29 Apr Happiness Is……..
….. a new puppy!
Last weekend we welcomed beautiful little Lulu, a seven-week old English Cocker into our family. I decided to celebrate our little bundle of energy by making a dress in her honor, and why not?
Pattern Reviewer extraordinaire, Cissie Wellons introduced me to Farmhouse Fabrics, in Beech Island, SC (birthplace of James Brown) through one of her entertaining reviews. The store offers a comprehensive online selection of fabrics, and I was smitten by the soft black linen with giant embroidered white polka dots!
After receiving the fabric, I realized the dots ran lengthwise which meant I needed to cut the fabric crosswise in order for the dress to feature a lower border. I was slightly nervous the fabric would not drape properly, but thankfully it was not an issue.
I selected a pattern I bought several years ago (now discontinued), hoping I might start sewing clothes again one day – Butterick 4498.
The kicker is this old discontinued pattern fit me perfectly which rarely happens! In my muslin I shortened the bodice along the adjustment lines as I always do, and everything fell into place.
The darts hit just right and the back fit without bagging. This sweet surprise inspired me to further customize the dress by lowering the back neckline to match the front neckline (above), extending the length to a maxi (below), lining the dress
and adding a side slit just for Lulu 🙂
There’s nothing better than well-drafted simple patterns! They easily permit the use of individual imagination making sewing a true joy….. and isn’t that what sewing should be?
Best wishes for a great weekend, dear Readers!! I believe I’ll have my hands full 🙂
Until soon 🙂
Marcy Tlton
Posted at 01:07h, 29 AprilLove the dress, adore the new puppy who will provide you with endless inspiration for dressing in harmony….having a black and white dog I speak from a similar experience, and welcome to the world of white dog hair on black clothes!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:14h, 01 MaySo nice to hear from you, Marcy! Oh yes, you figured me out pretty quickly……. more black and white clothes to come 😉
Carolyn
Posted at 01:29h, 29 AprilLove the simple design with stunning fabric.. Will the lining retard the wrinkles in the linen. Such a cute puppy, you are really brave…I am not sure I want to handle a baby anything-except for grand babies!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:17h, 01 MayLOL – she is a handful right now! Yes, the bemberg lining has helped the wrinkling significantly, plus the pattern design is a good one for linen – not too tight or loose.
Many thanks, Carolyn!
Barbara Stengel
Posted at 16:18h, 01 MayYes, Carolyn, lining will lessen wrinkling in linen garments. Underlining – attaching a lining fabric to the cut-out fashion fabric and treating them as one layer – will cut wrinkling even more. I also think it helps improve the “hang” of a fabric on the body, especially if you are using a light-weight fabric..
Happy sewing!
Barbara
Art Attack
Posted at 01:36h, 29 AprilLove, love, love!! And the pup matches!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:18h, 01 MayMany thanks, Dorcas!
Angie
Posted at 01:40h, 29 AprilAwwwww. Nothing cuter in the world than a puppy! And I used to have an English cocker! Love the idea of the special dress to “match” — kinda like the mother-daughter dresses that were a “thing” when I was growing up! LOVE this post!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:18h, 01 MayLOL – that’s what I thought too, Angie 😉 Many thanks!
Sana Bharani
Posted at 02:34h, 29 AprilLove the dress. Your hair and accessories go well with the dress. Congratulations!
How much did the fabric cost?
Since you sew so well, why don’t you make your own designs? Why to use the other’s patterns? Just curious.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:21h, 01 MayThank you for the nice commen, Sana. I believe the fabric was approximately $24/yd. I have designed a couple of patterns and hope to do more, but so many good ones exist, why reinvent the wheel? 😉
sarina
Posted at 02:48h, 29 AprilLove the fabric and the gown you have made out of it ; it fits so well – congratulations
The embroidered polka dots look stunning as a border- the puppy and your gown also complement each other 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:22h, 01 MayMany thanks Sarina! The two remind me of each other as well 😉
ooobop
Posted at 02:55h, 29 AprilSuch a beautiful dress and what a fabric to coordinate with your sweet poppy too! I love it when one can focus on the detail rather than the fitting.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:26h, 01 MayThank you, Ooobop! Exactly my point – one can do most anything with an easy well-drafted pattern 🙂 🙂
Rhoda K
Posted at 03:43h, 29 AprilI love your dress and Lulu is a cutie!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:27h, 01 MayThank you, Rhoda!
