Sunday, April 26, 2009

Peas & Carrots Before Bed

I was so excited when I bought this peas and carrots fabric from this shop, and was so glad when I combined it with the green dot I bought awhile ago from this one.

I thought I would sew the Playdate Dress that I've been putting off for way too long. A friend reminded me that sewing with white would either require a lining or a slip - I opted for a lining. Using white Kona I basted all the pieces prior to construction.

I must say, the yoke collar area should be cut with precision and effort & time focused on its construction... it took me over an hour to just baste the bias and pin the bibbed-yoke in position (I had a bazillion pins around that yoke!) - then I could stitch the yoke in place. But, you know me - I love details! (Tip: I pinned starting from the center front working towards center back and instead of working around I came back to center front and pinned towards the center back going the other direction) I think it was well worth it because I am quite pleased with the end result. So sweet, feminine, and unique! The only thing I might alter a little bit for next time is to use narrower bias for the yoke - it tends to flip up at the center front.


Little yellow shank buttons are vintage (of course!)

What I did not plan for, however, was that the dress would end up looking more like a hospital gown because of the fabric I chose. It totally bugged me to look at it. Here was this cute dress design, wonderful yoke, lovely stitching and yet the total look was just "off".

I took a break and drove out to Grandmom's for Rhubarb Pie. On the way out there I thought the 'dress' could be remedied into a nightshirt with capri jammie pants.


Three-quarter length tucked sleeves. I love that her fingers still show a little bit of pudginess.


Three hours later after two pieces of pie, ice cream and coffee, I had the vision to remedy my fabric choice... use the leftover yellow bias for the hem (after shortening the dress a tad, but not so much that the pockets had to go away), use green polka dots for the accent on the hem of the pants and yellow polka dots again for the waistband.


I now think it is the cutest little pyjama outfit - now to just serve up some peas and carrots before bed time and ponder more fabrics so I can actually make the DRESS! (or a blouse! Can't you imagine forgoing the pockets and making this into a little top? SO CUTE!)

3 comments:

ONLARUYURKEN said...

süper

Kristy said...

So stinking cute!

Goosegirl said...

April, I love this little jammie outfit. The details are just fabulous. I love the two different polka dots on the yoke, and the matching yellow buttons. I love vintage buttons too. And I love the sleeve detail as well.

This dress would be adorable with a short or cap sleeve. I love the shape.