If you missed yesterday’s post, (HERE) I asked for your help in picking a dress style for Molly’s next dress. The one the majority of you chose was this one…
Thanks for helping me decide. Sometimes deciding what to make takes as long as sewing up the main parts of the dress.
We visited with my mom this morning and afternoon so I didn’t get that much done on Molly’s dress, but I do have a little bit to show you.
I cut out the bodice and underlined it with a piece of lightweight dark cotton. Then when I added the bodice lining, I used a navy acetate so it’s slick on the inside and easy to put on and off. I stitched the rick rack on and “thought” it was straight around the neck, but as I look at my pictures, I’m going to have to double check it. It looks like it’s farther from the neck at the center front. I’m also debating about putting it just slightly closer together. Since they are dominant colors on such a dark background, I need to make sure they are absolutely straight. I left the sleeves sheer and added a cuff with a turned up band. A row of the red baby rick rack was stitched on before setting in the sleeve.
The skirt is gathered up but not sewn on yet….
I took the extra fabric and sort of scrunched it up and tied it behind her back so you could get a rough idea of how it will look with a sash…
There is still plenty to do, but it’s getting there…
My younger sister is coming in for a visit for a few days so I’m not sure if Molly’s dress will see any action the next day or two…
Have a great start to your week on this Monday!
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
This fabric is just so perfect on Molly!! I do love the rickrack trim, but I see what you mean about spacing; you may want to double-check it now, while it’s still fairly easy to get at.
I am a firm believer on measuring and then measuring again, just to satisfy my own need for precision. It is just so worth the small amount of time it takes to do that!
HI Charlotte,
I think it looks great on Molly too… I am going to take the rick rack off and put it closer together and yes, it will be much easier now than when the back is all finished…
I stitched around the neckline and thought I laid the rick rack on top of the line, but “obviously” I didn’t. I would never be satisfied if I left it like this… I’m just like you!
Blessings, Jeanne
Jeanne,
Molly’s dress is looking so very nice. You do such a wonderful job on your outfits. It all looks so very appropriate in how you’re putting it together.
Trusting you have a lovely time with your sister.
Take care.
Thank you Becky,
I think this will look like a 1940’s dress when I get it all finished. Thank you so much for your kind words about it.
My sister is supposed to be in any time now… I can’t wait to see her…
Blessings, Jeanne
Lookin’ good, Jeanne! It says “Molly” through and through! I see what you mean by the rick rack, but wonder if it is the dress part and not the rick rack? If anyone can figure it out, you can!
I like the way the sash goes around the waist, it gives interest. A nice big bow in back would look sweet! How much material do you have left? I mean, the skirt looks wonderfully full and the sleeves too. You certainly didn’t skimp on those!
I am off today to have lunch with two of my sister’s and a cousin. It’s been awhile since we have all been together, life goes too fast! Have fun with your sis!!
Thanks Linda,
I think Molly is liking this dress very much! I am too… It’s definitely the way the rick rack was sewn on. I thought I followed my stitching line, but it must have been slightly off. I’ll keep working at it until it suits me.
Yes, definitely a big bow in the back will be in order. The skirt IS fuller than the 1940’s most likely allowed, but it is the one thing I don’t make accurate. I don’t like skimpy skirts or sleeves… so if someone is looking for absolute authenticity from the 1940’s, they might quibble with me over that one point.
I hope you have fun with your sis’s and cousin. I’m planning on enjoying myself with Deb!
Thanks for your thoughts Linda,
Blessings, Jeanne
Doesn’t Molly look adorable? Love the look. I can see what you meant by sheer fabric. Little one will definitely need a dark slip under her skirt. What a cute outfit for a trip to the zoo.
