When I happened upon a 60% off coupon from Joann Fabrics, I couldn't resist purchasing this pretty Swiss dot fabric--part of the Gertie collection--and I knew Mehetabel would love the red rose print.
The pattern is New Look 6723. I made view B (the one in black), but scooped the neckline.
This classic style was very easy to make. I underlined the skirt and lined the bodice with white batiste, installed an invisible zipper, and stitched the hem by hand.
The front skirt gathers were concentrated between the side bodice pieces, because I know Mehetabel prefers that--she likes the look and comfort of a full skirt, but doesn't like it too puffy. The back skirt gathers were concentrated similarly.
Now, I may have mentioned before that Mehetabel and I are tall. She is 6 feet, and I am 5'10". Why do I mention this? Well, I always, always, always, make pattern adjustments. I know, who doesn't? The majority of Mehetabel's height is in her legs, so while I didn't add any length to the bodice, I did add four inches to the skirt. Usually, especially if it's a pattern I've used before, I tape the appropriate amount of paper to the skirt pieces. But this time, I decided to use my gauge and mark the inches right on the fabric. And then I forgot all about that when I cut out the back skirt pieces. Nuts!
The dress would be too short, and I hadn't yet cut the front skirt, but I didn't have enough fabric to cut new back skirt pieces. So, I matched the print and added a strip to the back skirt, but there was nothing left for the hem. To solve that little problem, I faced the hem with more batiste (made into bias strips). The skirt wound up being an inch or two shorter than I intended, but I think the length looks good. The patched strip is only noticeable if you pick up the skirt and stare at it; hopefully, Mehetabel's students will be disinclined to do that! It's certainly not my best work, but better than scrapping the whole project.
Now it's time for daughter and mother to get out of the bright, bright sun and enjoy a frosty beverage!
P.S. While making this dress, I couldn't get the Disney song "Painting the Roses Red," out of my head! I haven't watched that version of Alice in Wonderland for ages, but the song is front and center in my head. "...Not blue, not green, not aquamarine. We're painting the roses red." No wonder I screwed up the back skirt!
Glorious.
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