I fell for and bought this fabric ages ago from Marcy Tilton but couldn’t decide what I wanted to make with this beautiful print. My plan originally was to make a two piece co-ords set, maybe pants and a jacket, to sew along with Ada’s Two-Piece Setacular. But with all the distractions of the start of school, sick kids and a death in the family everything got backtracked in my sewing queue. After learning of my grandmother’s passing I felt inspired to go ahead and make something with this fabric which reminded me of her. I was treating the fabric like this precious thing that I was afraid I’d mess up, which is just silly. My grandmother’s practicality gave me the kick I needed to just get on with it. So here’s my two piece look, albeit a bit later than planned.
I wanted to try making a mash-up of two of my newer patterns that are both Vintage Vogue from the 1950’s. I love the two piece bodice of V8687 but knew the pleats at the waist would not be flattering for me. But V1137’s skirt would be perfect. I love the slim profile with the side kick pleats. I wanted a longer dress to make the most of this fabric which graduates from a pure white with black blooms and then goes to the darker blue. I thought the bodice piecing would be fabulous with some color blocking so I kept the top all white and cut the lower bodice as it fades to blue and carefully cut my skirt so it would end with the white as a border.
The jacket (size 40) was made with the last panel of fabric I had left with some very frugal cutting. This Burda jacket was just the silhouette I was looking for without requiring much yardage. The only alteration I made was to use set in pockets instead of welts. Mainly due to fabric restrictions. I had originally thought to put pockets in the dress itself and had cut them out but decided against it. This jacket is perfectly practical for our weather here in Florida, anything heavier is just not needed. I do miss my fall layering up north!
Patterns I used:
Dress- Vintage Vogue bodice V8687 & skirt V1137


3/4 Sleeve Cropped Jacket- Burda 121 05/2011

Fabric:
3 Panels of Blooming stretch cotton from Marcy Tilton
Construction wise I’m really proud of this make. The interior hems for the dress and jacket as well as the zipper are all hand finished with pin prick stitches that are nearly invisible. I also added two snap fasteners to the shoulder interior to hold my bra straps. I cut both patterns in a size 12 and the fit is spot on. I was a bit nervous sewing it up as I didn’t make a muslin but my size tends to be pretty consistent with Vogue. I just know to cut a 12 even if the envelope recommends I should be at least a 16.
I’ll be wearing this look in a few weeks for my grandmother’s memorial ceremony in Minnesota. My grandmother was a really amazing woman, both practical and creative, and I think she’d love this outfit. But what she loved the most I think was when the whole family could get together. We had some wonderful 4th of July and Christmas celebrations in Michigan and MN! She purposely planned that her memorial service would be held a month after her death so we could all gather together. I love that this gave us all time to really remember and celebrate her life in our own ways.
22 responses to “Vintage Vogue Blooming Dress & Jacket”
Gorgeous, you really have done the fabric justice. May you have happy thoughts of your grandmother every time you wear it.
Thanks so much Anne! I know I’ll think of her every time I wear this :)
I am sorry to hear of your grandmother’s passing. She inspired something spectacular –you look stunning and chic.
Thanks Annie! I really did feel inspired making this look.
This is really stunning and such a heart felt piece. I am sure that your grandmother is proud!
Thanks Nicki! I know she would :)
Your grandmother sounds like an amazing woman! This is such a beautiful dress for her memorial, both the event and just in general. I hope the dress will conjure sweet memories every time you see it!
She really was! Thanks so much Kelly!
I really like the subtle contrast between the yoke and bodice. What a lovely way to honor your grandmother.
Thanks Morgan! I was really drawn to this pattern with the yoke design, so happy with how it turned out.
Wow! This is just beautiful! So elegant!
Thanks so much Amanda!
Beautiful dress! What a lovely way to remember your grandmother.
Thanks so much Chantal!
An amazing outfit and what a wonderful way to honor your grandmother.
Thank you Tanya!
I’m sorry to hear of your grandmother, but she will be honoured when you show up in that lovely dress. The fabric is so gorgeous and the fit is great!
Thanks Helena!
This is so beautiful. What an amazing make, really stunning.
Thank you! :)
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