Thursday, June 23, 2011

Midsummers dress!

This one was a pain in... well, all over. I didn't have a pattern for this, just some inspiration that came from a 1750's dress I saw in a museum once. But I did have a plan! And I had found a fabric that would be so perfect for a cute and girly dress for midsummers!

After a whole day of sewing, thinking, trying on, ripping seams, sewing again and so on and so on, it was almost done... and fit me like a potato sack. Hm, not quite the plan... I tried it on with my corset underneath, then it looked better. (This is where I was hit by major PMS and felt about as graceful as a hippo). So, I put it in the stash and went to bed angry. Later I decided to finish it and maybe give it away if it still looked like crap on me... But, when it was done... it magically looked great!? Yay happy day! The only thing I did was the stitching around the neck and armholes, can't really see how that made such a difference, but hey - I'm happy!

Sneak peak (or rather, a pic with sneaky) here, more pics below:

Isn't it crazy that I look about the size of a normal 8 year old (I'm 173cm tall...) when I'm holding the cat? He is HUGE!

Before you will get to see more of the dress, in case you don't know: What's up with midsummer?

So, here's traditional midsummer: Everyone leaves town for the countryside, dressing up (a lot of people dress up in traditional folk costumes), dancing and singing around the maypole, eating and drinking (herring, potatoes, beer and schnapps is usually the big thing), and overall celebrating summer...


Pretty idyllic huh? Too bad this is more like what midsummer is for lots and lots of swedes today:


Haha, well anyway, the midsummer party we are throwing this year is now up to around 50 guests... Hopefully we'll have at least something in between midsummer A and midsummer B.

Now: last but not least: The dress!


The only things that are holding it together are the ribbons in the back! Not so easy to construct, but so nice to wear and no zippers, no buttons, nothing that can break! :D

8 comments:

  1. That is a really pretty dress! I love all the darts! I found your blog via SewRetro.

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  2. I love it, it looks amazing, beautiful fabric and interesting construction! Out of interest, what height are you? Just trying to figure out just how big that big cat is!

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  3. Super cute, Ewa! I loved how you used the fabric. You look lovely!

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  4. Thank you gals! :)

    @Bellehoppermarie: I'm 173cm, so the cat is really big! We are pretty sure he is at least 50% Maine Coon with that size, and he's not even fully grown...

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  5. Now I am over the giant cat, wow, what type kitty is that? You did a great job designing and sewing the dress. I can tell by the gleam in your eye you like it also.

    The clothing from the older era's are so interesting. The working people worn clothes related to the work and the status cause not everyone had a choice of fabrics. Really enjoyed this.

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  6. the tie backs are really cute and interesting. i'd experienced midsummer once before n i really miss Sweden now. happy dancing round the maypole! :)

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  7. I love your dress and how you treated the fabric--surprise flowers peaking out of purple stripes! Hope your party was a great time :)

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  8. WOW ! I am loving this dress, and the fabric is wonderful ! So pretty. I totally get the hint to the 1750's. Such a lovely dress.....

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