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Ruffled sleeves and other matters.

New pants from the rummage sale, man!
New pants from the rummage sale, man!

First of all: it needs to be known that I have worn the same sweater five days this week.

Colleen gave it to me on Saturday, and I have worn it unabashedly.

Amen.

Bethany and Colleen
Bethany and Colleen
Also! GUYS IT’S FINALLY GETTING WARMER. Spring things everywhere! Flowers! Warm weather!

Because of the wonder of Spring lured us out-of-doors, I went out with Colleen and Bethany and Kathryn last weekend. We ate snacks and talked and bought stuff in a cute little downtown. Fascinators may or may not have been involved, too.

As we were meandering (and looking for Mother’s Day/ birthday gifts) I also saw a dress in a window. It didn’t change my life in any earth-shattering ways, but it did make me think about ruffled sleeves. And dresses. And ruffled sleeves on dresses.

Have you ever seen Rodgers and Hammerstien’s State Fair? Not the one with Ann-Margaret…the other one, filmed in 1945. As with many musicals, the plot is simple and silly. The songs are fun, though…and the fashion is lovely.

All of the dresses on the character Margy are wonderful. I was going to use the internets to show some examples, but then I found this blog post and the author did such a good job, I’m just going to link.

From the same blogger: http://star-spangledheart.blogspot.com/2011_05_01_archive.html
From the same blogger: http://star-spangledheart.blogspot.com/2011_05_01_archive.html

This is Margy. Note her ruffled sleeves. This is automatically where my mind linked.

2And I thought to myself, “Self, a dress with ruffled sleeves might be nice.”

And then I utilized the internets.

I think the closet thing I’ve seen in vintage patterns would be the vintage, girlie apron. Note view “A”…the sleeves have a nice shape, and the line of the dress is cute and feminine without being over the top. Do you like that the looping pattern is mimicked on the hemline?

So far so good! Plus, I like the way contrasting bias looks (so, like, the red lines on the apron).

That’s the start, OK?

And then I saw this one:

I like the idea...but it's a little bit over the top. Buy it on Etsy!
I like the idea…but it’s a little bit too fluffly and frilly for a simple summer dress. (Buy it on Etsy!) Things I appreciate: the contrasting black along the sleeves and the buttons.
Here's another! This one is an apron-dress. I like the concept...can't say I'm sold. It seems a bit over-the-top. Pattern here.
Here’s another! This one is an apron-dress. I like the concept…can’t say I’m sold. I think the ruffles are a little much, but I appreciate the direction we’re headed. Also: pockets!.
This one! It's a Vogue pattern...and it's a halter top. But look--they've added sleeves in the second view. I dig this idea and the simple skirt.
This one! It’s a vintage pattern…and it’s a halter top. But look–they’ve added sleeves in the second view. I dig this idea and the simple skirt. Plus, I have a halter pattern or two! Options!
Te gusta? From the internet. Getting warmer, I'd say.
Te gusta? From the internet. Getting warmer, I’d say. Still bright and cheery but simpler than a full circle-skirt or layers of ruffle.
Other things I dig: the heart-back. I think it's darling...as long as it's still tasteful.
Other things I dig: the heart-back. I think it’s darling…as long as it’s still tasteful. I might need to have a heart-back dress this summer.
This one is from the Red Dress Shoppe, a site I love to look at but have never financially supported. :) I love this balance of simplicity and femininity and ruffle sleeves. <3
This one is from the Red Dress Shoppe, a site I love to look at but have never financially supported. 🙂 I love this balance of simplicity and femininity and ruffle sleeves. <3

What I'm saying it: summer-dress sewing is on my mind.

I just need time and material and we're in business!

4 thoughts on “Ruffled sleeves and other matters.”

    1. It’s exceedingly likely that my top-two favorites for fictional, male, literary characters are Gilbert Blithe and Mr. Knightley. It’s also exceedingly likely that the only reason I like them so much is because I relate to their ladies! Like, if you’re good enough for Anne Shirley, you’re good enough for me, brother!

      Reply

  2. It’s the season for summer dresses! I spent a ridiculous amount at Joann’s last week on fabric to make a few dresses. A fun one, a work one, and some material I’m not sure what to make but it was on clearance and it was cute and 60’s-ish. Yay for Jo-Ann’s coupons!

    Also I really like that white blouse with the blue trim. I would wear that as-is tomorrow. SO cute.

    Reply

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