Vintage Vintage

Being the granddaughter and daughter of seamstresses has its perks. Perks like learning to sew at a young age and inheriting my grandmother's vintage machine. And perks like vintage patterns and vintage fabrics! 

As it happens, this little ensemble for Rosa was sort-of handed down from her great-grandmother and her grandmother. The pattern is a vintage McCalls from my dad's mom, and the fabric is a dotted poly that my mom picked up in the 70's. And the sewing is mine! 

I scan all of my vintage pattern envelopes into the computer, so I can see at a glance
what I have in my collection without having to handle the delicate patterns. 

I made this long before I knew I'd ever have a girl! Sometimes I like a bit of baby sewing as a contrast to my usual fare (though I suppose now baby sewing has become my "usual fare").

I did modify the pattern a bit by adding a facing. The gathering instructions were a bit complicated, and my fabric was a tad thick for this project, so a facing helped keep everything in line. The polyester would NOT hold a crease, but fortunately it's not apparent when the dress is actually being worn.

A bit of cluny lace on the bodice and hem was the only trimming needed. Limited fabric eliminated the possibility of sleeves or the scalloped hem. But I think I like it this way.

I'm going to have to try this pattern again -- those scalloped hems are just too darling to pass up! But in the meantime, Rosa's enjoying her summery "vintage" dress, three generations in the making.