frolicking frock

This hot weather has necessitated a new wardrobe! I definitely need more summery, sleeveless items, so last night I made this dress out of some vintage fabric:

frock front.JPG
Can you guess where the pattern is from? Yes, score another for Machiko Kayaki! This one is from the Sewing Lesson book, and the most time-consuming part of the dress is making all the bias tape. These Japanese patterns are really big on making your own bias tape to use as edging. Anyway, you can’t really tell from the photo, but there are a few little gathers on the front neckline. There are also two ties. You can see those better from the back:
frock back.JPG
Hmm, I look a little hunchbackey in that shot. Well, the beauty of the dress is you can make it as fitted or as loose as you want. I went for loosey goosey comfy womfy.

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21 Responses to frolicking frock

  1. megan says:

    super cute frock!!!!

  2. Kathy says:

    Cute! Bet that’s nice and cool right now, too 🙂

  3. splatgirl says:

    Do you have one of those metal bias tape makers (she asks halfheartedly, thinking what cool little gadget does Mariko NOT have)? They’re sold in the notions department, and it’s like a metal tube thingy with curled in edges that you pull your strip of fabric through and follow behind with the iron and, viola…folded bias tape. It works great.

  4. Mary-Heather says:

    Very cute dress; the print and the shape look just perfect for this hot summer!

  5. Michelle says:

    Love that, it looks so easily lived in! I need to whip up a couple dozen of those. Its been over 100F for the past week, and the humidity hit 64% today. Ugh. Come to think of it, sewing would mean ironing, and that would probably be the death of me… never mind. I’ll just admire your great work, once again.

  6. cecilie says:

    That’s fabulous! You can start your own little Project Runway here soon, with all of these wonderful summer clothes you’re making! 🙂

  7. katrin says:

    cool 🙂
    you sew so quick – and the results look great. very nice dress, hope you can cool down soon.

  8. Jan says:

    Mariko, you need one of those handy-dandy Clover (of course) bias tape makers. They come in several widths and actually make the task fun!

  9. Gina says:

    Fetching! As any frock should be. You can whip they out, lady!

  10. janel says:

    Pretty pretty dress *sigh* your sewing skills never fail to impress me.

  11. Lydia says:

    Another fine job! I really enjoy seeing your sewing projects; they’re so inspiring. But then so are all of your crafting projects.

  12. tiffany says:

    sweet dress! great fabric! and very flattering on you!
    with this heat, i understand the need for a new summer wardrobe. for me, it’s making capri’s (of which i have 4 pair in the works).

  13. katie says:

    Very cute and comfy-looking! And you made it “last night”? Way to whip one up!

  14. dlgolden says:

    So cute! I love that pattern! Here’s wishing some cooler weather for you!

  15. AmyB says:

    After reading your blog for ages now, I’m inspired to sew something for myself. I finally went to SF Japantown, visited Kinokuniya book store and bought a style book. I held back at the stationery store (why?) but bought a style book at the bookstore. I love the styles but am wary of copying the patterns. Can you suggest a blog or other source that shows me how to copy the patterns?
    I stood at the display wondering if I should get a book pretty much completely in Japanese. An older Chinese woman comes up and looks at me and says, “You can do it. I use these books all the time.” Now that I think of it, I should have noticed what she was wearing. 🙂

  16. melissa says:

    Very retro chic! Nice work!

  17. Kay says:

    I’ve been waiting all my life for the House Dress to come back, and you’re just the woman to make it happen! This is what my mom and gran called a ‘shift’. Just the thing for a hot day, or matching ones for the Mother-Daughter tea. (Yes we actually did that once, circa 1966. A black & white ticking stripe fabric with red bandana prints splashed on it.) xox Kay

  18. tracy says:

    love this. and the top before it. must find this book!

  19. Stella says:

    That is SO That Seventies Show! Awesome. 🙂

  20. Tin Lai says:

    It’s so cute! You did a beautiful job.

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