Here are two more versions of the 1970s Simplicity pattern (#8429). This dress is easy to put together, but I always obsess over the details — like deciding where to place the pattern pieces on the fabric to make the coloring (tie dye dress) or the design (elephant dress) just the way I want it. On the elephant dress, I changed the width of the tiers and added an applique piece to the yoke in order to feature the various borders from the bedspread. This arranging of the pattern pieces is something I spend a lot of time on, but it’s sort of like working on a puzzle, and I really enjoy it.
When I first moved to Seattle in the early 1970s, I made most of my clothes out of fabrics just like this. I wish I still had some of those outfits.
A couple of people have wondered who is receiving these little dresses. A few are made for my niece’s daughter, Marjorie, but the rest go to a local thrift store (Bellevue Life Spring at the Bellevue Square Mall), where all of their profits are used to assist low-income families in our city. They also give the families vouchers to purchase articles at the shop. I often go shopping with my sister Sally (Marjorie’s grandmother), where we select fabrics for both Marjorie dresses and thrift shop dresses. She pays and I sew — it’s a happy arrangement.
What an excellent way to use your talents and creativity!
You give me ideas about what I can contribute to the charity auctions that ask me for donations, especially after my really good yarn runs out. As usual, your workmanship is excellent.
I hope we’ll be seeing any handmade creations that you’ll be giving this year as gifts to friends and family, even if we must wait until January.
That elephant dress is an inspired use of the India print spread! I remember hanging one of those on my bedroom wall! They are really decorative! The tie dye is so pretty and summery looking!
What a wonderful thing you’re doing, making those little dresses and donating them to the thrift shop! The memories some little girls are going to have of their special dress are going to be with them forever — and all thanks to you and your sister!
The elephant dress is absolutely adorable.
Martha, i love that you do this! I remembering seeing an article or show that featured women who sewed dresses and little suits for foster children in D.C. and it was so wonderful to see the kids excitement! You are truly blessing those families! Hugs,
Mickie
These are beautiful Martha!!!! I LOVE that they are truly LITTLE girl dresses…and NOT big girl dresses sized down…Kids need too stay little longer these days:) I am adding you to my list of blogs to keep up with your crafty adventures!
I love these dresses …. would love to see a closer look at the tag. It looks sweet, too.
Oh My! Just seeing this dress brings back a flood ofmemories! I made my daughter, Sally a couple of dresses from the Simplicity pattern. They were fabulous. She called them her “spin around dresses” because they would open and flow when she spun around. Thanks for the memory of a wonderful time (1977) when my life was so simple.