The dress has a collar - which I was a little apprehensive about sewing. It is actually the first time I have sewn a collar. It isn't perfect, but I liked trying a new technique.
The front has pleats, but the back has a few rows of elastic thread sewn at the waist to make a snug but stretchy fit. My favorite part is the pockets. I love having pockets. I couldn't keep my hands out of them, even for these photos.
I like the buttons down the front, but I used snaps instead because the buttonhole feature on my sewing machine hasn't been working lately. I think it is time to get my machine serviced, but I don't want to be without it. I sewed a button on the front of the dress to make it look like there are buttonholes, but it is all trickery.
Here is Gertie's version. I like the flowered fabric she uses.
Gertie's Shirtwaist Dress - photo from her book |
My grandma was born in 1916 and one of my favorite stories she told about her childhood was when she was a little girl, she wanted a fur coat for her doll. Since my farming family had more talent and resourcefulness than money, going out and buying a little fur wasn't an option. So, she worked with her grandma to catch some mice at the farm and skin them and process the hide. She sewed a few of the mouse skins together and voila - fur coat. I know, I know. It has a definite EW factor to it, but I still love the story. It also shows how it is so typical of my family to allow its members to explore their creativity and chase their happiness. Even if in chasing that happiness a few mice lose their lives. Or something.
My Grandma was funny and capable and strong. She was kind and generous and gave time and money to charities. She made the best apple pie. Ever. She liked BLT sandwiches. She could sew, quilt, cook and garden. She canned vegetables and fruit. She cheated at cards. In the 80's she worked as an inspector in a meat packing plant, which was previously largely male-dominated. The extra income saved our family's farm. She stopped going to school in the 8th grade, but got her GED in her 70s. She was smart. She washed plastic bags and used them over and over. She dried them over the kitchen faucet and I'd usually see one drying when I was in her kitchen. She liked watching PBS. Every Christmas, she kept a bottle of Jagermeister in the freezer and invited people to have a taste of it with her. She was a wonderful artist and could do pencil drawings and paint. She was a fantastic hostess who made everyone feel comfortable. I don't recall her ever raising her voice in anger. She learned how to use a computer when she was in her 80's and loved exchanging e-mails with her family. She had a Facebook account. The last time I saw her, she hugged me and told me I'd always been a good girl (she had clearly forgotten my entire adolescence, but she was otherwise sharp until the end). The world isn't as nice of a place without her. I am lucky to have known her and I will miss her.
Now for the pattern review.
The good: I like the pattern itself. The elastic on the back makes the dress fit close, but makes breathing possible. I love the pockets I like the row of buttons down the front.
The so-so: I think I would have liked gathers or pleats in the back of the dress, as well. If I make this again, I think I'll add them.
The complaints: Once again, I am not a fan of how the pattern pieces are all drawn on the same pieces of paper. The pieces are overlapping and it is sometimes difficult to follow the right lines. Not impossible, but kind of a pain.
Here is Gertie's book (which I highly recommend).
Wow, this almost made me cry... I think your grandma was a really amazing lady.
ReplyDeleteAnd your dress looks amazing, I made it too last month :)
Such a lovely tribute to an amazing woman!! ....and the dress was very striking!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for your loss, but sounds like your grandma had a full and rich life :) I think she would approve of your dress, it is very nice indeed ;)
ReplyDeleteI know you made it for a sad occasion, but the dress looks great on you - that style really suits you. I bet your grandma would have loved it. x
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mel. I went to your blog and LOVE your version. It is definitely better without the horsehair on the hem. I'll have to put it back in my pile of UFOs and take it out.
ReplyDelete@siri - thanks! My grandma was amazing, indeed.
ReplyDelete@Michelle - it was so nice seeing you and the whole family. I had fun with you and Mike at the bar. Grandma Helene would have approved leaving the reception early to go sip on Templeton Rye.
Thanks, everyone. Your comments mean a lot.
Your grandma sounds like a really special woman. The story about the mice is an especially good one. Stories like that from grandmas should always be passed on, so I'm glad you had the opportunity to hear it from her and sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteReally love this, it would look fab in a floral. Gone floral mad.
ReplyDeleteLove your version! I have this book, and never noticed the dress...and I love shirt dresses!
ReplyDeleteYour grandmother lives in you...you do her proud.
That is a lovely thing to say. Thank you so much.
DeleteSo lovely dress :) Looks amazing with black. I must consider buying this book soon . My first visit to your blog. You make great stuff. I sew too. and blog about it. - Diya TheHobbyHarbor
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