Hey peeps! Yikes! I can not believe it’s September. August was a whirlwind of fun-ness. Lots of beach time, walks, live theatre…we rocked and sang along with the cast of Red Rock Diner, and we attended Bard On The Beach, a local, brilliant, Shakespearean Theatre Company. Bard stages four plays every summer, and we so enjoyed The Tempest this year that we may try and squeeze in one more play before they wrap up at the end of September. What else? Oh yes, farmers markets almost every weekend. Lots of eating al fresco. The emphasis this past month was on activities that were easy enough to do with a broken toe, wah wah. On August 1st, as I was entering my hair salon, I somehow managed to slam the door into my toe. It wasn’t just ouch, but tears in my eye, white faced pain ouch! The bottom of the door must have been sharp too…there was blood…I was cut. I can’t really imagine how it happened; after all, I open doors all the time. Ironically, one of the salon employees had a similar thing happen the week earlier. So. Bad. Door.
Let’s move on, shall we. Am I the only one that feels that the summer season gets short changed? Each of the four seasons is allotted three months, but the moment we flip that calendar to September, we say adieu to summer. Yes, it’s true, there is that undeniable change in the air here in the Pacific Northwest, and yes, the kids are heading back to school, and the days are growing shorter, but it is still summer. And I’m hanging on to it for just as long as I can. I declare that the only end of summer blues for me will be this dress. I love this dress! I was long on the hunt for blue and white striped woven fabric. Yet when it finally showed up in the drapery department of my local fabric store, at $30.00/m, I hesitated. I balked. I walked. But I kept coming back. Every time I popped into the fabric store, I would make a beeline to my coveted fabric, and not long after, I was rewarded with a 50% off sale tag. Sold! That whole drama {not really but…} happened way back in June. Sometimes when I love a fabric so dearly, I get anxious about the cut, cut, sew. And. I was stalled on the pattern choice. Which was dumb, because I knew exactly the look I was going for {errm…scroll up} My go-to bodice pattern, Simplicity 2444, with it’s four diagonal darts seemed a less than stellar choice for a stripey fabric. It wasn’t until I had completed my Michael Miller Pink Top, that I had my ah-ha moment. Simplicity New Look 6799 was just the silhouette I was looking for. My Springtime In Paris Dress, which fits me so well and is so comfortable, would be perfect in stripes! I did a few alterations, number one being moving the zipper to the side seam {keeps those stripes lookin’ good from the rear view}. I still managed to wangle side seam pockets, which was a little tricky on the zippered side. big. Whoop! I wanted the skirt fuller than the pattern version, so I made a self drafted skirt, pleated it with generously deep pleats, and used horsehair trim on the hem to keep things extra flirty. I was extra mindful of the stripes alignment…the stripes match right from the neckline pieces, to the bodice, the waistband, and skirt pieces! It’s funny, I’m funny…I’m pretty sure I would not have had the patience for that attention to detail when I was younger, but now that I’m on the better side of fifty, I really find myself enjoying the whole sewing process, including the puzzling bits.
I’ve sewn three blue and white striped garments this summer! I know well enough to nevah say nevah, but I think I might be done. might. be. done.
And…well Hot Dog! I’ve unintentionally started a theme here…New Look 6799 four seasons. Currently in my collection….the travel ready Springtime In Paris Dress, and the looky-me End of Summer Blues Dress. Will there be autumn and winter versions? Honestly, the way it often goes with me, is that as soon as I call myself to task on something, my creative ego gets all crazy and refuses to cooperate. But, let’s give it a whirl, shall we…
Thanks for reading, thanks for commenting, thanks for spending a few minutes in my little world.
Dress : : Me-Made, New Look 6799
Shoes : : Payless
Purse : : Thrifted
Earrings : : Me-Made
Linking up with:
The ever lovely Patti of Not Dead Yet Style for Visible Monday
Kathy {Kathy Sews} says
Gorgeous! Just gorgeous.
Tamera Beardsley says
A beautiful dress β¦ presented with stunning artistry! Kudos my dear!
xox
Tamera
MaryEllen says
Such a striking dress – so beautiful !! You have an amazing sense of style & matching pattern to fabric ! Thanks for the inspiration !!
Joni James says
I'm not so sure I'm ready to match patterns and prints but this is done perfectly! I guess there's hope for me as my skills get more exercised. Right now I'll stick to the simple things.
You really are a seamstress and stylist. Everything you make fits perfectly.
Elsie Davies says
Beautiful dress well put together. Elegantly beautiful Sue! xo
My Kurves says
You look Superb in this dress and it fits like a glove. This dress is worth another repeat. Of course I have to mention the chuckle you give in every post that I like so much. Enjoy the rest of your Summer!!
