The best dress ever …

I haven’t managed to sew anything for a  couple of weeks what with work being so busy and that excursion to Walthamstow, so I thought I’d show you this instead …

My clever mum made this dress in the 1970s. You can probably tell from my blog that I do like a bit of nostalgia and this dress means the world to me. I can still remember the feeling of wrapping my arms around her legs (I was very little in the 1970s!) and feeling the smooth, floppy fabric on my skin.

I know I’ve said it before but she was so clever at making clothes and could draft a pattern at the drop of a pin. I can’t imagine I will ever have that talent but I am lucky enough to have some of her creations in my wardrobe.

This is my favourite though. I love everything about it, the flattering shape, the design, the Art Deco motifs on the soft cotton fabric and the way it makes me feel when I wear it. But, of course what makes it so special is that my mum made it. It’s almost 40 years old and hangs proudly in my wardrobe outshining any shop bought garment I own, standing the test of time both in looks and quality.

Making my own clothes makes me appreciate all the hard work that went into this dress, the thought behind the design and the excitement at finding the fabric (I’d love to find that fabric!), the late night sewing and getting the fit so perfect. I like the fact that we’ve both worn it in different eras and both had compliments and I’ve loved being able to tell people that my mum made it for herself in the 70s.

Have you got a vintage homemade hand me down in your wardrobe?

Have a lovely weekend.