One Mint Julep

 

Given the sweltering heat and humidity that Doug Monce and I endured at our shoot yesterday, I think a mint julep might have been wonderfully refreshing! Luckily, the sweet n' minty 1940s frock that Carla of Jitterbug Dress made for me is a refreshing delight all on its own!

I choose an early 40s Hollywood Pattern with a gathered skirt and puffed sleeves (I am always a sucker for those early 40s looks, and just can't get enough), and I think it turned out just swell made up in mint green cotton adorned with a fantastic novelty print of "threaded" ribbons and bows (from Gertie's Fine Fabrics.)

Carla is a skilled seamstress with a great eye for details—she made covered buttons for this style, overlocked the seams, and made coordinating shoulder pads, all details that I really love to see in reproduction clothing. The fit was spot on too! As I mentioned in my previous post, Carla recently opened up her online shop, Jitterbug Dress, and she is offering custom recreations from a wide variety of vintage patterns. She has an extensive collection of 1940s-60s styles—everything from dresses to pajamas and even maternity wear—or you can send her a special pattern of your own. Although she is based in Arizona, she is able to sew for customers worldwide—just send her your measurements and the fabric of your choosing. I highly recommend her work (and if you are local, she has top-notch alterations skills too), so if you see something you like on her site or have a certain outfit in mind, please drop her a line and tell her I sent you!

xoxo,

Amanda Lee

 

 

Sneak Peek of The After Dinner Mint Dress

When Gertie listed this mint green bow print fabric in her shop, I wasted no time snapping a few yards up! I immediately started picturing what project would be best suited for it—perhaps a forties blouse and skirt combo or a shirtwaist dress? I eventually settled on a sweet early 1940s Hollywood Pattern design, and Carla of Jitterbug Dress is whipping up this little number for me. I can't wait to see the finished frock!

Carla is a stellar seamstress who has altered and repaired quite a bit of my vintage wardrobe over the years, and sewn some lovely reproduction outfits for me as well. Here is one of the custom creations she made for me, from a late 1930s pattern:

She is about to open up her new online shop, and I wanted to give her a plug. She's specializing in the styles of the 1940s-70s, and has a selection of patterns from each era listed on her site. To order, you select a pattern (or send her your own pattern) and send her the fabric of your choosing, along with your measurements. I think this is a nifty concept, and Carla will be adding many more patterns to her shop as time goes on.

I'll be posting photos of my new dress just as soon as it's ready. Did I mention that I can't wait to wear it?

xoxo,

Amanda Lee