Hello sweet friends! Happy Friday. I hope you are all well. These photos show hair that desperately needs a cut. A sleeve that hits at the fullest part of my arm AND my slip is showing. But imperfection can still be lovely. I’ve been wanting to incorporate more housedresses into my summer wardrobe. They are so cool and easy! So here is A Twirly Blue Strawberry Dress.
Butterick 6522
I used a vintage-inspired reproduction pattern, Butterick 6522 that I found at an estate sale.
It went together very smoothly. A perfect project for beginners. Although assistance may be needed in installing the side zipper.
My favorite detail is the sweetheart neckline.
A bit of vintage rick rack was added for a bit of pizazz.
The strawberry print fabric is the real 1950’s deal. It was found at an estate sale.
I added a long fabric belt instead of the tailored belt that is shown. I’m still sewing out of my stash and have not a belt buckle in sight.
How Much
- The four yards of vintage fabric was $5.
- The vintage pattern was $3.
- Vintage zipper and thread $2
Grand total: $10
The value of time. This dress took about 8 hours to make. Here in Texas, a living wage for a single person is $12.38 an hour. At that rate, my time is worth $99.04.
A Twirly Blue Strawberry Dress
The dress features a kimono-style bodice and sleeve. It is unfortunate that it hits my arm at a rather unflattering length. But I will still wear it and perhaps be encouraged to lift weights for upper arm strength.
It was a rather windy day when the photos were taken. LOL
Of course, the very best thing about a full circle skirt is the twirl factor.
May your day be full of twirls.
Laura
Oh I love this and how fun to see it twirl
Laura, I absolutely love this! I can see your slip peeking out, as it should be. Back in the day, we all wore slips, whether full or half. I have seen some spandex type thigh high underthings to wear under dresses and skirts. BTW, isn’t it always windy in Texas….ha!
Love your dress, Laura. And it looks lovely on you. The fact that it twirls makes it even better. Perhaps, I need that dress. I just said to my dear friend the other day, “Janet, I don’t whirl and twirl like I once did.”
Enjoy these summer days. Stay well and cool.
Of course you, and only you, could make and so pull off this adorable dress. You look spectacular and so does the dress. Ah, twirly. I love it!
I love this dress! So pretty.
Beautiful dress, Laura! The neckline is so becoming on you! You would look great no matter the length of your hair, or sleeves!
This is a beautiful dress, Laura. I think the sleeves are fine. Your hair is beautiful, too. Great job on sewing your dress!
I miss full skirts like that! your dress is beautiful, Laura.
Laura, I dream about having a closet full of house dresses in the true sense of the word: washable, comfortable and feminine. Your new dress is a poignant reminder of how fashion has changed in my lifetime. My grandmothers’ wore house dresses during the day, but changed to go to the grocery store. My mother and aunts’ generation wore cotton skirts, shorts, petal pushers and slacks. to the grocery store and didn’t change. Then came my generation and the ritual of fashion went to heck in a handbag. I’m glad I have the memory of being 14 and wearing white gloves and a hat with a veil to church. I would like to wear cotton dresses again in the summer. I so completely understand your wish to go back a step and be comfortable and cool. You look lovely and fresh.
Laura,
I wanted to say that a handmade dress made from new-old-stock cotton costs a heck of a lot more than 99.00 in today’s rockabilly world.
G.N.
It’s lovely and looks so comfortable.