04 Jul Garment No 19
I’ve gone Preppy this Fourth of July.
Using the same pattern as my last dress, McCalls 2401, I went for a different look by sewing the pattern in an embroidered seersucker rather than silk 🙂
Additionally, I made a piping from red and white shirting for the arms and neckline.
This time I lined the dress with a lightweight batiste, perfect for hot humid weather.
Maybe I look like I belong in Maine eating seafood rather than South Carolina eating bar-b-que,
but I couldn’t resist the cute fabric at Five Eighth Seams in Charleston, SC last summer! This small independent fabric store is worth the visit in case you’re in the area. In addition to a nice selection of diverse fabric (most of which is casual), the store carries a large selection of Indie Patterns and books generally seen only online.
I’m keeping this post short intentionally since I just wrote about the pattern, but wanted to share my latest make with you.
Best wishes to American Goodbye Valentino readers for a safe and fun-filled Fourth of July, and Happy Monday to all international readers 🙂
Until soon!!
Ruth
Posted at 11:06h, 04 JulyLove the fabric and the trimming – so USA. But the length., Sarah, the length……….
Happy Independence Day !
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:00h, 04 Julynot this again…!!! I like my simple summer dresses this length, Ruth 😉 I’m not tall like you and look matronly when I wear this type of dress too long. Many thanks for the comment!
Tomasa
Posted at 15:45h, 04 JulyI wear my skirts and dresses the same length as you too for the same reason. I am only 5′ 2 1/2″ so any longer will make me look matronly, especially since I am top heavy!
Diane Miller
Posted at 20:19h, 04 JulyThe proportions are perfect for you. I don’t see a problem with the length at all. And like everybody else, I love the piping. It’s little touches like this that elevate a dress from simply functional to absolutely stunning.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:11h, 05 JulyThank you, Diane! I agree the piping absolutely transformed the dress. Once I held a sample to the neckline, there was no turning back 😉
Ruth
Posted at 03:52h, 05 JulyOK, you win. You’re too young looking to ever look matronly…….:)
Cynthia
Posted at 13:04h, 11 JulyNo, the length is perfect. I know what you mean by looking ‘matronly,’ which is what happens when short women try to wear longer length dresses. The proportions are just off if you try to go beneath knee-length. Love the fabric in this!
Lisa I Stanford
Posted at 11:12h, 04 JulyI have enjoyed so much following your blog. I too used to sew for years and got away from it. Recently I set up a complete sewing room and have decided not to buy anything for one year. Let’s see how that goes. Thanks for the inspiration!! I’m in SC also. Would like to visit some of the fabric stores you have found.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:14h, 05 JulyC o n g r a t u l a t i o n s, Lisa!!! You can do it 😉 Sadly, South Carolina’s fabric stores are dying out……… In what part of the state do you live?
Becky Riddle
Posted at 11:15h, 04 JulyCute, cute, cute!! I love the piping, it really takes this up several levels. I hope you have a great 4th as well.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:15h, 05 JulyThank you, Becky! It’s been years since I made piping but it was enjoyable, and I agree ~ it transformed the dress. 😉
Marysia Paling
Posted at 11:15h, 04 JulyHappy 4th July, from the other side of the pond!
Have a terrific time with friends and family.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:16h, 05 JulyMany thanks, Marysia!!
ooobop
Posted at 11:24h, 04 JulyStylishly simple like only you know how! I just love that you made your own piping too!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:17h, 05 JulyLOL ~ it’s been years since I made piping, but I knew I had to do it. Many thanks for your nice comment, OOOBOP 🙂
Suzanne Landau
Posted at 11:26h, 04 Julycute dress. So wonderful to have a tweaked pattern you can use over and over.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:18h, 05 JulyThank you, Suzanne! I agree with you and am delighted to have a new go to pattern 😉
ElizabethDube
Posted at 11:34h, 04 JulyYes! Come to Maine…we often tend to be a little too casual here and need more well-dressed people. My daughter and I always are stylish going out but are often considered odd. We don’t care since we love our dresses in the summer. Yours would be lovely here, but you would need a bib for your lobster!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:21h, 05 JulyI bet I could come up with a matching bib 😉 😉 I’d love to spend the Fourth in Maine ~ maybe I’ve read too many magazines but it looks like the perfect Americana holiday.
