Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Found! Gathered Hemlock Dress Fabric

Isn't this Anthro dress cute? It's the Gathered Hemlock dress, and I've had my eye on it for a while now. And last night I was browsing around an online fabric shop, and what did I find? The very fabric! For $15 a yard, which seems pretty reasonable to me. (Though I know my standards are warped from living in New York and having champagne taste in fabric.) At any rate, the dress itself is $148.

Pretty.

Readers, I bought some yardage. (You can too! The owner of Emma One Sock let me know right away that while the fabric is currently out of stock, she's expecting more in on Monday.) I have a project on the horizon that it could work nicely for. And, if not, I'd love to make a simple sheath out of it. McCalls 6282, for instance:

Wouldn't it look great super-fitted and a bit below the knee? Might be a good opportunity to play around with some powernet lining too!

One drawback: Jeff does NOT like the print. To be clear, he doesn't hate it. He just thinks it's "a little much." I guess it's a bit louder and splashier than what I normally wear, and I can see how it's not for everyone. I usually listen very closely to Jeff's style advice. He has a great eye. But I decided to go rogue on this one and ignore him. I just love that happy print! What do you think? Are you Team Gertie or Team Jeff on this very important matter?

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88 comments:

  1. PaulaMay 18, 2011 at 7:03 AM

    I like it! It's so happy - it's a little splashier than I would normally like, too, but something about it is speaking to me also.
    I love the pattern, too. Interesting neckline.

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  2. GailMay 18, 2011 at 7:07 AM

    Team Gertie!!

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  3. VickiMay 18, 2011 at 7:18 AM

    i love the print. I think it is happy and gorgeous. My husband doesn't like floral prints either but he usually comes around when he sees me in a beautiful garment I've made out of a floral print. go for it I say.

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  4. AndreaMay 18, 2011 at 7:20 AM

    So Team Gertie. I love the way the edges of color bleed; it's a floral without being too precious.

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  5. Roisin MuldoonMay 18, 2011 at 7:23 AM

    Ooh I just wrote a comment and lost it, how frustrating?! But basically I was saying I am on team Gertie, I think the print will look great with your colouring. Also it can be hard to visualise what a print like that will look like in a garment so I'm sure Jeff will like it more when he sees it sewn up into a pretty frock.

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  6. KWuMay 18, 2011 at 7:27 AM

    Team Gertie all the way! Beautiful fabric for spring, and it's very much along the lines of those other watercolor floral fabric you'd posted about a few months ago.

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  7. Monika-icoulddothis.blogMay 18, 2011 at 7:33 AM

    Can't wait to see your version of this dress made of that fabric.
    What type of sewing machine are you going to use? 3 or 4 threads serger? I have some problems with that type of fabric and I really like jersey dresses.

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  8. CaseyMay 18, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    Ooh! I think $15 is a steal for this fabric; I'm a bit tempted to snatch some up. ;) Defintiely on the Team Gertie side of things; but then again I love florals! I think it'll look really smashing once it's made up into a dress. (And maybe Jeff will think so too? ;)

    ♥ Casey

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  9. KarinMay 18, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    I am on the Gertie team! It's bright and beautiful and everything summer should be.

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  10. Emily GuerraMay 18, 2011 at 7:41 AM

    I like the fabric but I think that it needs to be toned down just a touch. It is a bit to busy for me.

    So I am in the middle.

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  11. a little sewingMay 18, 2011 at 7:48 AM

    Oh I am on Team Gertie, all right. I have that pattern on my table, cut out and ready to sew as soon as I have time. But I am making mine out of red fabric.

    I love that fabric! I wonder if my fingers will slip and fall into Emmaonesock's website. hmmmmmmm.

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  12. AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 7:52 AM

    I'm currently in love with all the watercolor florals out there and purchased an even brighter one for myself that I'm currently making the muslin for, so I'm totally Team Gertie on this one!

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  13. CatMay 18, 2011 at 7:53 AM

    This is great - I too spied the connection and have some of the fabric on it's way to me right now - and had a blog post ready to go ;) Perfect for the summer knit dress I wanted to make!

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  14. LauraMay 18, 2011 at 7:59 AM

    It may be the scale that he's objecting to. I like the print, but I'd like it more if it were a little smaller....

