Summer is almost here and I finally have pictures to share of my handmade makes in Palm Springs, CA! First up is my Pucci inspired 60’s Simplicity 5366 Caftan dress and my Barbie Blue Striped Faye swimsuit.
My sister treated Missy and I to a mini photoshoot when we stayed at the Trixie Motel last summer while touring with her during her business workshop. We had a fabulous whirlwind Girls trip to NYC, Palm Springs and LA! I’ll link the blog posts if you want to read more about our vacation.
We started off our vacation in NYC, then flew to Palm Springs, CA before ending up in LA! I went with a 60-70’s vintage vibe for Palm Springs to go with where we were staying- the Trixie Motel! I stayed in the Malibu Barbara room- so cute! And of course- we went to see the Barbie movie in NYC which inspired my swimwear!
So here are my two favorite makes for the trip- my Pucci inspired caftan dress and my tiffany blue barbie stripe swimsuit styled with our Trixie Motel pink heart sunglasses! I just love these pics- the contrast of these fun pool blues with the bubblegum pink are fantastic!
These were both pretty easy to sew patterns. The caftan has side slits and a 3/4 length drop sleeve. It did originally have a collar but it felt like it was choking me so I removed that and drafted facings to have a nice clean finish at the neckband. The fabric is the star of the show in this make- I love the bold aqua print. The loose shape with it’s subtle shaping is prefect for the beach or pool. I feel very elegant but comfortable in this dress.
Caftan Fabric & Sewing Patterns:
Stonemountain & Daughter | Rayon Poplin Fractured Flora Aqua
Content: 100% rayon
Width: 54″
Weight: 3.24 oz per square yard / 110 GSM
This soft and lightweight rayon poplin has a nice drape, similar to a challis. This fabric would work well for blouses, dresses and skirts. It is semi-sheer and may require a lining depending on the garment.
Simplicity 5366 Dress
View 2 Medium Size 12-14
Simplicity 5366; ©1972; Misses’ Loungewear Dress in Two Lengths: The loungewear dress with back zipper closing has dropped armholes, stand-up collar and slight in side seams. V. 1 & 2 have below elbow length sleeves. V. 3 has “Chinese type” sleeves. Regular length V. 1 with novelty braid trim has patch pockets and self-fabric tie belt. V. 2 & 3 are ankle length.
More from Palm Springs, California:
Barbie Inspired Tiffany Blue Stripe Swimsuit
The swimsuit was really fun to design. I wanted a stripe but in my colors so I searched for a pale blue like the inspiration striped suit in the image on the left (below). I used the Faye swimsuit as my base and added a seam up center front and center back. Then I lined up my stripes and carefully basted them for my chevron design. I altered the neckline slightly as well to get the shape I wanted. I LOVE this swimsuit!
I had been a tester for this swimsuit so I’ve sewn it up a few times now. I did lengthen my pattern 1″ at the waist which is my usual adjustment with Closet Core patterns (I’m 5′ 7″ for reference). I also added a channel of elastic under the bust and inserted bra cups for some support.
Faye Fabric & Sewing Patterns:
Closet Core Faye Swimsuit
View C | classic maillot with a deep scoop back and adjustable straps. Function meets form with Faye, a modern, versatile, and fully lined swimsuit. With a clean finish and minimalist design lines, the Faye Swimsuit features a scoop neckline and a slightly cheeky cut, with enough variations to create a full wardrobe of swimwear.
Alex LA Fabrics on Etsy | blue and white stripe swim fabric
Stripes design Tiffany/white print on best quality of nylon spandex 4-way stretch 58/60” Content: 80% Nylon; 20% Spandex
Find all the inspiration pics, pattern ideas, and pictures of the Trixie Motel on my Pinterest Board:
Here are the Videos and Blog Posts where I talked more about my plans and makes for this trip:
What I wore on Vacation- Palm Springs & LA
What I wore on Vacation-NYC Girl’s Trip
Palm Springs Vacation Youtube Playlist:
I’m getting ready for a beautiful summer! My kids have just two more weeks of school- followed by a weeklong JROTC camp for my son- and then we’ll have a lovely 2 months together. We’re planning out a trip to visit my parents in their new home for a week or two. My kids are looking forward to some pool time and visits with their cousins who live down the street.
I’m also in the process of making some big life/work decisions. My current job is coming to an end in January so I’m putting out feelers for jobs and updating my resume while at the same time thinking about starting my own business as a sewing/style coach. I really love creating content for my YouTube channel and would love to expand on that and create some digital (or physical) products and courses. Let me know what you think- and what would be of value to you. I’m in the brainstorming process!
Alright- that’s it for today! I hope you’re enjoying beautiful sunny days and sewing amazing creations! Head over to YouTube to catch my summer sewing plans. Happy sewing!