Mary
Posted at 05:14h, 29 AprilThis is so darling! Love the modifications. Thanks for the inspiration.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:31h, 01 MayThank you, Mary! This is was a fun sewing project 🙂
Kathie Bennett
Posted at 06:50h, 29 AprilLove this dress….and the puppy!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:32h, 01 MayThank you, Kathie!!
Cindy Aymes
Posted at 06:57h, 29 AprilOh my goodness, I don’t know which is cuter – your dress or your puppy!! I’m ALL for simple styles to let the fabric shine – and you’ve got a stunner of a fabric! Can I ask what you used for a lining? And do you think that linen wrinkles less with a lining versus an underlining? I am making my first linen dress right now and am curious as I get closer to that point.
Love your dress, the changes you made and that cute little puppy! Enjoy taking your dress – and your puppy – out on the town!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:35h, 01 MayThank you, Cindy!
I used bemberg rayon. Although a soft cotton batiste would have been terrific, I chose the bemberg for wrinkle control which seems to be working.
Good luck with your dress!
Julie Starr
Posted at 06:58h, 29 AprilLulu and your maxi are as cute as can be. Life sure is going to be hopping around there for a while, isn’t it?! So glad to hear using this on the cross grain worked out fine. I have a border print I’ve wanted to use and been hesitant for the same reason. Cissie also introduced me to Farmhouse Fabrics and I’ve fallen in love with there special 3 yard “shirt bundles”. Some great deals and everything comes so prettily tied with a ribbon.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:38h, 01 MayThank you, Julie! Hopping is one way to put it 😉
Cutting the linen on the crossgrain had no effect on the drape of this fabric whatsoever, thank goodness! I noticed Farmhouse Fabrics also carries a lovely supply of ribbons.
Linda
Posted at 07:17h, 29 AprilBrilliant!!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:39h, 01 MayMany thanks, Linda!
Mary Funt
Posted at 07:20h, 29 AprilLulu is a perfect accent to your dress; your spots and hers look so well together. I will have to investigate Farmhouse Fabrics.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:40h, 01 MayThank you, Mary!
Debbie Bowdish
Posted at 07:48h, 29 AprilLove the dress and Lulu!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:43h, 01 MayThank you, Debbie!
Becky Bagwell
Posted at 07:52h, 29 AprilLove Lulu….and the dress, too!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:44h, 01 MayMany thanks, Becky 🙂
Sharon
Posted at 07:59h, 29 AprilI always look forward to your posts and commentary on how you make a pattern “yours”. The adage “what’s old is new” certainly fits your finished garment. And of course Lulu is the perfect “accessory”!
Sharon
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:44h, 01 MayThank you, Sharon! I think I’m becoming the accessory to Lulu 😉
Beth whitchurch
Posted at 08:00h, 29 AprilAwe, so happy for you and your new baby!!! Dogs bring so much to our lives. You’ve inspired me to try a long dress. Love this one one you and the dots are so much fun. Thank you again for all your inspiration!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:45h, 01 MayMany thanks for your lovely comment, Beth! I hope you’ll try a maxi – such a fun garment to wear 🙂
Cissie Wellons
Posted at 08:16h, 29 AprilSo glad that you have found Farmhouse Fabrics. They have an extensive selection and great customer service. Your dress is fabulous — but Lulu is a show stealer!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:49h, 01 MayThank you, Cissie! You’re right – Lulu steals the show 😉 Have you been to the store in Beech Island?
Cissie Wellons
Posted at 08:13h, 02 MayYes, Sarah. I have been to the actual store. I believe that Sally has an open-to-the-public event once a month. It is worth the trip — but allow plenty of time!
Marta
Posted at 08:35h, 29 AprilLovely, lovely dress in gorgeous fabric and a perfect match for your sweet Lulu!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:49h, 01 MayAh……. thank you, Marta!
Vicki
Posted at 08:35h, 29 AprilThe fabric and dress are perfection. Lulu is so cute! I have two ECS and I believe they are the perfect dog. Mine bring me nothing but happiness and humor. Congrats on your new addition!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:55h, 01 MayThank you so much, Vicki! Even though I have way to much b/w fabrics I couldn’t pass on this one 😉
The father of Lulu belongs to my son-in-law. He introduced us to the breed years ago and we agree – they are the perfect dog!