Many thanks for the comment, Elizabeth!
Kathy
Posted at 12:15h, 04 JulyI agree with the others, I absolutely love the piping. It really brings your fun casual dress to the “couture” level. Thank you for sharing and Happy 4th to you as well.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:22h, 05 JulyMany thanks, Kathy! I’m glad I bit the bullet and made the piping 🙂
Barbara Byrne
Posted at 12:58h, 04 JulyIt’s beautiful! I especially love the piping. Happy 4th from France x
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:23h, 05 JulyThank you, Barbara, and I’ve already celebrated Bastille Day as well! It’s true ~ we went to a Pre-Bastille Day party last week 😉
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas
Posted at 12:58h, 04 JulySO CUTE! I love the piping especially! Now you enjoy your fourth of July celebrations!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:24h, 05 JulyThank you so much, Sue! We had a great 4th 😉
Margene Yeaton
Posted at 13:00h, 04 JulySew forth/SOoo 4th! So darned cute and well done. Happy 4th of July to you and your family (including new puppy).
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:26h, 05 JulyMany thanks, Margene! Our 4th was better than Lulu’s as she was not invited to the celebrations……….. ;(
Barbara Russel
Posted at 13:45h, 04 JulyYou have been busy! I love the dress!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:27h, 05 JulyYes, I’ve been in a sewing frenzy for the last 10 days. Hooray!
Many thanks for the comment, Barbara 😉
Renee
Posted at 14:01h, 04 JulyCute fabric!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:27h, 05 JulyThank you, Renee!
Sharon E
Posted at 14:20h, 04 JulyPerfect for summer and the fit is so nice on you.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:28h, 05 JulyThank you, Sharon! It’s almost all about the fit for sure 😉
Dawn Puente
Posted at 15:09h, 04 JulyWell done! You are an inspiration!!
I’m heading to Maine in August, might need to do this up!
Have a great 4th!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:28h, 05 JulyOh yes, it would be great! Have a great trip, Dawn 🙂
Tomasa
Posted at 15:46h, 04 JulyLove this dress on you and the piping is such a fun detail!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:30h, 05 JulyThank you, Tomasa! ….. and for the comment about the dress length. I think length is all about proportion. One of these days I ‘m going to do a post with a dress in two different lengths on me…………
Karen Mulkey
Posted at 16:01h, 04 JulyThe piping adds that special touch that makes this dress high end. Happy July 4th!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:31h, 05 JulyThank you, Karen, and I agree that the piping transformed the dress. It was fun to watch it come together 😉
Carolyn
Posted at 16:09h, 04 JulyWhat a wonderful dress for the 4th of July! I personally like the length on you and the piping is a great detail!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:32h, 05 JulyThank you, Carolyn! What’s funny is this dress is O N E H A L F I N C H shorter than my usual length and it was the first thing that was notched 😉
Hope you had a good 4th!
Kristen
Posted at 16:42h, 04 JulyLovely! The piping is perfection!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:32h, 05 JulyThank you so much, Kristen!
Margo//Creating In The Gap
Posted at 17:04h, 04 JulyLove this one Sarah!! So perfect for your holiday!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:33h, 05 JulyThank you Margo! (There was an issue with the top ~ more on that later 😉 )
Myra Rentmeester
Posted at 17:47h, 04 JulyVery pretty! Love your creative details!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:34h, 05 JulyThank you, Myra! I hope you had a great 4th 😉
Gayle
Posted at 18:21h, 04 JulyCute dress, I especially like the piping!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:35h, 05 JulyMany thanks, Gayle! I couldn’t believe what a difference the piping made.
Irene
Posted at 19:06h, 04 JulyPerfect summer dress! Hope you’re having a lovely July 4th.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:36h, 05 JulyThank you, Irene! We had a great 4th, and I hope you did too 😉
Alice Elliot
Posted at 19:09h, 04 JulyI agree with everyone…the piping makes this dress!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:36h, 05 JulyIt really did transform the dress. Many thanks, Alice!
