Rosy’s Bonnie Dress!
Where do I start with expressing how much I love this beautiful fabric!?!?! I was so excited when Fliss and Caroline offered me the chance of choosing something from the Felicity Fabrics website, and it wasn’t long before I spotted this stunning ‘Storking Beauty’ viscose by Lady McElroy! I had wanted to make a 1940’s style Bonnie dress by Sew Over It for a while, but couldn’t decide which fabric to use. So, when I saw this gorgeous print, I knew it was a match made in fabric heaven!!
Now, before I talk anymore about the fabric and the dress, I must tell you about the Felicity Fabrics delivery process! If I had given any thought as to how my parcel of goodness would arrive, I’d have probably said I was expecting the fabric to be sent in a jiffy bag or a plastic mailing bag, but how wrong I would have been!! Instead, I received a lovely box, printed with the green Felicity Fabrics logo. Then, inside the box was tissue paper sealed with a gorgeous label, featuring the same logo. It was all so special and I hadn’t even seen the fabric yet!! When I could finally bring myself to tear into the tissue, my smile got even bigger! The fabric was so very pretty and I couldn’t wait to get going on my dress!
The Bonnie dress features a concealed button placket, with the option of a pleated section on the bodice. I was a bit worried about the construction of the button placket, as I’d never done anything like it before and sometimes, due to my Functional Neurological Disorder, I can find written instructions hard to get my head around. So, I was really interested to watch the free bodice construction video on the Sew Over It website. It’s part of the Stitch School section of their website and it was absolutely excellent! I was able to follow the instructions easily and the bodice came together beautifully! I didn’t choose to add the optional pleats, as I wanted the flower and stork print to be uninterrupted. However, something I did enjoy doing was using french seams for the entire project. It gives this delicate garment a better chance of a long life in my wardrobe, but it also gives the dress a luxurious and “expensive” feel, which I hope will do the beautiful fabric justice!!
And now we come to the fabric itself! The print features beautiful roses, dahlia’s and peonies. All three of which, coincidentally, are my favourite flowers!! The blooms and birds are printed in shades of soft pink and off white. The background is a dark midnight blue, that sets off the florals wonderfully! I particularly enjoyed choosing the perfect placement of a flower on each of the collar points!
My final finishing touch, was to add a personalised sew in label! Mine are from Label Care UK, who offer a speedy and reliable service, at a great price. Alternatively, one of the gorgeous woven labels designed by Kylie & The Machine (find them on Felicity Fabrics website) would look great too!
I enjoyed accessorising this outfit with some of my vintage treasures! In the photos you might be able to see that I’ve styled it with a couple of different brooches; both of which, I inherited from my late Grandma. In my flat lay photos, I’ve added a simple string of pearls along with a navy clasped handbag. To complete the outfit, I’ve worn my green vintage repro shoes and a cropped navy cardigan. In the spring I’d also like to try it with a lighter coloured cardigan instead.
So, in conclusion, I am really happy and grateful to have had the chance to work with the lovely girls at Felicity Fabrics. I will treasure my dress for a long time to come!
Please do pop over to see me on my instagram and YouTube @rosysewsmodernvintage. And don’t forget to tag me in any of your finished vintage style projects, as I absolutely love seeing what other people create! In the meantime, have a great day and happy sewing!
Love Rosy x
