I have survived Project Run & Play another week! Did you see all the boy outfits last week? So impressive! This week's challenge is to make something from another decade. What do you think when you hear that? Flapper dresses? 60's dresses? I turned to google images for a little inspiration. Every time I found a dress I loved I realized it wouldn't look good on a little girl (or be inappropriate) or it would probably be a popular choice. Then I realized the obvious choice for me was the right one. So I did a little google image research on dresses from the 1910's. That's right. I was totally inspired by Downton Abbey. Don't tell me you don't know what I'm talking about because it is only the best show on TV right now!
The Edwardian Era of dress fascinates me. That transition from corsets to modern dress that happened during WWI was amazing. Shorter skirts over long skirts, sheer fabrics, straight skirts, oh my! And, of course, there was a huge difference in dress from 1910 to 1919.
These are a few of the dresses I drew inspiration from. Yes, those are the sisters of Downton Abbey. Oh Edith and Mary, you vicious girls. Though I must admit I have a lot more grace for Mary. And Cybil, dear Cybil is the best. Love her character! Who is your favorite?
Enough about my inspiration, let's get to the dresses!
Two dresses because I can hardly make one for one girl and not the other. And, of course, their little sister is wondering why she didn't get a fancy dress.
This pink fabric is a taffeta from JoAnn Fabrics. I love the gathers. She picked it out so it probably isn't a traditional Edwardian Era color but who can deny this girl her pink dress? The floor length skirt is layered with a knee length over skirt of the same fabric, as was traditional at that time. The waistband is black satin and the shoulder straps are a gray silk. The top is fully lined, of course. The back is closed with an invisible zipper. It turns out invisible zippers are difficult when you have so many layers and pleats, etc. I've never had so much trouble getting a zipper to work right!
The second dress is made from a gorgeous satin from JoAnn Fabrics. The satin looks like it has a lace overlay and is very feminine without being too girly. The bodice is fully lined and the skirt is floor length. The top is overlayed with a black chiffon. If you have ever worked with chiffon you know its difficulties. I hemmed the neckline and the sleeves with a gorgeious trim that I think adds the perfect touch to the top. The dress is finished with a velvet wasitband. The back is closed with a zipper again.
What do you think? Did I hit the mark on the Downton Abbey style? We will just ignore the fact that during this era children stopped being dressed like adults. I love the adult style way too much to deny a little girl just a beautiful dress!
Now go on over and VOTE for me in Project Run & Play. Voting is in the top left sidebar on their website. I'd love your vote if you like my dresses! I'm hoping to stay in at least one more week!
Lara says
I love Downton Abbey, such an addictive program! I'm totally with you when you say you love the dresses. Especially Mary's 😉
Well done with the dresses! I love the second dress.
Emily says
love love love love love!
Allie says
I love yours! I voted for it right away and was shocked you weren't in the lead! I especially love the black one. Would like to see more pictures though. Good luck!
Andrea @ The Train To Crazy says
Thanks! I was lucky to get some pics at 7 a.m. Before school yesterday (brrr!!!). I'll try to take more later 🙂
Rachel says
I really like the grey/raspberry color combo & the back of the black/dress is gorgeous !
Heather T. says
I have been waiting to see what you made! So much talent my dear friend. The girls are stunning in their beautiful gowns! Great job!
Claire Jain says
I voted for you. These are so cute! Good luck!
Andrea @ The Train To Crazy says
Thanks so much!!
Sarah AJ says
Those are fabulous! I've been obsessing over the dresses on Downton Abbye lately too. Gorgeous.
Sarah AJ says
Please pretend I spelled "Abbey" correctly the first time.
Andrea @ The Train To Crazy says
🙂 absolutely 🙂
Anne @ Modern Mrs Darcy says
You had me at "Downton."
These dresses are fab. Nicely done!
heather says
Amazing. I am in awe.
Stef says
Sweet sisters!! I know what you mean about sew for one, sew for them all. Those materials must have been so difficult to sew with - you did a great job!! My favorite part is the lace detail edging the chiffon!
Cindy says
These are amazing modern adaptations of lovely vintage style! I like how you retained some of the lines and look while making it appropriate for little girls. Fantastic work!
Twins Squared says
You did such a great job! The dresses are really lovely and so are the girls. I love the new missing tooth! 🙂
I just voted for you too.
kristin says
I love that you sewed Downton Abbey! I'm so addicted to that show...these dresses are so cute!
Cosyplay says
Nice design of dresses,I love it.I will tell to my friend to make me a dress similar to this she's a designer to our community.
Elle says
Extra blog