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  15. UnknownMay 18, 2011 at 8:04 AM

    Team Gertie! And thank you so much for this! I have been looking for a summery stretch floral to make a dress that I already have the pattern for, and this fits the bill perfectly. I just placed my order, and am waiting for my confirmation and total from Linda as I write this.
    Happy sewing! xo, Anita

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  16. KristaMay 18, 2011 at 8:08 AM

    Team Gertie! Go Summer and hail to warm sunny weather.

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  17. AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    Team Gertie....
    Unless you make curtains with it and PJ's and jackets and an umbrella I think you can stand 1 wild dress!

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  18. AshleyMay 18, 2011 at 8:16 AM

    Team Gertie! I think everyone needs a few "busier than normal" items in their closet. They're a great mood lifter, you never know when you'll need a little pick-me-up!

    My husband tends to initially not like anything that looks different than what he normally sees me in. If you like it and feel confident when wearing it, Jeff will certainly grow to love it!

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  19. Lucy GreenMay 18, 2011 at 8:17 AM

    beautiful little dress; and the print is just gorgeous!

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  20. steptrigMay 18, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    Perhaps Jeff would like it better if the flower placement wasn't so, um, fig-leaf-ish. haha Kind of like those chanel nipple buttons.

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  21. lilbaileyMay 18, 2011 at 8:48 AM

    Team Gertie all the way! Once this comes back in stock, I am all over it for a gorgeous dress :)

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  22. AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 8:49 AM

    I'll admit, the dress doesn't look that great on the manneqin-but it looks lovely on the model. I personally love the bold print and colours, but it's quite memorable and I can't see myself wearing it that often. But, if you love it, go with it!

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  23. Karen in VAMay 18, 2011 at 8:54 AM

    Team Gertie!!! But since I love prints, the louder the better, I'm a bit biased...

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  24. violetMay 18, 2011 at 9:06 AM

    Love love love the fabric. I think the sheath would be a perfect fit.

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  25. AuntieMay 18, 2011 at 9:37 AM

    Team Gertie!!

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  26. ClioMay 18, 2011 at 9:42 AM

    Team Gertie! It's perfect for you.

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  27. Leah FranquiMay 18, 2011 at 9:44 AM

    Team Gertie, FTW! It's splashy and fun and looks watercolored, and hey, it works to be a little out of your comfort zone every once in a while. Remember when you did that tv-thing and you couldn't wear black? Think of this like, that, it's a good change! Go Team Gertie!

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  28. AlexMay 18, 2011 at 9:44 AM

    I love it! IMO, everyone should dress a little brighter.

    I think the orange flowers are what push it into being "a bit much" for some. I would be careful with their placement. Their centrality on the Anthropologie dress kind of bothers me.

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  29. AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 9:44 AM

    I think prints can be hard to visualize as the end product. It's easy to see how a solid colour is going to look, but looking at a big piece of print it's hard to see the finished dress. I think it will look smashing in a dress with fairly simple lines. Nothing wrong with stepping out of your (or his) comfort zone from time to time.

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  30. mollyMay 18, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    It's beautiful! But personally I would only make a top out of it because it is so loud.

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  31. NathalieMay 18, 2011 at 10:00 AM

    Team Gertie! It's a very lovely print.

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  32. AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    team gertie here! although i may be biased - i was going through my handmade wardrobe yesterday, and most of my fabric choices tend to be floral. or pink/purple. or both. haha!

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  33. Heather MMay 18, 2011 at 10:03 AM

    Team Gertie, all the way!

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  34. SonjaMay 18, 2011 at 10:05 AM

    I'll be honest-- I usually hate big floral prints! But I'm interested to see how this turns out. Maybe it will be a good counterpoint to your sophisticated pattern choice.

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  35. AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    Ha! You are such a fabric stalker!

    I am Team Gertie *because* it's a bit different from the fabrics you gravitate too. I always feel great when I branch out and wear a new shape and color. Jeff will agree when he sees you in this.

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  36. dawn sMay 18, 2011 at 10:21 AM

    Team Gertie.

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  37. KelleyMay 18, 2011 at 10:26 AM

    Team Gertie for sure! I love love love floral prints.

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  38. flyskimMay 18, 2011 at 10:27 AM

    I nearly bought that dress yesterday, but it was too busy with the tag sale just starting. Now I have something to think about. Do I go back for the dress or order the fabric and make something else?

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  39. Peter LappinMay 18, 2011 at 10:28 AM

    Team Gertie, but please don't place one red rose smack between your bosom and the other....

    Most unfortunate.

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  40. AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 11:08 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  41. AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    team gertie!
    loud bright prints! (to an extent) can't wait to see the dress!

