did a great job!
Happy Valentine’s Day,
Judith
You are just adorable and talented Laura! THOSE SHOES!
You amaze me with your talents. I hope you have a Happy Valentine’s Day!
You surely have my admiration!!!
Laura, I love fabric, especially when it’s on sale. I used to sew clothes, but am way past that now, so I’m really impressed that you do. Great details on the dress and you obviously have great sewing skills.
This dress is so pretty, it takes me back to the day, too. And you look fabulous in it! I also have an impossible time with zippers, only since I got “old”, and they end up uneven at the top, with one half sticking way up. LOL you gotta laugh … or give it up. Thanks for sharing this thrifty find with us.
Good Morning Laura,
You work beautiful magic with your fabric, needle and thread and make it seem simple too!
Happy Valentine Week to you and your loves.
Jemma
All you need is a cute cardie or a nice romantic shawl and that outift is perfect for Valentine’s day! Well done, how do you find the time?
It’s lovely, Laura! I have never been a seamstress but I so admire those of you who can take a pattern and make it look just wonderful! Bravo!
Laura, your dress is just darling! I always love watching your creations go by on Instagram. You wear them all well!
Your dresses are so sweet! I love the calico prints. I remember using the Simplicity patterns. My mother made little cotton dresses for me and sometimes matching ones for my dolls. Occasionally she used patterns but quite often she did them without. She had learned to sew without any knew what she was doing. When I started I was not that talented and needed the guidance of Simplicity. They seem so cheap and inexpensive now but back when a person maybe didn’t earn a dollar an hour, that was close to an hours worth of your wages. I took sewing classes in school and learned a little more of sewing but honestly after sewing with my mom it was more of a refresher course. The more important lessons I learned in class were more about textiles and different fabrics and the rules of design. Ten years along I took lessons from a seamstress who was professionally trained in Europe. Oh my, the things I learned about zippers and seams and finishing work. She took sewing to a whole other realm for me with altering patterns and making linings. (You never look at your Simplicitys the same way again! ) A lined jacket or skirt or pants look so professional and wear so nicely. A lined dress is like wearing a designer gown! (Or I would think so. I have never had a designer gown on my back in my life but one can imagine! lol)
Thank you for the little trip down memory lane this morning. I don’t sew anymore now but I so appreciate your finished seams and attention to detail. Your work is beautiful!