Lime is the New Black~ Butterick 6655 ~Zara's Pickernick Dress

I like to make each of my tribe something special for their birthday.
Zara was very keen on a lime green gingham sundress.

It was a coincidence that when we pulled out the pattern, there was one on the cover.
Do you remember this dress?

It is the same pattern I used to make her silk dress for the Football Black Tie dinner

Zara wanted it quite short so I choose View B but went with a deep hem so it would hang nicely.

The gingham is some vintage stuff from my stash. It was quite narrow and I was only just able to cut the skirt pieces from it.
It was so soft and pressed up beautifully.

Zara was after quite a 'poofy' skirt so I dropped in a lawn lining.

I hemmed that to sit an inch above the dress hem.

Thread chains keep the lining in place.

I put the hem up by hand (Zara's request) but this time I used the patterns method to reduce the fullness.
I usually make small darts in the hem, pressing them down, at regular  increments, and then sew the hem in place.
This time I sewed a large gathering stitch and pulled that in gently to remove fullness, pressed, pinned and hand sewed.
I prefer my method, a lot smoother and neater looking.

The elastic casing is a wide bias strip that covers the bodice/waist seam. The elastic is threaded neatly through the front opening.
I like it!

~Zara's Verdict~
This dress is adorable. I had this vision in mind and Mum nailed it.
The apple green colour of the gingham paired with the gorgeous halter neck created the loveliest Spring/Summer dress.

~My Verdict~
I *love* sewing vintage patterns so this one was a no brainer.
All the fabric was from my stash (and I think that was all given to me).
It was a very pleasant afternoon sew.
(But I think I will stick to my way of hemming)

Thank you for reading... xx N