Kerry Rounsley
Posted at 08:48h, 29 AprilCongratulations on your new fur baby. Your dress is a clever match. I live in Australia and I have a cocker spaniel too. We have a social Facebook site for our dogs. Please feel free to join at “Newcastle, English Cocker Spaniels. We meet twice a month for a play in a park with optional dog swim, it is a lot of fun. By the way I love your sewing posts and the clothes you make.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:56h, 01 MayHi Kerry! Many thanks for your comment, and I will definitely join the FB site 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:00h, 01 MayI’ve just sent a request to join 😉
Monica
Posted at 08:53h, 29 AprilLove the dress and the puppy!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:50h, 01 MayThank you so much, Monica!
Marysia Paling
Posted at 08:57h, 29 AprilSuch a lovely dress on you, and Lulu is the perfect accessory!
Next dress must be white with black spots…………………………….
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:53h, 01 MayMany thanks, Marysia – such a good ideas!
Eileen
Posted at 09:05h, 29 AprilGreat post. You are both adorable! Lulu just might cut into your sewing time?!? I am doing some home dec
sewing right now. You just inspired me to get it done and sew for myself.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:51h, 01 MayMany thanks, Marysia – such a good idea!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:53h, 01 MayWell, Lulu certainly is adorable! I’ve concluded that life in general cuts into my sewing time, but I guess that’s a good thing or I’d do nothing else 🙂 Many thanks, Eileen!
Amanda S.
Posted at 09:38h, 29 AprilOkay, now that’s adorable. Love the fabric, love the fit, love the pairing of fabric to pattern. What a winner!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:54h, 01 MayThank you, Amanda! This was one fabric I could not pass……….
Allie Casey
Posted at 10:30h, 29 AprilStunning fabric…delightful dress! The puppy is cute too.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:55h, 01 MayMany thanks, Allie!
Sally Whinghter
Posted at 10:44h, 29 AprilOh my goodness, your dress is absolutely exquisite! My thanks to Cissy Wellons for sending folks our way. We love, love, love to see the fabrics made into gorgeous creations like yours! I printed the picture to show all the girls here how pretty that interesting fabric looks when made into a dress. So sad that all of this fabric is gone now! Everything about your dress is perfect…and the puppy is precious!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:56h, 01 MaySally,
So nice to hear from you and I’m delighted you think I did the fabric justice. Cissie has introduced me to a world of sewing I did not know existed 😉
Many thanks for the comment !
Marilyn Macrae
Posted at 11:02h, 29 AprilI love the fabric and the pattern. I have a similar 70’s vintage pattern… The pup is adorable.. Black and White.. I have a white Havanese and a Black Lab 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:57h, 01 MayThank you, Marilyn! The Black Lab was our second choice 😉
Karen Marley
Posted at 11:08h, 29 AprilLovely dress! The pattern is contemporay even though it is from the sixties, early seventies. I rarely buy new patterns anymore, just alter the tied and true ones with the features I am after. I don’t usually sew for other people, so I tend towards simple styles. Your little Lulu reminds me of my niece’s Shih Tzu Spaniel mix, Buster. Love that dog! Again, love the dress, the print is so cheerful, too.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:00h, 01 MayThank you so much for your nice comment, Karen! There is nothing better than a classic tried and true 🙂
Buster…….. I love that name!
Karen Helm
Posted at 11:17h, 29 AprilAdorable doggy – welcome, little Lulu!! And a stunning dress! You are going to have lots of fun with both!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:01h, 01 MayThank you, Karen! Fun, indeed 🙂
Beth (SunnyGal Studio)
Posted at 11:50h, 29 Aprilvery cute dress and puppy. Sometimes the simplest patterns can create a sophisticated look 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:01h, 01 MayThank you, Beth 🙂 I so agree with you!
Gerhild
Posted at 12:25h, 29 AprilWhat a beautiful dress and it fits so well. And, of course, Lulu is cute as a button.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:02h, 01 MayAh……….. thank you so much, Cerhild!
chris johnson
Posted at 12:49h, 29 AprilLove everything about this post! You look lovely and the oh-so-cute and cuddly puppy is the perfect complement to your exquisite dress. A very inspirational post, reminding me to make those fairly simple alterations to adapt a pattern’s style to my vision. The fabric is a remarkable find, and knowing what to do with it that highlights the design without overwhelming the look is part of your genius. As another post asked, I too am interested to know what you used for the lining.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:16h, 01 MayChris, Thank you for this lovely comment. While a soft cotton batiste would have been a perfect lining, I chose Bemberg Rayon for wrinkle reduction and it seems to be working!
