Garment No 19

04 Jul Garment No 19

I’ve gone Preppy this Fourth of July.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!IMG_0105

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 🙂

IMG_0088Additionally, I made a piping from red and white shirting for the arms and neckline.

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This time I lined the dress with a lightweight batiste, perfect for hot humid weather.

lobster

Maybe I look like I belong in Maine eating seafood rather than South Carolina eating bar-b-que,

IMG_0089but 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 🙂

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Until soon!!

goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
100 Comments
  • Ruth
    Posted at 11:06h, 04 July Reply

    Love the fabric and the trimming – so USA. But the length., Sarah, the length……….
    Happy Independence Day !

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:00h, 04 July Reply

      not 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 July Reply

        I 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 July Reply

        The 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 July Reply

          Thank 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 July Reply

        OK, you win. You’re too young looking to ever look matronly…….:)

      • Cynthia
        Posted at 13:04h, 11 July Reply

        No, 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 July Reply

    I 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 July Reply

      C 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 July Reply

    Cute, 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 July Reply

      Thank 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 July Reply

    Happy 4th July, from the other side of the pond!
    Have a terrific time with friends and family.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:16h, 05 July Reply

      Many thanks, Marysia!!

  • ooobop
    Posted at 11:24h, 04 July Reply

    Stylishly simple like only you know how! I just love that you made your own piping too!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:17h, 05 July Reply

      LOL ~ 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 July Reply

    cute dress. So wonderful to have a tweaked pattern you can use over and over.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:18h, 05 July Reply

      Thank you, Suzanne! I agree with you and am delighted to have a new go to pattern 😉

  • ElizabethDube
    Posted at 11:34h, 04 July Reply

    Yes! 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 July Reply

      I 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 July Reply

    I 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 July Reply

      Many thanks, Kathy! I’m glad I bit the bullet and made the piping 🙂

  • Barbara Byrne
    Posted at 12:58h, 04 July Reply

    It’s beautiful! I especially love the piping. Happy 4th from France x

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:23h, 05 July Reply

      Thank 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 July Reply

    SO CUTE! I love the piping especially! Now you enjoy your fourth of July celebrations!!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:24h, 05 July Reply

      Thank you so much, Sue! We had a great 4th 😉

  • Margene Yeaton
    Posted at 13:00h, 04 July Reply

    Sew 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 July Reply

      Many thanks, Margene! Our 4th was better than Lulu’s as she was not invited to the celebrations……….. ;(

  • Barbara Russel
    Posted at 13:45h, 04 July Reply

    You have been busy! I love the dress!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:27h, 05 July Reply

      Yes, 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 July Reply

    Cute fabric!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:27h, 05 July Reply

      Thank you, Renee!

  • Sharon E
    Posted at 14:20h, 04 July Reply

    Perfect for summer and the fit is so nice on you.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:28h, 05 July Reply

      Thank you, Sharon! It’s almost all about the fit for sure 😉

  • Dawn Puente
    Posted at 15:09h, 04 July Reply

    Well 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 July Reply

      Oh yes, it would be great! Have a great trip, Dawn 🙂

  • Tomasa
    Posted at 15:46h, 04 July Reply

    Love this dress on you and the piping is such a fun detail!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:30h, 05 July Reply

      Thank 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 July Reply

    The piping adds that special touch that makes this dress high end. Happy July 4th!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:31h, 05 July Reply

      Thank 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 July Reply

    What 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 July Reply

      Thank 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 July Reply

    Lovely! The piping is perfection!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:32h, 05 July Reply

      Thank you so much, Kristen!

  • Margo//Creating In The Gap
    Posted at 17:04h, 04 July Reply

    Love this one Sarah!! So perfect for your holiday!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:33h, 05 July Reply

      Thank you Margo! (There was an issue with the top ~ more on that later 😉 )

  • Myra Rentmeester
    Posted at 17:47h, 04 July Reply

    Very pretty! Love your creative details!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:34h, 05 July Reply

      Thank you, Myra! I hope you had a great 4th 😉

  • Gayle
    Posted at 18:21h, 04 July Reply

    Cute dress, I especially like the piping!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:35h, 05 July Reply

      Many thanks, Gayle! I couldn’t believe what a difference the piping made.

