photo home_zpsf660307b.jpg            photo follow_zpsf3eeb6e5.jpg         photo tutes_zps2632b987.jpg         photo galleries_zpsbe72ef9d.jpg

4.23.2010

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.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .




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!


17 comments:

Jenny said...

good grief i have a box of dollies and this never entered my mind!

Jamie said...

Wow, neat idea!

Sarah Jackman said...

Love these dresses - so cute!

Amy said...

That is vintage at its finest! Cute. Is that Lake Las Vegas in the background? Sure looks like it.

Heather said...

I have seen doilies used as stencils, but it never occurred to me to use them as an actual applique on a dress. Cute!

Steve and Katrina said...

Great idea. Love the dress!

Emily said...

This makes such a bright, cheerful fabric! I love the faux Florence behind her in the picture too.

Lacey said...

Wow, that is amazing!!

Angela C. said...

Thanks for the many great ideas!

Jessica said...

Really clever idea!

Ange Moore said...

Another amazing dress - and I love the photos, looks like you're in Florence, Italy!

Thearica said...

Very clever!!

Mama Lusco said...

cute stuff! luscofamily@ortelco.net

Peggy said...

What a great idea! And to think I have a drawer full of doilies from Grandma! Now if only I had some girls... but I guess the same principal could work on pillows as well!

Jess said...

wow, too cool, what a great idea

Ana @ Don't Fear the Ripper said...

So cute!
acwink@cox.net

Anonymous said...

wow just passed up a box of doilies at a garage sale yesterday! i'll know better next time!