This fabric is deadstock 40's wool, which is really nice and warm, yet still drapes nicely and is easy to sew.
I love the patriotic colours in the print, and it matched my hat perfectly!
I got the fabric at Job Warehouse, which is the creepiest fabric place EVER. It's run by two brothers, who are at least 65 years old and hasn't been cleaned in about 50 years. We're talking floor to ceiling shelves of fabric, with the lower layers rotting away to dust. It smells of mould and dank and they make up the prices as they go. Buttons are kept in a massive box and you have to sort through to find a matching set. Zips are thrown in a corner, on the floor. It's seriously gross. BUT - you can find great vintage fabric, and if the brothers like you, it's cheap.
The end.
That is an absolutely stunning dress. What a funny story behind the fabric; it's worth getting a fungal infection or dust mite bites for that fabric, though. It's fantastic.
ReplyDeleteIs that place in the city? I think I might have been there once, but I kinda got the feeling that I wasn't welcome after I said I was "just browsing" - also I was afraid of being killed by a bolt of fabric falling on my head so I left in a hurry. If there are actually bargains to be had I may venture back in there, but I'll be taking a hard hat/steel capped boots with me.
ReplyDeleteIt is in the city. On Bourke St, I think. They're pretty gruff guys, but try to make them smile and you might get invited "upstairs" which is where the real gold is.
ReplyDeleteHaha, it does sound scary! But kind of awesome. ;] I love the fabric. It's so cute. As is the dress.
ReplyDelete-Andi x
What an amazing dress! I'd love to have a store like that in my area. It would be like digging for treasure.
ReplyDeleteWow! Love the dress! The fabric is stunning! What pattern did you use?
ReplyDeleteLove the dress! What pattern is this? The fabric is really great too!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing dress? What is the print on the fabric? I can't quite see it properly. You look absolutely gorgeous in that outfit :)
ReplyDeleteWow, I am desperately jealous of your dress! That fabric! And such sweet lines! Please tell us more about the pattern -- I can't find the entry on the last dress you made with it.
ReplyDeleteThat shop sounds so intriguing! I like to think I'd be adventurous and spend ages hunting for perfect fabric but I think in reality I'd probably peek through the door and decide against it!
ReplyDeleteThe dress looks gorgeous on you.
The bodice is a basic outline of the colette sencha pattern and the skirt is just a lenght of fabric pleated every 3 inches and sewn onto the blouse section. I added a zip, tie belt and tie collar. easy!
ReplyDeleteEwwwww. :D But well worth it because it looks gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteAWWWW!!! What an adorable dress! I have been craving dress like this lately. You've only made it worse!
ReplyDeleteEverything about this whole outfit-dress, hat, cardigan, pin-is inspired. who doesn't love a lovely lass in vintage?
ReplyDeleteThat dress is totally awesome, you look like you jumped right out of an old movie =) Love love love your blog!!!
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