Curtise says
Gorgeous dress, Sue. So clean and crisp and a perfect fit, and look how neatly all those stripes line up – you're a genius! Ouch to the broken toe but hurray for hanging on to that last little bit of summer in fine style! xxx
Miss Dishywoo says
Simply perfection. The quality and attention to detail is very evident. Fits perfectly and is very flattering. I am most definitely a beginner sewer, but got a lot of inspiration from this post. Of course, matching the stripes as you did, but I love the tip of moving the zipper into the side seam. Great idea.
Vix says
Lovely dress – crisp and cheery and a perfect fit. The broken toe sounds horrible, hope its well on the mend now.
After a few hit and miss weeks today has been spent basking in the garden in my bikini. I'm not saying goodbye to summer just yet. xxx
Sheryl says
Beautiful! Elegant! Perfect! Lovely photos also.
Lori says
I love this dress so, you look beautiful. I agree, summer gets so short, it makes me sad to see it end and the girls go back to college.
Flo says
I love it, but as I've said before, I'm a sucker for anything with stripes! I used to have a bag very similar to that, mine didn't hold very much though, it was only good for a wallet, a phone and a lipstick.
TresBienEnsemble says
I love this fabric! The blue and white stripes are really, really gorgeous in this dress. I'm glad that the fabric went on sale so that this dress could happen!
Louise Perry says
Eek,no wonder you love this, it is gorgeous. That skirt section is delicious! Horse hair? Is that what is says on the tin real horse hair? So it helps keep the shape of the skirt? Going to do some google-ing now! Truly stunning Sue, stunning.
Justine of SewCountryChick says
This dress is a knockout! I love the pleats with the stripes. Great outfit!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Tamera! Things are still a work in progress over here, but I can totally FEEL the difference since taking your course! xo
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you MaryEllen! I LOVE that you are inspired! That's what all this blogging is about!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Joni! You just keep doing what you are doing…'cause you are doing it brilliantly! I'll be watching for a 'word' tunic!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you so much Elsie!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
…three more weeks of it! Happy that you appreciate the dash of humour!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Curtise! Yes, it's the clean and crisp that I love! Suits my movement!
dan says
Another of your delightful dresses! Really perfect on you! And what a pity that the summer is now ending! Shorter days, less light…it seems yesterday that it started…
Just a few weeks and then we will be in autumn again…
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Oh, I'm so happy when I read that people are coming away with ideas and inspiration.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Vix! I'm glad you've got some sun back. Your tail end of August sounded cold and rainy!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you Sheryl!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Lori! With daughters leaving for college, it must really feel like the end of summer. Turns out the grade school kids here are not back at school due to a teacher/government lockout. Hope things get back to normal for parents and kids soon!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Flo! Wouldn't this fabric be perfect in a bag….I may have to go and buy some more fabric! I had barely a scrap left over from making this dress!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank YOU! I know, I don't mean to be cheap, but I just had to wait and watch, and I was rewarded!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Hey Louise! Thank you so much for the compliments! I would imagine that many years ago, real horse hair was used, but the stuff sold in stores now is man made..probably nylon, I'm guessing. Here's a link to a post where I show the trim in action:
Behind The Seams: The Betty Draper Roses Dress
And ask away if you have any questions.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Justine! You know, I could totally see you rocking these stripes yourself!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Dan! After following your lovely blog for a long time now, I know that our seasons are similar, although I'm sure you have less rain! Thanks for stopping by!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you Kathy! Gorgeous is good!!!
amy mayen says
I'm still calling it summer here too, Sue. I will not rob summer of it's due! Love your dress, you look stunning g and the pleats just look magical.
Kelly Jackson says
You look amazing, Sue! So sexy sassy French. Beauty of a dress. And looks like your toe has recuperated well enough for you to wear heels. I have toe sympathy, having painfully smashed the same one repeatedly. It's been fall here since Aug. I'm ready for it! Xox
Faye Lewis says
Gorgeous!
Rosy says
Absolutely wonderful !!!! That dress is a dream !! It's great that you resisted the temptation to buy the fabric the first time. Definitely a winner … and yes, there are still itΒ΄s true … summer is here to enjoy yet.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Amy! Always nice to receive your kind words, especially witnessing your mad skillz when it comes to fancy dresses for your littles!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Kelly! Haha…oh, yes, I remember your butt photo, LOL. What it is about toes being so painful when they's broke?!! And yes, I was super, super happy to get these shoes on. Truth be told, I couldn't walk too far in them…hasn't stopped me from wearing my dress with gold flip flops though. It's getting better every day!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks bunches Faye! I'm just loving that word, gorgeous!!!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Ah, thank you Rosy! Isn't it great when dreams come true?! And yes, a few more weeks of summer please!!!
notsewsimple says
Your dress is totally gorgeous – I love the wide stripes and I woudln;t have picked out that pattern but it looks amazing!