  • Irene
    Posted at 19:06h, 04 July Reply

    Perfect summer dress! Hope you’re having a lovely July 4th.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:36h, 05 July Reply

      Thank you, Irene! We had a great 4th, and I hope you did too 😉

  • Alice Elliot
    Posted at 19:09h, 04 July Reply

    I agree with everyone…the piping makes this dress!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:36h, 05 July Reply

      It really did transform the dress. Many thanks, Alice!

  • Lois Haumschild
    Posted at 20:29h, 04 July Reply

    lost info on the tunic pattern book..please re-post.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:42h, 05 July Reply

      Here you go ~ click here 🙂

  • Cheryl Rivenbark
    Posted at 20:34h, 04 July Reply

    I love 5/8 seams. They have a great collection to choose from.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:45h, 05 July Reply

      I’ve been there twice ~ once to the old store and once to the new. Congratulations to the owners!

  • Julia
    Posted at 21:21h, 04 July Reply

    Dress 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 July Reply

      Thank you, Julia! I’d love a few extra inches 😉

  • Kim Dimond
    Posted at 21:40h, 04 July Reply

    I always pay a visit to 5/8ths Seams when visiting Charleston too!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:46h, 05 July Reply

      What a cute store ~ so glad they found a larger space. 😉

  • Loretta Somerville
    Posted at 22:03h, 04 July Reply

    Great 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 July Reply

      LOL ~ 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 July Reply

    Your 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 July Reply

      Thank 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 July Reply

    So cute and perfect for the holiday and the summer. God Bless America!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:48h, 05 July Reply

      Many thanks, Fran! I know I’ll wear it often 😉

  • Sharon Kane
    Posted at 07:56h, 05 July Reply

    Great 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 July Reply

      Thank 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 July Reply

    Another 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 July Reply

      Thank you, Peggy. Ordering online will be my next post. 😉

  • Carol Gwynette
    Posted at 09:18h, 05 July Reply

    Thank you for the inspiration. Your choices of patterns and fabrics are wonderful

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:43h, 05 July Reply

      Thank you so much, Carol!

  • KathieBennett
    Posted at 11:38h, 05 July Reply

    Are you sure this isn’t a Vineyard Vines? Great job!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 12:05h, 05 July Reply

      LOL ~ Vineyard Vines certainly serves as an inspiration 😉 Many thanks, Kathie!

  • Trudy Callan
    Posted at 17:36h, 05 July Reply

    Love this!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 05:26h, 06 July Reply

      Thank you, Trudy!

  • Sonja
    Posted at 17:45h, 05 July Reply

    What a cute dress! The piping is such a great detail! But now I wish I was in Maine! 😀

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 05:27h, 06 July Reply

      You and me both, Sonja – It’s way too hot and humid in SC 😉 Many thanks for the comment!

  • GorgeousThings
    Posted at 19:45h, 05 July Reply

    I 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 July Reply

      Many 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 July Reply

    Wow; 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 July Reply

      Thank 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 July Reply

    Wonderful remakes of a classic style. They all look so different and very flattering style.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 05:36h, 06 July Reply

      Thank you, Mary!!

  • Linda L
    Posted at 06:52h, 06 July Reply

    Love 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 July Reply

      Thank you, Linda, and I agree with you about the pattern. I look forward to experimenting with it 🙂

  • Victoria
    Posted at 00:09h, 07 July Reply

    LOVE 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 July Reply

    Love 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 July Reply

      Thank you, Suzie! That’s what just works best right now!

  • Cissie Wellons
    Posted at 11:41h, 07 July Reply

    That really is your signature style. Looks so good on you and the fit is perfection.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:24h, 07 July Reply

      Thank you Cissie! I am very pleased with the fit.

  • Marguerite
    Posted at 21:00h, 07 July Reply

    Love 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 July Reply

      Thank 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 July Reply

    This 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 July Reply

      Many 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 July Reply

    Both 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 July Reply

      Oh thank you, Adry!! I’ll check out this issue 🙂

  • Cynthia Gilbreth
    Posted at 16:47h, 14 July Reply

    I 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 July Reply

    Thank 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 😉

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