I feel like a re-run of The Sound of Music. Mixing one of my favorite scenes (The Favorite Things Song) with the “play-clothes made from curtains” scene! I didn’t realize until recently that it’s the 50th Anniversary of the movie. Such a good (and slightly terrifying when you are a kid) movie! Julie Andrews is still one of my favorite actresses. (I dare you not to sing the song for the rest of today!)

It’s been clothing central over here for a while now! Seems I’m on a garment kick – though I’ve got other project happening, these seem to be making their way in more often lately. It’s not likely to stop any time soon, Made by Me May (#madebymemay15 #mmm15) is happening and I’m trying to wear a handmade item every day this month. (Follow along on Instagram!)

Wearing handmade has me realizing just how little I’ve made that isn’t a dress or skirt. Not so practical for my everyday life that consists of mostly jeans and tops. So I’ve got sewing on the brain and I’ve got in mind to actually sew the many, many tops I’ve had planned (some from years ago!).

What does that have to do with girls in white dresses? Nothing, really I suppose – except that they get to finally be posted today! These are the girls’ Easter dresses and the photos have been waiting patiently for weeks now. And these are made from free fabric that has a really fun back story!

A while ago I got a box of fabric from my friend. It was full of older Christmas fabric, extra cuts of random knits and wool. The most interesting thing was that about 60% of the box was full of high end curtain and upholstery swatchesand yardage. I don’t remember much about the original owner, my friend was given the box from someone who had gotten it from someone… and so on. I kept what I could use, and my sewing group went through it and now someone at the thrift store is likely having some fun of their own!

These dresses are the Violette Field Threads Annabelle pattern (again!) made from Laura Ashley curtain fabric. It’s very light and see-through with embroidered flowers and polka dots. These pattern pieces were cut from everything between 5 yard to 14″ swatch squares. I felt so useful cutting the chevron skirt pieces from the small pieces. I even made the little polka dots line up like buttons on the bodice!

I changed two things for this version. First, I added a lining to the skirt. Because of the light fabric, it needed one to be modest. I merged the skirt pattern pieces into 8 un-pieced panels and cut them from white broadcloth. I combined the 3 pieced chevrons on the outer skirt into 1, which saved a lot of time.Because of course I was working up to the last minute as usual!

 I really love this pattern. Though the skirt is time intensive – the sleeves and bodice come together really quickly. I think I’m going to have to make at least one more for my youngest, since she’s asked already. I’ve got a few ideas for how to use the pattern to make something “non-clothing” as well – gonna add that to my list!

Enough photos? I suppose it’s obvious that I had a hard time narrowing this set down! Until next time…

Reader Feedback: Are you participating in Made by Me May? I’d love to see what you are wearing!