Louise
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks so much Louise! You know…when I was first looking through my stash of patterns, I didn't consideration this one either! I'm really glad that I let the pattern choice percolate for awhile!
Melanie says
Sue, your dresses always look like classics that can outlive the years. Truly beautiful. And wow, your dart skills are tremendous! Isn't that great that the fabric went on sale? Dressew?
I hope your toe feels better. OUCH! Compounded by gore. The door is possessed and it's best to go in the back way from now on. But your hair looks fabulous.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Mel! Surprisingly, this is Fabricland…a gem among the polar fleece and baby flannels…ah, the bounty that is the suburbs!
Jan Graham-McMillen says
I love this dress … it's more like the one I wanted when I was looking for the one I eventually bought.
Wait. What? Anyway, you did a brilliant job, and it looks fabulous on you … love the extra pleats that give the typical extra Sue charm!
Sorry for the poor toe! Happy for the Shakespeare on the Beach!
What bats?
Thinking of you often, Sue. Hope your fall is as productive as your summer!
Heather says
Oh my goodness Sue!! It's beautiful and it looks absolutely amazing on you! The stripe matching is perfection! And the pockets – I love it! I would totally steal this one out of your closet!
Sorry about your toe – sounds super painful!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Okay, they're seagulls, and they're not in my belfry, but above my head, LOL.
Oh, Jan…I've been missing your lovely, thoughtful, wordy self! Can't wait 'til you're able to be back to your weekly posts!
Thanks for your kind words!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Heather!! That dang toe is getting better all the time, thanks. It doesn't like the pointy shoes so much yet, but we'll get there! I haven't forgotten your nomination!
Carolyn says
What an absolutely gorgeous dress! it looks really lovely on you. I love the visual effect of those beautifully sculptural box pleats in strong stark stripes π
Connie says
Oh Sue. You look spectacular in this stripedy dress. I can hardly wait to see what you cook up for your Fall wardrobe. And however did you smoosh your poor little broken toe into those shoes? Ouch!
Kenji S says
Hi Sue! Fantastic outfit and accessories to go with it. π Border print top is in my top list for this fall. Very inspirational!
Margo B says
Gorgeous!!! I love this dress Sue. It's perfect and your pictures are divine!
Flo says
Yes! Definitely!!!! So many possibilities…
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Margo! I've been using your photo tips!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Kenji! Hope you find that perfect border print…I'm visualizing something kind of beachy-retro.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Hey Connie….I haven't got a whiff of an idea of my fall/winter sewing yet…but with rain, chill, and early darkness on it's way, I know there will be a lot of available sewing time! Thank goodness these little heels are round toed. I didn't wear them for long, but it felt so great to be wearing actual shoes!!!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks so much Carolyn! It's always such a pleasure when a fellow seamstress visits!
Louise Perry says
Ah I remember that dress, so pretty. So its a kind of stiff nylon mesh. What a fab effect it creates. So clever.
Kezzie says
Oh Sue, you look gorgeous and WHAT a perfect setting for such a beautiful dress. You look a vision. What a result about the reduced fabric- all good things come to those who wait (and stalk!)
Sorry to hear about your toe-not good!
I feel the same about summer (and I wrote a little slight rant a couple of posts ago!)x
Suzanne Carillo Style Files says
Another winner! And it matches your eyes : )
You have the best location for photos I swear. The weather even plays along with the overcast skies making it perfect lighting. Really wonderful photos. Kudos to your photographer.
Hope you are healing well now. There is no boot…so that is a good sign.
I will not say goodbye to summer. I'm sorry. I simply refuse. So far…my master plan is working… now if I can just get it to last until December all will be good.
bisous
Suzanne
Sewing Princess says
It's so lovely, Sue! Looks fabulous on you. Hope your foot heals soon
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Kezzie! Yeppers…stalking is exactly what I did, LOL! Off now to read a good rant!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Suzanne! Good, good luck with your master plan girl. I suddenly feel far less angst about the end of summer….living in the banana belt of Canada and all…
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Hey Silvia! Thanks so much! Today actually, it didn't feel sore at all, so fingers crossed it is well on it's way to healing. See you soon!!!
No fear of fashion says
Oh I absolutely adore this dress. Love, love, love it. I would buy it immediately if it were in the store. Horsehair eh? Never heard of that but it does make the skirt look wonderful.
