DRESS-OF-THE-DAY 19: Linen Apron Dress

In celebration of NATIONAL SEWING MONTH (here in the United States), I've decided to do an intensive blog series (well, intensive for me who obviously does not always make the time to blog), featuring a dress (or two, or a style) each day, not previously presented on this blog. Some will be my own creations, whether I used patterns or designed them myself. Others will be pieces I admire. Either will include an analysis and maybe some sources, history and tips. (At least, that's the goal.) I also have some guest bloggers scheduled (exciting!)

And now on to the Dress of the Day!

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LINEN APRON DRESS

So... This a typical project for me, progression wise.

Making History Aprons (B5509)

First, I decide I would like to make something. In this case, a nice country/working sort of dress. In my head it's neutral tone, practical, made of some natural fiber, such as linen. Something I could wear on a homestead, in the garden, etc.

Second, I decide I want it to look vaguely old school apron-ish. And I know I have a pattern for historical aprons in my collection (Butterick 5509).

Next, this stews about in the back of my mind for a while, until one day I'm in the fabric store, and Linens are on sale. I peruse the linen fabrics, focusing on the neutral tones, because that is what makes sense for my project. But alas, this bright turquoise leaf-vine motif on white linen catches my eye. Guess what I buy?

Then when I pull the pattern and begin to make the very minor alterations (really just adding velcro in the back to close the bodice back up), I think about how I'm not really a fan of ankle-length dresses in the heat of summer, anyway. 

And I end up with something bright, with a busy pattern, and not at all what I intended. [[Also, empire waists make me look big (with my ginormo ribcage which causes my waist to disappear in the voluminous fabric that hangs down from my underbust). Guess there's a reason they say to put the waist of garments at your smallest part. But I still like this dress!]]

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And now that you've successfully navigated this blog entry, here's a reminder about the Steampunk Apron/Bustle Mini-Sweepstakes (details here).