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Saturday, July 14, 2012

Tangerine Summer Dress

The story behind my tangerine summer dress:

I am miserable despite my November due date. Ever heard the expression, she has a bun in the oven? Well, I get it now. I am literally an oven just roasting away and this summer heat is unbearable! The sun is hot, the air is hot... I don't want anyone or anything touching me! Thick maternity waistbands are the worst, which is a shame because they're the only thing that keep my pants up right now, and I just cannot tolerate them around my middle! I've become a cranky, crazy person pulling on my clothes all day screaming, "stop touching me!!!" I really need to start wearing dresses, but I don't have anything that isn't form fitting. So, I started searching for inspiration and began drooling greedily over the boxy shape of the 1960's mod/ mini dresses.

Like these:
Shapeless, pink, lace. Beautiful. And sold out from 4birdsvintage etsy shop.
Unfortunately, I don't have a pattern for a 60s mod/ mini dress! When I found this little girls dress though,  my little oven self sighed, "ahhhh- yes. That I can recreate!"
[Source]
So, keeping the 60s mini dress in mind, I pulled out the pattern that my grandma gave to me when she made me this dress, and proceeded to sew myself a short sleeve, zipper-less dress that I could hem at whatever length I desired. This is as "mini" as I dared. I made two long slits up the front of the dress, sewed in two triangles of complimenting fabric (cough: a scrap bed sheet) and voila! I've got room to move, air can flow, and nothing is clinging to my belly. The best part is that it's fairly casual, so I don't feel weird just wearing it out and about.


14 comments:

  1. Ha ha... I wore dresses in the 60s, just like the McCalls pattern, except they were either much shorter, or down to the ground. Dresses are a much more sensible length now-a-days. Your dress looks fabulous... so cool and comfortable. I remember being pregnant in Summer and my wardrobe consisted of dresses just like yours. I made them all, but used patterns. Great job on making your dress from scratch without a pattern!!!

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  2. oh goodness - I adore this dress! That Mommy and me daughter version is so stinking cute. Well done!! You look fabulous in it :)

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  3. you look super-cute!

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  4. It's gorgeous! I love that colour :) I'm so addicted to vintage patterns. Stopping by from the Girl Creative link up :)

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  5. I think your dress turned out great- and thanks again for the sweet comments you left on my blog :) You look great- sorry you are so miserable in the heat. Shannon

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  6. I think your dress is just lovely. (Sorry if this is a duplicate comment. I thought I commented...but maybe not) Anyway, also thank you for coming by my blog and leaving a lovely comment. :)

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  7. Wow.......! what a wonderful dress . I would love to try something like this.
    www.blissfulsewing.blogspot.com

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  8. You MADE that?! Holy cow, I am so impressed! It looks awesome on you! I may just have to try my hand at sewing. Haha Love your blog girl! New follower :)

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  9. Very cute dress!! Stopping by from HoH and your newest follower.

    Here is what I shared this week: http://craftybrooklynarmywife.blogspot.ca/2012/07/bow-pleated-purse.html

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  10. Hi Jessica, I've featured your Maternity dress today...
    http://threadingmyway.blogspot.com/2012/07/threading-your-way-features_20.html

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  11. Oh my gosh! This is such an adorable dress.. love the tangerine color and the sweet bump!
    I am your newest follower.. and I hope you'll hop over to my under 300 followers blog hop @ http://pinkapotamus.blogspot.com/2012/07/under-300-followers-blog-hop-11.html
    xoxo
    Amie @ Pinkapotamus

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  12. Aren't you lovely and your dress is so pretty!The heat is terrible when you are pregnant. I remember only too well (even if it has been 34 years ago). Praying for comfort for you. Regena in TN.

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