Barbara Kaye
Posted at 13:26h, 29 AprilLove your dress and adore your new pup!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:17h, 01 MayThank you so much, Barbara!
Judith cortelloni
Posted at 13:39h, 29 AprilStylish dress and adorable fur baby!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:17h, 01 May🙂 🙂 🙂 Thank you, Judith!
Helen McCleneghen
Posted at 14:38h, 29 AprilThey must be out of the fabric. 🙁 did not see it on the website. Love the dress!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:18h, 01 MayMany thanks, Helen. I just learned they are out of fabric. So sorry……….
Brenda
Posted at 15:17h, 29 AprilI love this dress. Great job!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:19h, 01 MayThank you so much, Brenda!
Barbara Speer
Posted at 15:32h, 29 AprilLove the dress and the dog. I have a black and white cocker (Sophie) that I adore. lucky you – black and white hair that shows on everything you wear.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:20h, 01 MaySophie is such a cute name! I’m sure I’ll manage the hair 😉
Rose Perez
Posted at 15:34h, 29 Aprillooks great,I love the fabric and I just might have that same pattern in my collection. I am a new follower of your blog,It has inspired me to get back to sewing for myself.
I enjoyed reading your past blogs and look forward to may more.
Rose
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:21h, 01 MayThank you so much for this lovely comment, Rose. Good luck with your sewing!
Bbz
Posted at 16:08h, 29 AprilYep, dog hair on everything. I too have a beloved black-and-white dog. First things to do are keep a roll of duct tape handy–it works better than a Lint brush. Then give away any micro fiber or airy knits; they are super-magnets. Enjoy your sweet Puppy!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:21h, 01 MayOK – thanks for the tips!!!
Vicki Maiorano
Posted at 17:45h, 29 Aprilawww! how cute is Lulu 🙂 And what a perfectly matching dress!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:15h, 01 MayWell, I just couldn’t resist 😉 Many thanks, Vicki!
Mary Lynn
Posted at 18:19h, 29 AprilHubby didn’t win the decision for a hunting dog! How could he resist Lulu – she’s so adorable! I hope she’s easy to train, Mackie and I have been through 4 classes including one actually called Juvenile Delinquents!
We’re starting another one called Real Life. Thank heavens God makes babies and dogs so dear and cute!
I love Farmhouse Fabrics. have been dying to go to one of theirOpen Days – friends say they’re awesome!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:14h, 01 MayThank you, Mary Lynn! I’ll have to check out their Open Days 🙂
Suzanne Parker
Posted at 18:56h, 29 AprilOh I just love English Cockers!! Congratulations. And I know I’ve seen a pattern just like that a million years ago. Perfect on you.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:13h, 01 MayThank you so much, Suzanne!
Jayne Miller
Posted at 19:22h, 29 AprilLike the dress but the puppy steals the show for me. I am currently waiting for my cocker to be born. We are wanting a black and white female, which we are going to call detective Nicki Heat. Can’t wait.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:12h, 01 MayAh……. I hope she gets here safely. What a cute name!
Jennifer Shaw
Posted at 19:25h, 29 AprilLulu is such a doll! Congratulations on your new cutie pie! I love dogs and when I was growing up, we always had a pet dog.
Your new dress -ode to Lulu- fits you like a dream! Such a wonderful fabric for the perfect fitting pattern. I love Farmhouse Fabrics, too! I don’t know when I discovered them as an online store, but the quality of fabrics and lace is amazing. I did order one of the eyelet samples and at some point, I am going to use the fabric for a yoke on a nightgown or a nightshirt.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:12h, 01 MayThank you, Jennifer. I don’t know how I missed out on this fabric store 😉
Maggie Edger
Posted at 19:52h, 29 AprilOh how I love black and white and the polka dots are so much fun. However, I must tell you I love Lulu more. She is sweet.
A. Maggie
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:09h, 01 MayI think all readers love Lulu more and I get that! Many thanks, Maggie 🙂
Margene Yeaton
Posted at 20:20h, 29 AprilLove both dress and puppy. What fun you will have with both. Terrific to see how you used the linen on the crosswise grain.
