I have been sewing like a fiend, picking up a seam here and there between household responsibilities around logging as many hours as possible to finish what is essentially a wardrobe for dear Miss V, a good friend, who is returning to Cambodia early in November to continue her work with Place of Rescue. She brought me three lengths of the lightest weight poly cotton I have ever held in my life – it’s almost like organdy it’s so lightweight; yards of white polycotton broadcloth for lining everything; a length of poly crepe; a sari, and a Khmer batik sarong. This was about three weeks ago, and I’ve been cutting, sewing, fitting, finishing and generally having a tremendous amount of fun making new clothes!
The go-to pattern for Miss V’s dresses in the past has been Vogue 9595, and this time I used the same as a base. For the pink dress, I added a sarong-style overskirt and a welt pocket.
I piped the neckline and armscyes – it’s prettier that way. The facings are self-drafted.
The second dress is a pretty border print in a white. This is Miss V’s favourite style of dress. The empire style and gathering the bodice fullness instead of sewing darts gives her the “curves I’ve always wanted”, she declares when we discuss patterns. And no, this dress does not fit Vintage Judy, who is completely symmetrical, unlike every human on earth.
Miss V wanted pockets on everything this time ’round, so for the white dress I thought I’d use the Pavlova pockets placed at an angle over the side seams. Cute, eh?
Functional, cool for the sweltering tropical weather, easy to launder and no pressing required. And I love this pattern – easy to alter and customize. It’s a great basic. Next up: a purple Rooibos.
I love both these dresses – they are summery and light, but perfectly finished and so lovely inside and out – beautiful!! 🙂
Lovely dresses! She is going to be comfortable and beautiful!
Your friend must be a very special person!
I love her wardrobe!