Now …. where do you always find those perfect shoes? And the bag? Are they just lying around? Waiting for you to make another perfect dress? Do tell me.
And did you put your poor toe into those gorgeous but narrow shoes just to please us?
Perfect pictures, I agree with Suzanne. I have a similar background only 10 minutes from my home, but it is always windy and my hair cannot handle that (at least not if I want a good photo).
Greetje
MIS PAPELICOS Sacramento says
My dear Sue, you are good enough fo Vogue sooooooooooooooo lovely.
Thank you so much for your birthday wishes.
Tons of love.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxx
Deborah Boland says
Sue, this dress is darling on you and the fit and flare is so figure flattering!
Cheers, Deborah
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks so much Greetje! I confess….I have a passion for bags, and am always scouting for them at thrift stores! Whatever I'll do with twenty or so handbags, nobody knows…but I love 'em! And the shoes…another bloggy friend, Maricel from My Closet Catalogue got me onto Payless Shoes. Very, very affordable and the heel height I can manage! These ones are actually a round toe, and my feet were quite pleasantly happy!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Sacramento! Vogue has the best editorial fashion photos!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks bunches Deb! I can't believe it took my years to figure out that the fit and flare was flattering for my body type! Now, I'm so on board, I seldom sew a different silhouette!
ahhhsoneo says
Wow, what a great look. I love the dress, its very flattering.
http://ahhhsoneo.com
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks so much for stopping by and saying hello!
Tiina L says
Beautiful dress, and photographed in the perfect location, too.
Abby says
What an adorable dress! Love that the simplicity does not take anything away from how fab this dress is π
Found you via the linkup. Would you like to follow each other on GFC and social media? Pls let me know if youβre up for it π xoxo
Abby of http://www.fashchronicles.blogspot.com
Patti says
Stunning setting for this pretty dress, Sue. I love reading about your sewing process too. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, you look terrific. xo
Jessica Jannenga says
You are very talented!! I could only dream of being able to sew that. Love the shape, the stripes, it looks great on you. Love the setting as well
from the link up
please stop by, jess
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Hey Jessica! It's very nice of you to stop by and take the time to say hello!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Patti! I DO appreciate the effort involved with hosting such a big party!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Abby!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Tiina! I love your little photo here!
Glenda says
You look like a picture of perfection in this nautical inspired dress. It fits you perfectly. And of course it does…the joy of being able to sew. I have a friend who also broke her toe this summer while vacationing in Vegas.
highland Fashionista says
Great fit! Well done! As you know, I LOVE a striped dress, and this one is perfection!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Glenda, I 've said it before, and it's worth repeating. You are one of my go-to bloggers for inspiration!! I hope your friend's broken toe didn't put a hamper on the holiday in Vegas. I wonder what happened? Ah well, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. π
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Kristin! Yes! Yes! You do stripes brilliantly!
Marionberry Style says
Just have to say, this dress looks GORGEOUS on you Sue. Seriously. One of my favorite looks of yours to date!
I hope you are well!
xo – Marion
Lisa says
I LOVE this dress too. It's gorgeous!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Marion! Thank you so much! I think it might take a small miracle to bump this dress from the top of the heap, LOL. I love it too! xo
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Lisa! And aren't we enjoying the best Pacific Northwest weather! Happy sigh!
bellemegan says
This is a fabulous dress & the most perfect ode to summer! I love your photos & your styling, very inspirational!
Roisin Muldoon says
HOLY SHIT, SUE. I love this. LOVE IT.
The Style Crone says
Just read your interview on Sylvia's 40+Style. Fabulous! As is this gorgeous end of summer dress.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Oh Yes! Ode to summer…I love that Anne! Thanks for stopping by.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
haha…love how you don't mince words Roisin! Thanks for stopping by!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
I'm glad you enjoyed the read Judith! It was an honor to participate in Sylvia's series, and I will be directing readers there on my next post!
Jan Graham-McMillen says
Awe, thanks Sue … I persevere. I know you meant it to be a compliment, but “wordy” isn't a good thing, editorially speaking. Or were you being subtle? Yeah, I am guilty of wordiness, so I'll keep an eye on the length. Can't help myself, sometimes. Balance is everything, of course!
Rebecca says
I have just discovered your blog after reading Sylvia's interview of you. You have to be one of the sunniest and most creative people and I look forward to reading your posts.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Hi Rebecca! Thank you so much for visiting and for taking the time to comment! Welcome!
Trina says
I can't believe I missed this incredible post. Navy and White are my all time favorite and this dress is making my heart go a flutter. You look so amazing, so full of life, so fibrant and so natural in your element. WOW!