I said something last week about making colorful things. Prepare your eyeballs for this color flash. Lemon lime/absinthe/chartreuse, neon yellow/Pantone 396, whatever you’d like to call it. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be hit by a car crossing the street when I’m wearing this.

This is a rare occasion of me loving the idea of the pattern and then not loving the fit/style. But this is a joy of making your own. I’m still learning what feels best on me. I like to just try things out too. 1940s styles are my favorite, so I had to give this one a spin. I’m sure I could fine tune this a bit more to get the fit I’m comfortable in but I think its perfectly fine to make something and not love it.

I made four hair flowers with some fabric scraps from this project.

I do however, love the color combo. From the beginning of making this dress, I set aside this fabric along with black piping for contrast. The angled cuts of this dress basically begged for them. Along with black accessories and red lipstick, I had envisioned a look. I know the color isn’t era appropriate but, I do what I want.

Adjustments: Shorten shoulders, added contrasting piping, omitted side ruching, added bust darts, added one side pocket and omitted button opening.

Pattern: Butterick B5281 Retro ‘46 (vintage reissue)

Fabric: Thrifted from Goodwill

Hair flowers: An Original By Thea Starr

Purse: 1940s Corde handbag.

Earrings: Vintage moon glow screw-backs. (My fave)

I’ve actually already sewn up two more things that I will share. Sewing has been a great distraction to things that are out of my control at the moment. I have so much to learn and each week I try to build and exercise my skills. Also, I’ve “met” quite a few people along this journey, which has been the best surprise.

xo-Thea