Southern Magnolia

Here we are, already in week 2! And with a theme that was asking for tucks and gathers, I once again decided to draw my inspiration from vintage style.

I have always loved the look of heirloom sewing. There are so many techniques and details that add beauty and value to whatever is sewn. So for this outfit, I decided to put all the knowledge I have gleaned from old sewing books and magazines to create my own heirloom-inspired design.

After sketching up a couple ideas, I drafted a pattern for a blousy summer dress that featured pintucks, hand embroidery, full gathered skirts, deep hems, and a built-in pettiskirt. And of course, no vintage dress is complete without matching ruffled bloomers.

I really wanted to create something that looked simple and elegant. But as anyone that does heirloom sewing can tell you, the time and effort that goes into all those little details is anything BUT simple. I had to keep shushing my kids as I double-checked my math for adding in pintucks, making sure that the finished bodice and skirt would still be the measurements I wanted before I cut into my fabric.

The best fabrics for heirloom sewing and pintucks are lightweight with a soft drape, like batiste. But this gorgeous silver-blue linen from Cali Fabrics was absolutely perfect. It was just thick enough to not be see-through. But it was so soft and thin that I was able to make delicate tucks without adding bulk or stiffness to the bodice, skirt, and bloomers.

If you haven’t noticed yet, I’m kind of addicted to hand embroidery. It was something that I taught myself and my kids when we were all locked up at home at the beginning of 2020. I loved it so much, that I began to come up with my own designs and add artwork and floral sketches to the clothing I made. Although it is very time consuming, embroidery has become a way for me to destress and relax while giving everything I make a more personal touch.

Research is another thing that I really love. I originally learned how to sew from reading blogs, buying vintage sewing books, following PDF tutorials, and watching YouTube. If I see something that I like, my first inclination is to figure out how to make it myself. And apparently, now that also includes hats. I had originally tried to find a floppy sun hat for my daughter at the store but was unable to find one in her size. So instead, I followed this amazing YouTube tutorial on how to make my own. Can you believe that sun hat used to be a straw kitchen placemat?

Although the pettiskirt underneath is only seen when the wind blows (or when my daughter wants to show everyone how the bloomers match the dress), I still wanted to add something extra special.

So I dug through my late Grandmother’s box of antique buttons and sewing supplies and found a lovely floral lace. I’ve been wanting to try my hand at lace insertion and figured that, since the rest of the outfit was heirloom style, this would be a fun time to do it.

I had so much fun designing and creating this look from scratch, and love how well it photographed in the fresh blooming bluebonnets!

To see all the other makes for Project Run & Play, Week 2, check out their post at: http://www.projectrunplay.com/2022/03/season-26-week-1-pleats-to-meet-you.html