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  42. kazoomMay 18, 2011 at 11:25 AM

    I know mothers are not supposed to take sides, but I love the fabric! Sorry Jeff.........

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  43. AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 11:27 AM

    I'm in the minority here but I'm Team Jeff! The print is ok, but it's no winner in my eyes. The dress is cute though. If the print were different, it would be a stunning dress.

    But Jeff is right on this one.

    Alice

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  44. KrystinaMay 18, 2011 at 11:28 AM

    Team Gertie here also! I really like the print. I say, do eeet!

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  45. JessicaMay 18, 2011 at 11:36 AM

    Team Gertie! I want that fabric...and I don't usually do florals!

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  46. Clearwater CreationsMay 18, 2011 at 11:41 AM

    I love the print!!! And checked out the store. They have lots of beautiful fabric. I might be shopping there a lot in the future. Thanks!!!

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  47. PeachyMay 18, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    I don't think I have ever commented here before, but this vital matter craved input! I absolutely love that print, I think it would look amazing on you, TEAM GERTIE!

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  48. Sasha RocketMay 18, 2011 at 11:47 AM

    I'm very much Team Gertie on this one - that print is gorgeous!

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  49. JacquiMay 18, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    team Gertie! i love the water color-like flowers.

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  50. daiyamiMay 18, 2011 at 11:54 AM

    I am all about the splashy prints, especially when less defined, so I like it.

    I would say that it might fight with your tattoos a bit---eg, they looked amazing with the elegant red dress, harder to visualize how they might mesh with this.

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  51. SaminaMay 18, 2011 at 11:59 AM

    Sorry Jeff, I know you have great taste & all (after all, you did marry Gertie), but I'm with Team Gertie on this one!

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  52. atelierflouMay 18, 2011 at 12:05 PM

    Hard for me to read "Hemlock" without thinking of Socrates.

    It is a bit loud. It may work better in the simple sheath form you are considering. I think the Anthropologie dress is too much.

    I don't think that $15 a yard is that much, but I personally don't like rayon. This fabric is a rayon/synthetic mix.

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  53. BettyMay 18, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    Definitely team Gertie and i don't tend to go for florals! I wish more fabric here was closer to $15 dollars a metre. Everything seems so expensive here when i read about all the great prices for fabric and patterns in the USA.
    I look forward to seeing your dress,
    Betty

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  54. GraceMay 18, 2011 at 12:52 PM

    TEAM GERTIE! LOVE the print. $15 is reasonable,although I too shop for fabric in NYC.

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  55. GMay 18, 2011 at 12:54 PM

    I think if I were to use that print I'd strategically place my pattern pieces so that I didn't have a great big flower over the boobage and tummy. That would help eleaveate (sp?) some of the loudness.

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  56. UnknownMay 18, 2011 at 12:59 PM

    Can I be on both teams? This is the type of print that I'm attracted to buy, but in reality, I wear more solids and darker colors.

    Team Gertie-Jeff!

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  57. JessieMay 18, 2011 at 1:29 PM

    I love it! This time of year calls for wonderful flowers.

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  58. MegMay 18, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    Hey Gertie, were you aware that Emmaonesock gets her fabric from our own garment district? Shhh. I'll give you a hint, her supplier is mentioned on my blog today. Mum's the word though.

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  59. SlavkaMay 18, 2011 at 2:22 PM

    Love the fabric...But what I'd really like is some info on powernet lining. Don't know anything about it, but what a great idea!

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  60. EmilyMay 18, 2011 at 2:30 PM

    GREAT find! I pinned that dress a while ago on pinterest b/c of the fabric. :)

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  61. patsijeanMay 18, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    TEAM GERTIE!

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  62. EnglishMay 18, 2011 at 2:50 PM

    The fabric is gorgeous and the colors rock. I actually tried this dress on the other day - it is flattering and wears well. If anyone is interested, the anthro dress has a nude lining on the skirt where the fabric isn't doubled.

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  63. WhitiMay 18, 2011 at 3:11 PM

    My husband always says "that's too loud/too much" about my fabric choices. Then I'll make it up and he'll love it. So go for it Gertie!

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  64. AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    team Gertie for your body, team Jeff for mind. that print would look like grannies curtains on me!

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  65. CorrineMay 18, 2011 at 3:21 PM

    That fabric is beautiful but with my freckles I think it would compete and look like a dogs breakfast. On you however, very nice. I would just be careful where you position the larger motifs.............

