There are now a few scrapes remaining of this fabric:
Before the scraps there was this blouse:
Before the blouse there were two Springtime dresses for my granddaughters:
And before the two dresses, there were two Valentine’s Day aprons for my granddaughters:
Sometimes a fabric is just so versatile, it pays to use it over and over. Such has been the case with this pink and white striped cotton I originally purchased from Farmhouse Fabrics back in late January. It all started with my decision to make aprons for my granddaughters for Valentine’s Day. I found a cute pink and red heart print for the base of the aprons. (I sized down this apron pattern for my then-7-and-9-year-old girls.) Then I needed a coordinating fabric for the ties and pockets on the aprons. That’s when this striped cotton came into my life.
Because the apron ties were cut on the bias, it was necessary to buy over a yard of the 60” wide fabric, leaving me a sizable section of fabric after the completion of that project. I put the leftover fabric in my storage closet and didn’t think any more about it. Until….
A few weeks later I geared up to make matching dresses for the girls’ Springtime birthdays. I got some direction from my daughter on the style of dress the girls decided they wanted – off-the-shoulder ruffle dresses. I luckily found a new Liberty of London cotton print, purchasing it quickly before it sold out.
Once I had it in hand, I decided it would look a lot cuter with a contrasting collar and sash rather than the entire dresses out of the same fabric. That’s when I thought of the pink and white stripe I had stored away.
Well, the rest is history, except that to complete the dresses, I needed to purchase more of the striped fabric. Fortunately, it was still available from Farmhouse Fabrics. This time, however, I decided to purchase enough additional of it to make myself a blouse. Why not?
Now, I have made a lot of blouses, many using this pattern:
They are not the most exciting apparel in the world, but I do wear them, a lot. So lately, I have been trying to mix up the details of the pattern when I make a new blouse to make it more interesting. Here is what I did to this one:
- The most obvious change I opted for are three-quarter length sleeves, slightly poofy, gathered into a continuous cuff.
2. I decided to cut the cuffs on the bias and repeated that choice for the back yoke and the collar band.
3. I used the collar variation I had originally cut for this blouse, and in addition I took one inch off the length of the blouse.
Again I went to my button collection and found vintage buttons which pick up the striped motif of the fabric.
I think I am now finished with pink and white stripes, but I am holding on to the scrapes just in case….
fiftydresses 
So cute! You are always an inspiration!
Thanks, Kate!
Your blouse is gorgeous, and so are you!
That is so sweet, Teri – thank you!
I’ve been waiting for your latest update!!!! I love your use of scraps. Well done. I hope you’re having a great summer 🙋♀️
Thank you, Peggy! “Scrap” is a good definition of my early summer – but things have improved since then! My next post should be a bit more exciting
Well, that sent before I was ready! Anyway, hoping your summer is productive and full of the things you like to do!
I like the way you used bias strips for the cuffs and back yoke of the pink blouse.
Your granddaughters are very fortunate, indeed – the Spring dresses are so sweet!
I’ve recently made some girl’s dresses (for charity and for my 5 year old granddaughter) and can recommend the website Little Lizard King https://littlelizardking.com/. My favorite dress is Lorne. https://littlelizardking.com/products/lorne
LLK patterns come as pdf files with options to print the patterns on your home computer or through a printing service on large paper. The sewing directions are very detailed and there are links to videos for some of the design features (for example, how to make pintucks and plackets).
Marjorie
Thanks so much for your input, Marjorie. I’m familiar with the LLK patterns website, although I have never used any of their patterns. My favorite is Children’s Corner patterns as they are actual patterns, not pdf files. These dresses I made for my granddaughters were, however, a downloadable pattern. Can’t remember the company, however… I enjoy sewing for my girls, and so far, they seem to like wearing my creations!
LOL- I once bought 10 yards of irresistible fine pink/white stripe linen. I made a bathrobe, and then commenced to integrate it into facings/linings etc. on about every project possible, for oh, like 15 years. I often feel like we have the same taste– but this is the topper.
Your pink and white stripe blouse is the spring and summer equivalent of a valentine. Each part of it is just right, and it suits youl. Three-quarter sleeves are convenient and flattering, especially with your added bit of feminine poof.
I heard that it was 85 F this week in Wyoming while it was 105-109 in South Texas. I’m thinking you could still wear this anyplace with the milder summer weather.
It is refreshing to see people in such good clothing.
May you enjoy many delights this summer.
I love to hear from you, Mery! Thank you! It’s been lovely here in Wyoming – perfect for cotton blouses during the day, and paired with a sweater at night. (Sometimes even a jacket is necessary, although I won’t gloat about that too much when so much of the country is so hot.)
I agree – when I see someone dressed nicely (such a rarity!), it lifts my spirits! Just as hearing from you always does.
So funny, Suzanne! I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who gets fixated on one fabric and uses it over and over!
Lovely.
Thank you, Linda!
You just can’t go wrong with a pink and white stripe! 😍
I wholeheartedly agree, Kathy!
Lovely and beautifully made as always. Your post reminds me of how much I’ve missed sewing shirts for my grandson. In October I’m going to have a granddaughter, so I’ll have to branch out from menswear!
I predict some beautiful little dresses in your future. They are such fun to make – and easy to fit! Not sure if you’re home yet, but I’m sure your family is or will be happy to have you back in Maine. Thanks for your comment!
Oops I posted in the wrong place.
Your pink and white stripe blouse is the spring and summer equivalent of a valentine. Each part of it is just right, and it suits youl. Three-quarter sleeves are convenient and flattering, especially with your added bit of feminine poof.
I heard that it was 85 F this week in Wyoming while it was 105-109 in South Texas. I’m thinking you could still wear this anyplace with the milder summer weather.
It is refreshing to see people in such good clothing.
May you enjoy many delights this summer.
🥳👍
The fabric is truly lovely and all of the ways you made use of it was just right! How you had enough fabric was a cliffhanger until I read that you bought more😊 I always enjoy reading about what you’re sewing and why. Thank you for making time to write it out!
Thank you, Cheryl! I was very fortunate that Farmhouse Fabrics had more yardage available. Who knew sewing could be so fraught with intrigue?