Lois Haumschild
Posted at 20:29h, 04 Julylost info on the tunic pattern book..please re-post.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:42h, 05 JulyHere you go ~ click here 🙂
Cheryl Rivenbark
Posted at 20:34h, 04 JulyI love 5/8 seams. They have a great collection to choose from.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:45h, 05 JulyI’ve been there twice ~ once to the old store and once to the new. Congratulations to the owners!
Julia
Posted at 21:21h, 04 JulyDress is lovely… I am 5′ 10,” in theory could wear whatever skirt length I want, and that is my favorite…long enough to stay modest, short enough to stay modern.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:45h, 05 JulyThank you, Julia! I’d love a few extra inches 😉
Kim Dimond
Posted at 21:40h, 04 JulyI always pay a visit to 5/8ths Seams when visiting Charleston too!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:46h, 05 JulyWhat a cute store ~ so glad they found a larger space. 😉
Loretta Somerville
Posted at 22:03h, 04 JulyGreat dress, perfectly sewn! As for the length, we need to wear what we are comfortable in. I am also 5’2 and I wear my sheath dresses below my knee. I peg the bottom of the dress in. It is a very chic, european look, for the woman of a certain age that I am . Besides, my knees are not that attractive anymore!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:47h, 05 JulyLOL ~ my knees aren’t what they once were either. I go below the knee on occasion with straight dresses, but you are so right~ it’s all about what one is comfortable wearing.
Many thanks for the comment, Loretta!
Jackie Shepherd
Posted at 22:27h, 04 JulyYour dress is perfect for our hot southern weather. Can you direct me to a tutorial for your clever piping?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:00h, 05 JulyThank you so much, Jackie! I didn’t follow a tutorial so I cannot direct you to one, but I am sure several exist – YouTube might be a good place to start. I learned how to make and apply piping years ago when I sewed for my daughters. It is not difficult to do 😉 Good luck and let me know if you find a good tutorial.
Fran Giacobbe
Posted at 07:40h, 05 JulySo cute and perfect for the holiday and the summer. God Bless America!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:48h, 05 JulyMany thanks, Fran! I know I’ll wear it often 😉
Sharon Kane
Posted at 07:56h, 05 JulyGreat dress Sarah! I love seersucker fabric and have seen it with cute sea creatures, friendly insects, but just not for me. However, you make it look sooo fashionable, I just changed my mind and will become one with the sea and nature. Also, the piping adds that bit of pop to it. What I really like too is the fact that you have taken the same pattern and with a change of fabric and embellishment it looks like a different garment. Here’s a suggestion for a future sewing fest (as if you need more projects on your plate), how about taking a pattern, or two, and using it multiple times? As always, I enjoy reading your blogs and seeing your projects.
Sharon
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:18h, 05 JulyThank you, Sharon! I had buyer’s regret after purchasing this fabric, because I thought it was too childlike for several months…….. now I love this fun fabric, and you’re right……the seersucker is available in multiple colors and designs, and I’m sure I’ll be buying more. I think it would make really cute shorts and pants too. 😉
Regarding a pattern with multiple looks, you will see lots of this with The Tunic Bible which is one reason we wrote the book. I can’t wait to share more with you soon. Many thanks for your comment.
peggy leah
Posted at 09:17h, 05 JulyAnother success. I sew a lot but my success rate is about 25% for various reasons. Good fabric stores are “states” away and I haven’t
tried ordering online yet.. I still can’t get past the need to feel
the fabric. You mentioned once about writing about ordering
online.. Soon? I love to shop. Still, I like the idea of a given amt.
of time to abstain. and simply sew.. No purchased garments.
Makes me nervous just to think about not shopping.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:19h, 05 JulyThank you, Peggy. Ordering online will be my next post. 😉
Carol Gwynette
Posted at 09:18h, 05 JulyThank you for the inspiration. Your choices of patterns and fabrics are wonderful
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:43h, 05 JulyThank you so much, Carol!
KathieBennett
Posted at 11:38h, 05 JulyAre you sure this isn’t a Vineyard Vines? Great job!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:05h, 05 JulyLOL ~ Vineyard Vines certainly serves as an inspiration 😉 Many thanks, Kathie!
Trudy Callan
Posted at 17:36h, 05 JulyLove this!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 05:26h, 06 JulyThank you, Trudy!
