Monday, May 16, 2011

The Daily Dress: Barbara Tfank Scalloped Collar Dress

I admit that I'd never heard of Barbara Tfank until one of her dresses was featured in the Teen Vogue prom issue. (Aside: I'm convinced that both prom itself and Teen Vogue are wasted on teens.) I searched out some more of her designs, and they're quite pretty and retro-inspired. I especially like this delicate lime-green dress with its unusual scalloped collar.

Scallops are such a great design feature that you just don't see in too many modern patterns or ready-to-wear clothing. But there are a couple great resources for learning how to sew them yourself! First, I have to recommend Casey's recent 30s-inspired blouse tutorial. (See both part 1 and part 2.) Secondly, you do NOT want to miss Susan Khalje's Threads article on sewing scallops, the entirety of which can be read here.

Also check out Etsy for patterns with scalloped details, like this one.

What do you think of the whole scalloped look?

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32 comments:

  1. CorrineMay 16, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    I am not aware of this designer either, but I really have not been following new designers for a while. Your postings are bringing me up to date, thanks.

    Scallops seem to be the hot topic of the day. One of my all time favorite dresses was a white pique sleeveless, jewel neck shift with a scalloped hem. This dress is beautiful. Love the lime green color too.

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  2. SaraMay 16, 2011 at 4:53 PM

    Tilly of Tilly and the Buttons also posted a good scalloped tutorial with her "Betty Draper Suit".

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  3. zilredlohMay 16, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    This is sooo timely! I'm in the middle of sewing up a scalloped edge skirt. Unfortunately I already sewed up the first row of scallops, but I'll definitely use Susan Khalje's info for the next row of them.
    My first row didn't turn out too bad, but they're not as precise as her's...
    (If you want to take a peek: http://zilredloh.com/2011/05/16/simplicity-3791-scallop-circle-skirt/)

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  4. DorisMay 16, 2011 at 5:07 PM

    I LOVE that dress! Even though my priest says we shouldn't say love in relation to inanimate things...

    I totally agree, prom and many other things are wasted on teens...

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  5. TashaMay 16, 2011 at 5:07 PM

    Love them used well. I've been dying for some extra time in the day to make Casey's scalloped blouse!

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  6. RebeccaMay 16, 2011 at 5:09 PM

    This is, hand downs, my favorite dress you've posted so far on The Daily Dress! Love, really, is the only word to describe how I feel about it. :]

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  7. AnonymousMay 16, 2011 at 5:12 PM

    Scalloped collar is one of my favorite thing to sew. And I am currently having a giveaway on my blog : you can win my scalloped collar blouse !
    http://charlotteauzou.wordpress.com/2011/05/13/★-giveway-inside-★-en-mai-fais-ce-quil-te-plait/

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  8. VioletMay 16, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    Love scallops, as long as the rest of the dress is rather simple so as not to be too "sweet." Today's dress strikes the right balance, I think. I'm thinking of making a sheath with a scalloped neckline, so the tutorials are great. Thanks!

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  9. emily roseMay 16, 2011 at 5:17 PM

    I ADORE scallops. I am making a scalloped hem skirt, and have been referencing the Threads article like crazy!

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  10. Mara DonofrioMay 16, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    I think scallops are so pretty! I just finished McCall's 6331 http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6331-products-13872.php?page_id=96 with its eight pleated scalloped skirt panels. I discovered that when wearing the dress, the skirt petals fold in a lovely way, showing the inside of the scallops. So, I made the dress fully lined with a bright contrasting cotton attached at the hem like a bubble skirt. It's so pretty and fun to see the lining at the scallops and the little sailor-style foldover collar :)

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  11. AnonymousMay 16, 2011 at 5:27 PM

    I love scallops....

    on others. I just don't feel comfortable in clothes with scallops on them for whatever reason. However, I do aim to sew many scalloped items for my nieces and whoever else might want them.

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  12. PattyMay 16, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    This is such a pretty dress! I have heard of Barbara Tfank, since Michelle Obama has worn her dresses:

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/22/michelle-obama-pairs-gree_n_734174.html

    Very feminine!

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  13. StephanieMay 16, 2011 at 5:43 PM

    I saw the scalloped collar tutorial from Casey's Elegant Musings as well, and I can't wait to try it =) It'll be my next dress for sure! Thanks to all you dedicated bloggers, drifters like me can keep up with the latest trends =P

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  14. MauraMay 16, 2011 at 6:01 PM

    "(Aside: I'm convinced that both prom itself and Teen Vogue are wasted on teens.)"

