The Alexandria Dress

This post is part of a month long series called 'Pattern Makeover Month.' I took a simple a-line, peasant dress and 'made-it-over' into many different styles. For more information, go here.

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A continuation from yesterday's post. We are again using some of Grandma's old handiwork.

Doilies!

Isn't this just fabulous?



Of course it takes quite a few doilies to make a dress in a size 6, so I had to add to Grandma's stash with a few doilies picked up from thrift stores. Have I mentioned that here in Idaho we have some AMAZING thrift stores? In our smallish town we have eight, yes EIGHT, thrift stores. You can find just about anything. The only bummer is that recently the cute little thrift store ladies have realized that the vintage handiwork is actually worth something and are starting to charge about $2.00 per doily. Hmmm. I guess it is worth it. Still-- it makes the dress a little pricier (is that a word?). You can also find lots of doilies on eBay. Again, they are coveted little buggers and are going for quite a large price.

Once you have enough doilies, cut your dress out using white fabric as directed in the pattern. (You may want to take a few inches off the bottom hemline, since you will be adding a longer ruffle.) For the ruffle, cut 4 or 5 inches by 2 times the hemline length. Use the main dress pieces and pin the doilies on as you like them. Use thinner ones around the neckline and sleeve openings. Do not overlap too much, as it will make it too thick. You will want to cover all the fabric. And use LOTS of pins! It is hard to keep them in place.

Stitch the doilies onto the fabric carefully. Go around the edge of the doilies and across the doilies in a couple of places. Now trim the excess doilies from around the main dress pieces.

Finish the dress as directed. Instead of hemming the dress, add the ruffle. You may also want to make the casings a little larger as the doilies will add some bulk thus making it harder to thread the elastic through.

Truly vintage chic!

Photo by Brooke Reeves Photography