I’m in the market for some linen, but looking for a blend to reduce wrinkles. This will take some time. Thank you for this post and
look forward to what you do next!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:08h, 01 MayMany thanks, Margene. Please let me know if you find a nice blend that doesn’t wrinkle. I’ve yet to see one 😉
Lucy
Posted at 21:48h, 29 AprilBeautiful maxi dress and super cute puppy!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:07h, 01 MayThank you, Lucy!
Sew Jean Margaret
Posted at 23:20h, 29 AprilOh Lulu is just too cute and your dress is rather gorgeous too, made so by that special fabric. Looks like you will have your hands full for the next few weeks.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:06h, 01 MayHa – ha!! My hands are so full that I can barely type this response, Jean! Thank you so much 🙂
Joy Jensen
Posted at 13:10h, 30 AprilYour new dress and your new pup are the perfect combo. Nice work!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:06h, 01 MayMany thanks, Joy!
Tomasa
Posted at 15:25h, 30 AprilYour dress fits you beautifully – you look gorgeous. Oh and how cute the adorable little puppy. She will bring you much unconditional love and joy.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:05h, 01 MayThank you so much, Tomasa!
Myra
Posted at 16:48h, 30 AprilAwww Sarah, how cute!! Both your dress (which is truly awesome) and that absolutely adorable puppy are very welcomed additions to your home!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:05h, 01 MayIndeed, Myra! Both were much wanted 🙂 Many thanks for the comment.
jessicathecat
Posted at 01:54h, 01 MayWonderful little girl you have; as they say, the only love money CAN buy.. And the dress is wonderful too 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:04h, 01 MayWell, fortunately, we received the courtesy dog 😉 Hopefully we won’t have to buy her love!!
Creative Hormone Rush
Posted at 18:17h, 01 MayThe dress is fabulous! I love the way you start with a conservative style that can go from year to year and then do something totally unexpected with it. And your new puppy is just adorable. Makes me want to reach right through my computer screen to scritch its ears. Cindy
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:40h, 06 MayAh…… Lulu is a sweetie and you can come scratch her little ears anytime you want 🙂 I think there is nothing better than a pattern ready for subtle changes and a variety of styles. Many thanks for the comment!
CarolinasCallin
Posted at 20:20h, 01 MayAdorable!! She’s a sweetie – you’re going to enjoy her! May not get much done for a while, but you’ll enjoy her 🙂
LOVE the dress, too! That’s a great pattern – I have it in my collection and love the lines. No, of course I haven’t actually MADE anything with it…lol! Maybe soon for warm weather!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:43h, 06 MayYou’ve had your hands full, Cheryl! Hope the wedding went well and I know you’ll be glad to find some quiet sewing time. Thank you so much for the comment 🙂
Katalin
Posted at 10:15h, 03 MayAaaawwww!!!! What an adorable puppy! Congratulations! I also own a Blue Roan English Cocker Spaniel. 🙂
They have such lovely disposition! Your dress is beautiful! I always look forward to reading your posts!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:42h, 06 MayThank you so much, Katalin! Lulu’s father belongs to our son- in- law whom we adore. He is a Roan and Lulu is black and white like her mother 🙂 She had a litter of 8 – half and half 🙂
Denise Dooley
Posted at 20:29h, 05 MayGreat dress, hope the puppy training is going well. Thanks for the info on Farmhouse Fabrics. I’ve been trying to find stores in SC, looks like this is about 2 1/2 hours from Hilton Head. The shirting bundles mentioned in the comments sound interesting. Looks like they have 2 dates in June, hope to make one of them.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:45h, 06 MayThank you Denise! I have never been to the store but hope to go sometime during the summer.
Laura Casey
Posted at 08:39h, 09 MayI can’t think of a better reason to dress in black and white with that new pup! The dress is DROP-DEAD GORGEOUS…..love the square neck pattern….and the fabric is delicious …..this is something I’d wear forever! LOVE IT….AND YOU TOO!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:32h, 09 MayHi Laura! Thank you so much – isn’t she adorable? There may be more black and white clothes coming 🙂
Rhonda Gatti
Posted at 14:26h, 10 MayI have searched the Farmhouse fabrics site high and low and cannot find that fabric. I adore it and would love to purchase some. Do you think they are sold out?
Thanks,
Rhonda
P.S. I have a black and white little cutie named Lulu also.
Sheri Lewis
Posted at 23:40h, 13 MayThanks for sharing your sewing adventures. It’s good to know there are garment stitchers willing to share successes and trials. I look forward to your next post. Happiness is surely a warm puppy (and well fitting, unique clothing).