    Spot on! Can we put off those things until we are less awkward? And Mom isn't footing the bill? I'm still laughing. :D

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  15. TeaMay 16, 2011 at 6:12 PM

    Love, love, love all things scalloped! And not in the least worried about saying it! I've been so pleased to see lots of scallop edged collars and hems this season but I would love to know how to sew one myself. Also gorgeous dress!

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  16. KimMay 16, 2011 at 6:21 PM

    Hey hey hey! I'm a teen and prom is certainly not wasted on me - I sewed myself a plum, floor length vintage style dress for the occasion, and a matching vest for the boy. :-)
    I am a huge fan of scalloped edges, particularly at the hem! Fab!

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  17. Peacock's HatMay 16, 2011 at 6:28 PM

    I absolutely adore scalloped hems and collars. I have this one dress that has a peter pan collar, and a scalloped hem and cuffs- it's divine. I would love to pop some scallops on a few dresses I am planning on making soon, but I think they may be beyond me right now! Hopefully with a little practice I may adventure on some soon.

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  18. PaulaMay 16, 2011 at 6:37 PM

    I really like that collar - I love those kinds of pretty details!

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  19. Karen in VAMay 16, 2011 at 6:41 PM

    This one is my favorite dress of the day so far.... I love scallops and have bought a number of vintage patterns just because they have scallops...one of these days I'll actually get one made....

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  20. ElizabethMay 16, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    Gorgeous!

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  21. lapMay 16, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    I think a scalloped collar is a great alternative to a Peter Pan, a little more sophisticated but fresh all the same. I love the look here in satin!

    I also love Teen Vogue, and miss the Elle teen magazine, that was really fun and fresh as well.

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  22. Jane EliseMay 16, 2011 at 7:24 PM

    I have to say I much prefer a scalloped collar to a Peter Pan collar -- only because I spent 13 years wearing a Peter Pan collared shirt to school everyday. That is A LOT of Peter Pan collar. I still can't bring myself to wear one.

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  23. SonjaMay 16, 2011 at 7:26 PM

    I like scallops! I'm really excited to try out Casey's scalloped collar! This dress is darling!

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  24. LauraMay 16, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    Scallops are my latest sewing obsession. Last year, it was pleats and so I own a dozen or so vintage pleated dress patterns. This year, I own a dozen or so vintage patterns with scallops. And I'm determined to learn how to do it--Evie will be wearing scallops this year.

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  25. Lorena GuerraMay 16, 2011 at 8:50 PM

    I love the scallops. They definitely add a great little subtle touch to most tops/dresses. I have never heard of the designer but I will have to start following soon.

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  26. AnonymousMay 16, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    Prom is totally wasted on teens. That's why we throw balls instead. Oh wait, not we don't. We should all start hosting fancy balls so we can have a reason to wear these amazing dresses!

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  27. GracaMay 16, 2011 at 11:34 PM

    This dress is super cute with the scallop-edged collar and the color, yes--absolutely love it! Thanks for posting the link to the Threads article on scalloped edges.

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  28. Perpetual BeginnerMay 16, 2011 at 11:59 PM

    Given that I put two layers of giant scallops on the hem of my wedding dress, I think it can be safely said that I like them.

    That collar is really cute!

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  29. Miss Tami LeeMay 17, 2011 at 1:10 AM

    I agree about the prom being wasted on teens part! Here in Portland we have a prom for grown-ups, it's so much fun! (though I don't consider myself grown up haha)

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  30. ZeteMay 17, 2011 at 5:45 AM

    I love the dress, but totally hate those shoes.

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  31. Lady JMay 17, 2011 at 8:04 AM

    I love scallops, thanks for the Threads link. I'd disagree that scallops aren't in rtw, they seem to be popping up on the UK high street at the moment. This mint coloured top with scalloped sleeves and hem for instance: http://tinyurl.com/66kssxe
    and this peach skirt: http://tinyurl.com/6ewd63g
    Almost wish we didn't have these amazing tutes so I could give myself permission to buy one >sigh<

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  32. LinBMay 17, 2011 at 9:17 AM

    Love scallops. I regularly put them on the hems of overblouses, and often on the sleeve hems too. Easy to make -- no real math involved. Just turn up hem on right side of garment, fold and pin mark as many divisions as you want. Then sew around, curving down to one pin, up to the next, as deep as you want the scallop. Clip to thread at high point of scallop, trim seams around scallops. Turn hem to wrong side, finish edge and stitch hem closed.

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Thanks for your comments; I read each and every one! xo Gertie

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