HI Joy,
Thank you very much Joy, for your sweet comments on Molly’s dress. I picked up a piece of navy tulle today for a slip… I think it will help very much and will be cute at the same time…
Oooo… a trip to the zoo… nice thought…. hmmm…. :o)
Thanks Joy,
Blessings, Jeanne
Looking good! I think the ricracs at the neckline should be a closer together too. This is going to be Molly’s new favorite:)
HI Shara,
Yes, definitely, the rick rack around Molly’s neckline needs to be closer together…I hope this is Molly’s new favorite…. it’s turning out to be a cute one for her…
Thanks Shara,
Blessings, Jeanne
Hi
I was glad to see the comments showed up too
I had given up for awhile and just tried again yesterday? But I always “read” no matter what
Love the trim and yes I can see a teeny bit of difference in the spacing too
Super cute fabric ….I think I have some in cotton on black
Have fun with your sister
Hi Kathie,
Oh good, I hope all the kinks are out and you can enjoy posting comments again.. I missed yours!
There is a difference in the space between the rick racks… I’ll get it fixed before I move on…
My sister is coming in any time now… we’ll have fun I’m sure!
Have a nice day Kathie,
Blessings, Jeanne
Hi, I’ve been following along for a bit. Your Blog is my first read every morning. 🙂 If you are thinking of adjusting the rick rack , consider maybe just doing it in red. That looks wonderful on the sleeves. Love the full sash. It is really a wonderful dress! Have fun with your family.
HI Ingrid,
I’m honored to have you read my blog each day… thank you so much!
I have the red and yellow already set for the skirt now, so I think if I just get it adjusted around the neckline evenly, it will be okay… I think the sash will “scrunch” up nicely and add a little bit of extra-ness to the dress.
I’ll have fun today and tomorrow… I hope you do too…
Blessings, Jeanne
Just had time to take a ‘quick peek’ to see how Molly’s dress is coming along. 🙂 It’s SO fun to see that fabric ‘made up’! I have way too many other vintage fabrics that I’ve been ‘hoarding’ – just because I can’t make up my mind to be brave and cut them! LOL!!
HI Mary,
Well, I hope your’e liking Molly’s dress so far… It is hard to cut into fabrics that you’ve been holding onto for a while. I am the same way… maybe all seamstresses have the same trouble…
Thanks Mary,
Blessings, Jeanne
Pretty in polka dots, this dress is so Molly! Very vintage and authentic. I love the sheer sleeves and scrunched sash, and the baby rick rack is just the right accent. I see what you mean about the center front neck, Jeanne, but the two rows of rick rack look evenly spaced to me, so perhaps it has more to do with the cut of the neckline. If you decide a change is in order, I hope you won’t have too much trouble with the seam ripper on such delicate fabric.
Trusting George is improving, and that you will have a wonderful time with your sister. Enjoy your visit together, and don’t worry about Molly’s dress. There is a time to every purpose!
Hi Anne,
I managed to get the old rick rack off and it positioned around the neckline much better.
I am sitting here with my sister solving all the world’s problems! 🙂
Thanks Anne,
Blessings, Jeanne
I agree with Shara — this dress is going to be Molly’s new favorite. It’s so lightweight and pretty.
I’ve been trying to find the skirt width restrictions — in the UK, they had fabric rationing but here, only restrictions. I found lots of articles that mention the restrictions, but none so far that are specific. Of course, many skirts were fairly narrow in the 20s and 30s, so the width restrictions didn’t make a great change. Skirts did get shorter, though. I found several articles that encourage home sewing and cutting down “cast-off” garments, with examples. Molly’s skirt may have been re-cut from a dress an adult family member had, though that seems less likely because the fabric is so beautifully crisp.
You have made a wonderful start on this dress. You deserve time off to spend with your sister. How wonderful that she could come see you.
Our weather has cooled off a little and it feels much better. 84 beats 99 any day. The fire, on the other hand, is growing. One of the firefighters lost his home. We’ll hope for better news by tonight. This is one of five wildfires in the area, two are contained and two are much bigger than the one closest to me.
Hi Marilyn,
Yes I think Molly’s dress was cut from an adult size dress and so I hope the Fashion Police won’t come and get Molly or me. I do like my skirts full.
I’m hoping by now the fires are under control a little bit…
Just sitting her with my sister discussing everything under the sun! 🙂
Blessings, Jeanne