I’m forever terrible at starting anything when I should. For instance, I knew months ago that I wanted to make this dress for the 4th of July. Weeks ago, I bought the fabric. When did I actually start the project? July 2nd, and by start I mean traced the bodice. Ugh.
The pattern is yet another one from Gertie’s latest book, this time using the surplice bodice. To save time, I used the same 3/4 circle skirt from my lemon dress. The fabric is a lovely blue cotton with embroidered anchors, I’ve been lusting over it for about a year! The bodice lining is a red sateen from my stash.
Since I rushed myself and did my sewing at lightning speed, there are errors here. The hem needs to be redone, for sure. As for the bodice, I totally forgot to understitch, and the red keeps peeking out. I also need to adjust the bodice so it doesn’t gap open so much.
Now, full disclosure: I am not built like this. My waist is not nearly this small. In all of these, I’m wearing a steel boned waist training corset here. For a pinup-type dress, I like the dramatic curves a corset gives. I’m also wearing a petticoat, to add fullness and more drama to the skirt. Going for the whole package here, ya know?
Overall, this dress is FAR from perfect, but I’d still say it’s not too bad for a Saturday evening’s work. It’s patriotic as balls, if it wasn’t monsooning Ohio I’d be out celebrating the holiday in it! Happy 4th to my fellow American sewists, and to my international friends, I hope we’re not overwhelming you with blue and red! Happy sewing 🙂
Pretty dress! Would you mind me sharing any of your sewing projects on Sassy Sewing Bees in the future? I link to your post and let you know when, on the post in question https://www.facebook.com/SassySewingBees
Thank you!! Yes of course ☺️
Thanks. I will let you know when, on the posts in question.
Ashley, I love this dress! Where did you find this fabric?
Thanks! It’s from Joann’s, I think I linked it in the post.
You look amazing in this dress, I thought the red showing was a design feature as you can never go wrong with red white and blue. Loving the bodice, I want a copy of Gerties book now!
To be shared on SSB tomorrow. Thanks for permitting. https://www.facebook.com/SassySewingBees
Did you do any adjustments to the gertie surplice bodice? It fits you so well!
Oh you know I can’t remember. I believe I just tried it on and adjusted the overlap of the front pieces.
My friend is wanting me to make this dress for her she is plus size
Where can I get a pattern
This pattern is from Gertie’s Ultimate Dress Book, I got mine on Amazon!