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Retro Girl – 1950s Style Dress

Posted on December 8, 2012December 8, 2012 by Martha

Sometimes I think I shouldn’t have named this blog “Q is for Quilter,” because I have many other hobbies besides quilting.  There haven’t been too many quilting posts lately, but it’s not like I’ve given up quilting — I work on my Seven Sisters top every day.  It’s just that I think it’s pretty boring to look at photos of the same blocks day after day.

So, once again, I’m going to show you my latest dress for the thrift shop.  This pattern has an amazingly full skirt, with an equally full apron skirt on top.  They are both gathered to the bodice which made for a very thick seam, so I graded each layer and covered the whole seam with double-fold bias tape for a clean finish.  This is something I do quite a bit on unfinished seams — it only takes a minute and I think it looks as good or better than a serger (which I don’t have).

I like all the little details on this dress, and I was surprised when I read the instructions to find out that the apron is sewn to the dress.  The only separate piece is the ribbon and fabric sash, with its cute button detail.  Because it’s so full, this dress is quite a bit heavier than any of my other dresses.

 

Here is the hang tag for this dress.  I needed to put fabric content and washing instructions, so I thought it would be fun to add the illustration from the original sewing pattern.

12 thoughts on “Retro Girl – 1950s Style Dress”

  1. Pratima says:
    December 8, 2012 at 1:21 pm

    Be it quilts or cute dresses, it is always a pleasure to see your new creations, Martha! I am always in awe of your perfect skills. This dress with the apron is adorable!

    Reply
  2. Jan says:
    December 8, 2012 at 1:30 pm

    This dress is so cute! It calls to mind the candy striper uniforms that young volunteers at the hospital wore back in the day! Your attention to detail makes the dress very special!

    Reply
  3. Tina says:
    December 8, 2012 at 1:48 pm

    I love the Q is for quilter name of your blog. It represents a talent and hobby of yours and it makes me think of the transfers and book pages you enjoy so much. Although I don’t know you personally, I think it is fitting.

    Your dress is unbelievable, the tag, an added bonus. I hope it fetches a tidy sum for the charity store. There are probably people who come by regularly looking for one of your pieces, I know I would!

    Reply
  4. Mickie says:
    December 8, 2012 at 4:16 pm

    Martha, I love ALL your projects! You are a creative whirlwind and of course have diverse outlets. I love this dress, it is so cute! Some little girl is going to be crazy for it! The tag is so precious! Well done! Hugs, Mickie

    Reply
  5. Cathi says:
    December 8, 2012 at 5:52 pm

    What an amazing dress — some lucky little girl is going to love wearing that!
    It immediately made me think of candy strippers’ outfits.
    Whenever I see that you’ve posted a new blog post, I know it’s going to be fabulous – quilting or those wonderful drawings and now these adorable dresses.

    Reply
  6. Little Penpen says:
    December 8, 2012 at 6:23 pm

    too stinking cute! Some lucky little girl is going to look so pretty!!

    Reply
  7. Allie says:
    December 8, 2012 at 6:31 pm

    *swoon* You make me want to be a little girl again!!! That is stunning! And I adore the tag you made for it, just precious, Martha! “Q” can be for anything you want it to be, I love seeing ALL of your creations!

    Reply
  8. Panee says:
    December 10, 2012 at 10:32 am

    The girl who wears this dress for an outing or for an afternoon day with her family party at home will have a great memory of being so cherished and loved. Just looking at all these dresses weekly I can feel that the world that you created these dresses for is that beautiful, Martha.

    Reply
  9. barbara says:
    December 11, 2012 at 4:39 am

    Like a little (big?) candy cane – very sweet.

    Reply
  10. Michaelanne says:
    December 12, 2012 at 5:25 am

    Oh Martha!!!! This is amazing!!!! You are such a talented quilter…and seamstress!!!! I just picked up a bit of the same striped fabric to use for the trim on Christmas pillowcases:))) I wish I could sew dresses like these:)))

    Reply
  11. Karen says:
    December 26, 2012 at 10:43 am

    This dress is beautifully made and so charming with the full skirts, apron, and special ribbon/fabric tie. I have enjoyed looking at your blog and I am thankful for all the embroidery designs you have posted. I look forward to using some of them one day.

    Reply
  12. Kathleen Lindsey says:
    November 27, 2014 at 5:45 am

    I love this dress! How can I get the pattern? I came across your site and I’m having a super time viewing everything. Today is Thanksgiving Day and I should be cooking but I decided to browse a little. I am thankful for your helpful and crafty ideas. You are Amazing!

    Kat Lindsey

    Reply

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