Pages

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Colonial Dress

Never in my life did I envision myself sewing a colonial style dress. One 7 year old obsessed with American Girl dolls plus an upcoming trip to Colonial Williamsburg equals one mom's attempt at making a modernized but passable colonial style dress.

The fabric was easy enough to find - I have long admired Kathy of Pink Chalk Fabrics and she thankfully, thankfully had this one below on sale. My daughter took one look and exclaimed 'that one!' and looking closer I saw it was from Windham's Centennial collection 1780-1880, perfect.


Then we needed to select something for the bodice, and ordered this one below to coordinate. It's a little bigger and bolder, but only a small piece is needed, and the color was perfect, so I think it will work.


On to the pattern. It will take a bit of a hack to make it, um, wearable - in Virginia, in August - but I am going to use a pattern from Rocking Horse Farm as a base to work from. ETA: That pattern never, um, arrived. (I unsuccessfully tried ordering from a new place) so I found the McCall's one on eBay for $5.00. Hopefully it will arrive soon!!!

In searching for the pattern, I found this blog post by Mama Made, where another mother had the same exact idea. I love how it came out, and love that she used some Amy Butler as the main print. Had I seen that blog post first, I might have gone with the McCall's pattern, but it's always good to start a new adventure.

The trip is planned for August 1st, so I have a few weeks to complete it. I'll post pictures when it is complete. :)

5 comments:

  1. Good luck! I'm sure you daughter will love it. Anything that makes her feel like an 'American Girl' I'm sure will be a huge hit.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I had the exact dress and if I had my old pictures (in storage) I would prove it to you. Had to have one for a dance.

    ReplyDelete
  3. We wear similar costumes at events that we do as performers. We've had to do shows in 100+ heat! Stick to cottons and 100% linens and you would be surprised at how comfortable you can be! Also little mini ice packs fit inside the clothing and add to your comfort.
    Good luck! I am sure you can do it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I can't wait to see it finished, looks like fun!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I live in Williamsburg and the little girls all dressed up for visits always look like they're having fun! Last night I saw a little boy marching his parents around like revolutionary troops. She'll want a straw hat with a pretty ribbon to help stay cool :)

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.