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Project Design Team Thursday ~ Shabby Strawberry 1950s Dress

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Hi, I’m Lily and I blog over at Mode de Lis!  I adore vintage styles and wear them all the time, and what’s even better- my sister does, too! 🙂  When I saw Emily Hayes’ Shabby Strawberry line of fabrics I knew they were just the ticket for a perfectly summery dress and my sister made the perfect model.

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I compiled a Pinterest board of strawberry-themed fashions from the 1940s and 50s to get some inspiration, and in the end I decided to keep the dress fairly simple to allow the fabric to have center stage.
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Cotton dresses are perfect for summer and the boatneck and sleeveless bodice are so quintessentially 1950s. 🙂  The neck and armholes are both bound in narrow bias tape and finished by hand. A micro polka dot fabric worked as the perfect accent touch!
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At first, I was a little wary of how blue the foliage was rather than being a true green, but now I think it’s perfect!  So very retro, and in the best way! 🙂  Added bonus- it looks right at home in our aqua/red kitchen!
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I used a vintage pattern from the 1950s and followed the suggestion to add contrasting fabric in bands along the skirt.  The skirt is made according to the pattern- 3 whole widths of fabric!  It gives such a great shape and I love how tightly gathered it is. 🙂
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Thanks Penny Rose for such wonderful fabric!