It has been HOT and HUMID here in Texas! I love to simply slide on a cool cotton dress if I have to run an errand. This is truly A Fun Summer Frock featuring a floral fabric embellished with rick rack.
Advance Pattern 7753
I had found the vintage Advance Pattern 7753, as well as the vintage fabric, a few months ago at an estate sale. I think I spent a whopping ONE DOLLAR for both items.
The Advance Pattern Company released sewing patterns from 1933 until 1966. The patterns were sold exclusively by J.C. Penney. I date this pattern to the 1950s. The style would have been considered a housedress.
The construction for this wrap dress went together fairly smoothly. I would classify it as needing an intermediate sewing skill level but a beginner could make it with a bit of assistance.
It is somewhat of a short kimono style sleeve which was nice because setting in sleeves can sometimes be a challenge.
Simple Changes
I sewed a buttonhole into the side of the waistband for the waist tie as I thought this looked cleaner and would hold up better. The tie slips through the buttonhole on one side then crosses around the waist and is tied in front.
While the dress would have been cute on its own I think the addition of the red rick rack gives it a bit of pizzazz.
I also elected to use dressmaker details in the inside of the garment. The skirt and side seams feature French seams. The raw edges of the back of the bodice were bound with bias tape. I also made an interior waistband to cover the messy stitching of the gathers. While this does add a bit of time to the construction of the dress I like how it looks and it will now hold up better in the washing machine.
A Fun Summer Frock
My favorite feature on the dress might just be the matching “V” back. It was a test of patience to get the rick rack to lay flat so it could be sewn on. My secret was and is tons of pins.
I plan on wearing my new dress at Costume College next week. We are heading to the L.A. fabric district and many of the stores do not have air conditioning. This fun frock will help keep me cool.
I’ll see you on Saturday!
Laura
Fabulous as usual. Love the rick rack. Have loads of fun at Costume College. I can’t wait to see all of the pictures.
I love it, looks so pretty on you. Have fun in LA
So adorable Laura. And the bag you put with it is spot on❤️ Have the most wonderful adventures at CostumeCollege
Wow an amazing job. The fabric is is adorable and perfect for summer. Enjoy your trip and try to stay cool
Cindy
Laura, I hope you have invested in some custom labels for your creations! I would love to think that 50 or 75 years from now people would find your frocks and think “Laura Ingalls Gunn, why she was my great-grandmother! What a talented person!” or “Laura Ingalls Gunn? wonder if she was related to Laura Ingalls Wilder?'”
Your dress looks lovely! I am very fond of rick rack, my mother used to put it on everything, lol. It adds a nice extra bit of color. Another tip for holding trims in place is glue stick (the cheap school glue kind). It is washable, so will come out in the first wash, but does help hold things in place before sewing. I look forward to seeing what you post about Costume College – it sounds fun!
Very cute & cool looking! I bet you are so excited about Costume College. Can’t wait to see what you made to wear to it . Be sure to takes lots of photos! I’ve been reading about it on other historical sewing blogs and it looks fascinating! Safe travels!
Looks perfect and comfortable for hot weather! You wear it well.
Laura, Cute dress … you look lovely in every outfit. Stay cool.
You are a beauty in that sundress. I like that style. I miss the days of pretty sundresses. Blessings, xoxo, Susie