Sonja
Posted at 17:45h, 05 JulyWhat a cute dress! The piping is such a great detail! But now I wish I was in Maine! 😀
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 05:27h, 06 JulyYou and me both, Sonja – It’s way too hot and humid in SC 😉 Many thanks for the comment!
GorgeousThings
Posted at 19:45h, 05 JulyI love the length. I wear most of my dresses and skirts that length year round, and I’m in Boston, If you got the legs, or if you just like that length for whatever reason, go for it!
PS, I was in Maine eating lobster last weekend 🙂
But I wouldn’t wear something that nice to a lobster pound, unless I brought an apron to wear over it…
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 05:33h, 06 JulyMany thanks, Ann! This is my usual summer length but who knows, maybe I’ll change one of these days. I love the new midi length I’m seeing and want to figure out how I can make it flattering on me.
……… and I’m totally jealous of anyone eating lobster in Maine while I’m sweating it out in the hot South 😉
Julie Starr
Posted at 21:35h, 05 JulyWow; the power of piping! It transformed this pattern to the point that I didn’t recognize it from the last post! You’ve put together a magnificent combination of fabrics and textures. Kathie is right – this has Vineyard Vines written all over it. Great summer dress, Sarah!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 05:36h, 06 JulyThank you, Julie! It’s almost as though I have forgotten about piping from sewing long ago. I envisioned piped pockets on shorts and before I knew it I was making a dress 😉
I do love Vineyard Vines and often draw inspiration from this company.
Mary Funt
Posted at 21:59h, 05 JulyWonderful remakes of a classic style. They all look so different and very flattering style.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 05:36h, 06 JulyThank you, Mary!!
Linda L
Posted at 06:52h, 06 JulyLove this dress and the fabric you used. This pattern is great to change up the necklines and vary the style of this sheath style dress.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:41h, 06 JulyThank you, Linda, and I agree with you about the pattern. I look forward to experimenting with it 🙂
Victoria
Posted at 00:09h, 07 JulyLOVE your style and I’m enjoying your blog. You inspire me. The piping is so great! I look forward to your next post.
Suzie Simpson
Posted at 09:46h, 07 JulyLove the dress! AND the length! I’m 5’3″ and I get it. The dress is perfect for hot, sunny, muggy southern days.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:26h, 07 JulyThank you, Suzie! That’s what just works best right now!
Cissie Wellons
Posted at 11:41h, 07 JulyThat really is your signature style. Looks so good on you and the fit is perfection.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:24h, 07 JulyThank you Cissie! I am very pleased with the fit.
Marguerite
Posted at 21:00h, 07 JulyLove the dress! And the length is just right. Patti Palmer always said the length of a skirt depends more on your legs than age! I have to agree.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:42h, 15 JulyThank you, Marguerite! I also think the length depends on the dress style, the purpose of the dress and the climate in which one lives. 😉
Angie
Posted at 20:40h, 10 JulyThis dress is cute as can be for the Fourth, and all summer long. And as many others have commented, the striped piping is such a terrific accent! I really don’t “get” the criticism of the length. It’s a casual summer dress, after all, that you’re wearing with bare legs and thong sandals. I wouldn’t be able to wear this very many days here in the Puget Sound region (way too cool most of the summer), but in the hot, humid South, why wouldn’t you want to go short if you’ve got the legs to do it?!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:44h, 15 JulyMany thanks for your comment, Angie! While I would never go shorter for many reasons the length for this dress is easy and practical for me. 😉
Ardy Wolynec
Posted at 23:13h, 10 JulyBoth dresses are wonderful and the fit really is perfection. This dress really is a wonderful example of “Diminutive Details” in the current issue of Threads !
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:44h, 15 JulyOh thank you, Adry!! I’ll check out this issue 🙂
Cynthia Gilbreth
Posted at 16:47h, 14 JulyI just found your blog and have been really loving it. The piping makes the dress special, you can’t buy anything like that. As for the length, you have the stems, so you should show off a bit. Me, that’s another story…
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:48h, 15 JulyThank you so much for your nice comment, Cynthia! I never dreamed the length of my casual summer dress would generate so many comments – It is one inch above the top of my knee! Trust me, I’ve got little left to show off, but this length works for me for this dress 😉