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  66. SusanMay 18, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    Team Gertie all the way! Of course that print is right up my alley.

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  67. Sewly a HarpistMay 18, 2011 at 4:39 PM

    I really love that fabric

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  68. LinneaMay 18, 2011 at 5:16 PM

    If you are IN LOVE with the original dress, I think this mccalls pattern is fairly close. Not that you don't now have amazing draping skills to create it yourself. But if you're feeling a little lazy :) http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6321-products-13862.php?page_id=108

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  69. JenniferMay 18, 2011 at 5:27 PM

    I love the floral pattern! I'm for Team Gertie on this one.
    My SO isn't a pattern guy much either. Every time I pull out one of my patterned items - a lovely swiss dot with blue and turquoise flowers, or a coral and green paisley top, he shakes his head. Are we dressing for them or for us I think is the more important question here. Ladies? (And men - speak up, please!)

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  70. sorbetsurpriseMay 18, 2011 at 6:00 PM

    I looove the print, my boyf is not keen on florals but show him a many coloured stripe and he's away!

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  71. Jane EliseMay 18, 2011 at 6:04 PM

    I'm Team Gertie. Although Jeff sounds like a very nice man. I am married to a Jeff too and he has great taste in fashion but occasionally it's good to know who really dresses you ;)
    I'm quite liking this drapey dress at the moment but could you use a knit for it? http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6321-products-13862.php?page_id=109&search_control=display&list=search too

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  72. elizabetheMay 18, 2011 at 6:24 PM

    Wow, I didn't realize that was the same fabric. My thoughts on the fabric and the dress is that I *almost* love it. But I don't like it because I think the placement of the color splashes and the spaces in between them is wrong. It's way personal. I love the colors, though as well as the style of the print flowers. I can't wait to see what you make with it.

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  73. RoseMay 18, 2011 at 6:55 PM

    I'm with you--that print is fantastic!!

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  74. Angelina S.May 18, 2011 at 7:48 PM

    Team Gertie for the win! That print is gorgeous and FUN! Go for it!

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  75. UnknownMay 18, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    Oh my gosh I made a dress just like this a few months ago! I mixed some Burda patterns for it. I'll try and find a picture of it!

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  76. Sheryl in TXMay 18, 2011 at 7:55 PM

    Sorry, Jeff! I'm on Team Gertie! :)

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  77. lapMay 18, 2011 at 11:08 PM

    It's a stunning print! I would love to make Oolong out of it...

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  78. PamMay 19, 2011 at 12:08 AM

    Team Gertie! I bought this dress when it first came out - and have to say - it's very springy - I wore it for Easter!! Yes, please do make the dress!

    ReplyDelete
  79. orataMay 19, 2011 at 12:30 AM

    So happy you posted this--I've been coveting that dress for ages but Anthro is usually too rich for my blood.

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  80. SpikeabellMay 19, 2011 at 7:17 AM

    Team Gertie! It'll look great with your dark and styled hair and the tats)..sometimes you have to ignore the bf's advice.no matter how good they usually are!

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  81. UnknownMay 19, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    Team Gertie! That fabric is gorgeous!

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  82. Mary Beth May 19, 2011 at 10:09 AM

    What Lindsay T said....anyhow, it would be fun to start a Flickr group to see what everyone who buys this fabric does with it...

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  83. DeeMay 19, 2011 at 2:11 PM

    Sorry! Team Jeff here - it reminds me of all the tacky church dresses ladies wore in the 80's and 90's. It's just a bit too much - there's a lot going on there ...

    ReplyDelete
  84. UnknownMay 19, 2011 at 8:24 PM

    In response to my last comment, here is a link to my dress!

    http://lola-makes.blogspot.com/2011/05/outfit-of-day.html

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  85. LizMay 21, 2011 at 9:57 AM

    That fabric is gorgeous! I look forward to seeing the finished dress :)

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  86. hMay 24, 2011 at 6:58 PM

    I'm thinking this would be perfect for the mission maxi, but I might not want to make it floor length. Maybe a knee-length comfy tank dress...

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  87. Emily BillingsJune 8, 2011 at 1:45 PM

    Team Gertie! The fabric and dress design are beautiful and springy.

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  88. christinanMay 13, 2012 at 2:03 AM

    So team Gertie! Did Jeff not notice how the delicate watercolor wash softens the boldness of the colors? The brightest spots are sparse, so most of the print is only moderate in contrast-it wears like a corsage here and there, not a like a big zinnia bouquet!

    ReplyDelete

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

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