raspberry sally dress
October 2nd, 2013
******GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED******
Shannon from luv in the mommyhood asked if I’d like to sew up a version of her new pattern, the Sally Dress. How could I say no? It’s a simple dress with no closures, super big pockets, and three variations of sleeve length (zero, short, and elbow). The perfect staple dress, really.
But what fabric to use? I knew I wanted something for winter. I wandered around the fabric shop trying to find the right material: twill was too stiff, flannel was too clingy, suiting was nice, but too expensive. I kept coming back to the corduroy, but my mom jammed me into so many awful corduroy jumpers when I was a kid (sorry, mom) that I just couldn’t do it.
So I left the shop empty handed. I was all set to make a polka dot version out of some homespun fabric I had on hand. When I spotted this huge, raspberry purple, wool skirt in my stash. I picked it up for pennies at the thrift store ages ago. The plan was to make it into a smaller skirt for me, but there was just enough to eek out a Sally Dress from it!
The only thing left from that skirt is the waistband. I used every little bit of fabric that I could!
When I was just about done, there was a brief moment of panic when the lighting made the dress look like a bad waitress uniform (specifically, a Perkins uniform–if you live in the states). When I brought it out of the depths of my basement studio, thankfully, it was a lovely little raspberry jumper again.
If you make the sleeveless version, there is only 1 page of the pattern to print out. One Page! You get to skip all the pdf pattern puzzling, but there is some mental origami that goes into making that bodice. Don’t worry, Shannon holds your hand the whole way. And in the end you have a beautifully lined bodice!
It seemed a shame to waste the (already hemmed, perfectly matched) skirt lining, so I lined the skirt part of the dress as well. Now it swishes and twirls with the best of them!
But sadly, there wasn’t enough fabric to make the awesome pockets on the Sally Dress. I used the last little scraps to make some in seam pockets, but it’s not the same. Still, it’s a great little jumper.
How would you like to win a copy of the Sally Dress pattern? I knew you would.
******GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED******
The winner is #19, Erin! Congratulations!
******GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED******
To enter the giveaway:
* Leave a comment about what fabric you would use for the Sally Dress.
For additional entries:
* follow elsiemarley on Bloglovin, Feedly, or by email. Then leave a comment telling me you did (or already do).
* like elsiemarley on Facebook. Then leave a comment telling me you did (or already do).
* like luvinthemommyhood on Facebook. Then, that’s right, leave a comment telling me you did (or already do).
Giveaway ends Friday October 4 at 9pm (central time). Good Luck!
Don’t forget to follow along with the rest of the Sally Dress pattern tour to see all the different versions of this lovely dress!
* Shannon kindly gave me a copy of the sally dress pattern in exchange for this post. My opinions are, as always, my own.
I’m already following you on bloglovin :-)
I already follow you via feedly! Have been eyeing this pattern and love your version.
I would sew it up in something plain and classic, my mum has some lovely blue baby cord which would be great for this. Then my daughter could wear bright stripy polo neck jumpers underneath, lovely for our damp and cold UK weather!
Love love your raspberry solid version. I am thinking a solid in chambray would be cute with leggings or cute pants on my 18 month old.
I have missed your sewing posts!
I would probably use a ginormous cashmere sweater in moss green. It is knit but I am a rebel :)
Alternative is some blue thicker linen, it would look lovely if I added some embroidery.
I would use a blue cord with red dots. I would go for the sleeveless version
Ah! I love it! And I would love to win this pattern too. I might use some funky printed quilting cotton for the pockets on top of some thin corduroy. Hmmm.
I follow via email!
I’d love this pattern and would use some special Echino double gauze I’ve had stashed for awhile, seeing as we’re in Spring at the moment! Thanks for the chance to win it!
I follow your blog with bloglovin!
I already like you on facebook!
And I already like luvinthemommyhood on facebook too!
What a beautiful dress! I wish I could wear an outfit like that to work ever day! I’d feel on top of the world.
I want to try sewing it in a nice voile for next summer.
I follow you on Bloglovin’!
Lovely! I’d use a sweet content unknown fabric that I found at the thrift store. It’s white with sweet red and green flowers, and a bit textured like seersucker.
I think I’d use some super cute fine-wale cord that I bought last year. thanks for the chance!
I like EM on FB
I like LITMH on FB
i’d like to see it in some bold lotta jansdotter fabric from Bella probably…
I have a purple linen dress that doesn’t fit nicely but I’d love to repurpose the fabric!
I follow you on bloglovin!
Such a cute jumper, way to upcycle! Also love her sparkly ballet flats and polka dot leggings, makes it even better.
(already have the pattern – no need to enter the giveaway thanks!)
I think wool or corduroy would be my choice for this sweet little number
This is beautiful Meg! Love the raspberry.