Hello sweet friends! Welcome to another edition of Fashion Friday. Are you slowly easing into the new year? During my three week break, I made a total of four dresses, one blouse, an 1830’s skirt, and 1830’s corded petticoat. I thought I would share two of the Winter Wonderland Dresses.
Winter Wonderland Dresses
Are you the magic maker in your family? I know I am. During the mad rush to prepare for Christmas and the meals accompanying the day itself I always felt a bit…cheated out of the Merry portion. A few years ago I decided to take back my joy by celebrating the full 12 Days of Christmas. It starts with Boxing Day on the 26th and ends with Epiphany (Three Kings Day) on January 6th. During that time I do all the wonderful Christmasey things I missed out on while I was busy creating joy for my family. I go to the movies, I watch Hallmark movies, read a Christmas themed book, and try to take in a seasonal event. This practice has truly FILLED MY CUP!
The special occasion this year was high tea at The Adolphus Hotel.
It was a rather blustery day as you can see. But it was fun to get dressed up in a festive new frock.
In the lobby I spied one of my favorite people, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. I asked for a photo. She obliged.
McCall 3321
This frock was created with a very vintage pattern McCall 3321. This pattern is quite different from what our modern sensibilities are used to. The instructions are a bit abbreviated for a rather new seamstress such as I am. But it was expected in this era that most home sewists had been using a needle and thread since childhood.
The pattern went together smoothly. I always have a bit of a wrestling match with collars but was victorious this time around.
About halfway through sewing the garment I realized the dress was going to be a size too big for me. I didn’t even need to install the side zipper as just the buttons allowed it to slip easily over my head and shoulders. For this reason, I have decided to shorten the sleeves and wear it as an easy summer housedress in the future.
I had originally selected the vintage fabric from my stash as it reminded me of snowflakes. But it will make me think cool thoughts when the weather is warm.
I had rolled my hair in a vintage style but the moisture and wind said, “Let’s play Rosanna, Rosanna, Danna!”
Or Monica’s Barbados hair if you are unfamiliar with the late, great Gilda Radner.
Hats Off
1930’s early 40s hats were quite structured and sassy! Ornamentation was minimal.
Generally, a simple grosgrain ribbon or single feather might be added.
My wool hat came from Etsy. I added the vintage turquoise plume myself.
I have NO IDEA why we don’t still wear hats. They are so much fun! So many people came up to me asking questions.
Pretty Pierrot
One of the dresses made was for the Fashionista. She wanted a dress inspired by Pierrot. He was a comedic character with origins from the late seventeenth-century created by an Italian troupe of players who performed in Paris.
I used a vintage 1969 Simplicity pattern, 8390. I selected “View 2”.
The cotton fabric features black flocked velvet dots.
This was her sixteenth Christmas picture with her beautiful boy, Rudi.
Sadly, our dear Rudi was diagnosed with cancer in September. As our beloved rescue is around 18 years old the cancer could not be treated aggressively. We have kept him comfortable. These precious days have Rudi eating hamburgers and taking daily strolls around the neighborhood in a wagon.
This may be difficult for many longtime readers to hear as Rudi has been a part of DTA since its start in 2008.
![[merci beaucoup 046.jpg]](http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jyIYP1-t1W0/TCd6EbBsu7I/AAAAAAAAKT4/s6GONAwSz0I/s1600/merci%20beaucoup%20046.jpg)
I am not quite sure when I will resume a regular blogging schedule as I care for our dear furry family member.
Thank you for your understanding.
Laura
Oh I am so sorry to hear about Rudi. I know he is such a big part of your family. God Bless
I’m sorry you have a furry family member who is requiring extra care. I hope it is nothing permanent — just a short bout with some small bug or another.
I love both of these Laura — stunning, you look! That hat is great and the dress and stole perfect for an elegant tea. I try to do the twelve days too, though this year they are turning into the twelve days of kitchen cleaning/reno (not full reno — paint, stove, a good cleaning!) Working with others’ schedules seemed to bring that to the forefront (and the basement water) and so my twelve days might turn into a month at this rate! But down before Easter! No, really.
I love what you do — you look so perfect for these styles!
What a net idea to do some of the fun Christmasy things just after and make the season last a bit longer.
I wish hats were back in fashion, too. So fun.
I’m so sorry to hear about your doggie’s diagnosis.
*hugs* and all the island love we can share with your dear family during this time. Love you, Rudi.
~Kelley
It’s so sad to watch the demise and passing of our furbabies. I hope you have strength and peace in the task, Laura. Your two frocks are sweet. Loved the styling for each.
So sorry about dear little Rudi. Losing a beloved pet is so heartbreaking. My old girl, a 65 pound shepherd/lab mix that I’ve had since she was 10 weeks old, is nearing the end of her life also. Large dogs seldom live past 12 years old and she had her 13th birthday at Thanksgiving. There’s nothing serious going on with her other than age-related arthritis so far, but I know my time with her is short. We must allow ourselves to grieve, as our pets are clearly family members also. There is no such thing as “it was just a dog.”
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Laura, your dress turned out so cute, especially with the hat! I can’t believe how much sewing you have done in such a short time! I have one speed…..SLOW! I am working on my “pocket” right now and gathering things to make a corded petticoat. What pattern did you use? I’m going to go by the one American Duchess has on YouTube. Wasn’t tea at the Adolphus so fun and elegant? We went there a few years ago on my birthday. I also like to go to the teas at the Dallas Arboretum.
I hope your remaining days with Rudi will be sweet and make precious memories for you and your family.
Oh- I am so sorry about Rudi. It is hard to lose a beloved pet and he has been with you for a LOT of years! Take good care of him and I hope he passes pain-free when the time comes.
I love all the outfits you made and how nice of the queen to pose with you. lol
You do a great job -I can’t wait to start sewing again and finally have a place to set up and do it. xo Diana
About the only thing to be glad about regarding dear Rudi is that he had such a loving family. When I read that he gets to eat hamburgers when he wants
to and is pulled in the wagon around the neighborhood for a little excitement, I got a little choked up. That is so beautiful. I thought of my sister last year who carried her old, old cat down to the creek when the weather was good and sat holding her so she could visit what was once her favorite place. Surely, this goodness and love of of our fellow creatures is valued by God.
TEARS….
Hugs…..
Thank you for letting us know, As hard as it is, we really appreciate you taking the time, so we can pray.
We will be here when you are ready to return.
What a gorgeous dress.. you look fantastic!
So sorry to hear about Rudi. I lost my pup to cancer in Nov. take sweet care of him and enjoy the remaining time you will share together
So sorry for the loss of Rudi, hope he’s at peace in heaven.