40s Flower Girl June 15, 2012 – Posted in: Sewing
So, recently we had a discussion on my Facebook page about butting in at the cutting counter at JoAnn’s. I asked because I was genuinely curious. One day, several weeks before I asked, I’d opened up and offered my help in a project that thrilled me completely!
I overheard a discussion about fabric width’s from the 1940’s versus today and whether or not the sizing of a pattern might be consistent. My ears perked up and I started looking at what was going on next to me. It was a quiet Tuesday morning and the woman and I were the only 2 at the cutting table. The employees were utterly helpless. They stared wide-eyed and grasping for ideas as the woman asked about seamstress help or someone who might know anything that could help her with this vintage pattern.
Without realizing what I was doing, I walked over and heard myself saying, “I sew! I can help you!” A look of relief washed over her face and we chatted for a few minutes and I left her with my information and blog (so she could see for herself that I really can sew and wasn’t pulling her leg). She emailed me a few days after that and we were off!
I was making a dress for her 10 year old daughter to be a flower girl in a 40s themed family wedding. How precious, right? Also, what a GREAT idea! The Bride loved this pattern and asked her future sister in law to make it–which is what led to our kismet meeting that Tuesday morning. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the pattern. I’ve got several vintage patterns in my sewing area and I’m always looking for more. But to actually get to use one to make a dress was amazing!
The instructions were in pretty sad shape, but I was able to make it through.
The sizing wasn’t too hard to figure out, either. I just adjusted my seam allowances a little and added to the length some. Other than that, the pattern was spot on! It was a lot of gathering and a lot of hand sewing, but it was all well worth it!
I’m glad I was able to help someone in need. It always feels great to do things for others, doesn’t it? The biggest payoff is that my little flower girl friend absolutely LOVES her new dress and that’s what it’s all about.
5 Comments
sarah June 15, 2012 - 14:48
I absolutely love this dress. How awesome of you to help!
justjayma June 17, 2012 - 02:43
Such a DARLING dress! She needs a peeking petticoat now! LOL
Tracy June 17, 2012 - 14:07
I love the dress! I have a few (vintage?) patterns from the 60-70’s that I want to try out but don’t have the time. I could just see my daughter age 9 wearing this dress, so cute!.
I butt in at the cutting table ALL the time. More JoAnns than at Hancock. Even if it is just to ask, “What’ch make’n?” There is almost always a line at my JoAnns, they are so busy all the time. I believe sewers and quilters love to talk shop, share their experiences, and show off their things. It is one thing to get feedback from your family but a whole other feeling from strangers to ooh and ahh. Not to mention the ideas you get and product reviews.
stephanie June 17, 2012 - 23:39
I love this dress! I may have to find something similar for myself.
Karen Arthur July 03, 2013 - 12:42
I have a lot of old patterns. 40’s 50’s 60’s 70’s and up. Some were my Mom’s some were mine. I keep thinking why am I saving these, I am such a hoarder and have so much stuff but I can’t stand to part with them. I always thought I would use them but haven’t yet. Well, of course, some have been used in the past and when patterns were on sale for $1 I’d buy tons and some have never even been used. It’s a pattern addiction. LOL