"In a Rose Garden"
by E.K. Johnson
Edward K. Johnson (1825-1896) was a self-taught English artist, who belonged to the water-color society. He lived on a farm with his wife and children, and his first illustrations were for children's books. His paintings of women depict them in brightly colored clothing, often in natural, outdoor settings. One of his most loved paintings today shows a woman in a beautiful dress, relaxing in a hammock.
One day, I would really enjoy making something to match the dress in the painting, "In a Rose Garden." Below, is a garment inspired by this color and the outdoor scene, modified to use in every day life at home. One beauty of wearing a cotton dress, is that you never have to change clothes when it is time to go somewhere, or if anyone comes to the door.
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This is my "blueberry dress" on the dress-form. It is 100% cotton, made with a skirt and blouse pattern. It is one example of a garment that began as something to wear more formally, and as it was washed and worn many times, became a casual, every day dress. You can do that, when you sew with cotton, because it can have many uses. This is great for gardening, because it does not matter if it gets soiled or torn. When it is completely worn out, it can be used for something else. Many of our grandmothers took old clothes and tore them into strips to make rugs.
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You can see the print on this close-up of the bodice. If you do not have enough buttons for a particular garment, you can use what you have, cut them off old shirts, or mix different colors. This one does not have matching buttons, but they are all a shade of blue. It is a way to use up left over buttons from a package. .jpg)
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Skirt patterns: if you have enough fabric to place on the bias grain, use McCalls 2 hour bias skirts 4258. There is one with a facing, which I used in this pattern. Facings seem to fit the waistline better than the waistband.
If you want a pattern that is placed on the fold of 45" cotton fabric, use New Look 6433. This brand usually has a rack of its own on a stand at Wal Mart or fabric stores. If the pattern works out well, you can iron it on to interfacing and have it a long time.
Most women have fluctuating weight from week to week, so it is best to make things slightly loose.
For the top: I used an older New Look pattern, which I dont think is available. It has a rounded neck, but you could make one easily. Use New Look 6894 for a similar look, and add a few more inches at the lower hem. It will need to be raised at the neckline, or you can put an insert in it. That might be something for a future post.
When you think about buying a pattern: #1 Wait til the fabric store offers a 99c or $1.99 special. Search ahead of time and get the numbers written down (go to the fabric store in a morning when there aren't a lot of people at the pattern area), and then when the sale is on, just go find the pattern in the cabinet. Also, look on the back where is says: SUGGESTED FABRICS and if it says "cottons" anywhere, you can usually make something with very little problems. Synthetics just do not work well in homemaking, and they trap heat and sweat, etc. So stick with cottons. Don't buy a pattern that says "silk types, chiffon, " because it will be stretch, will move all over the place on the machine, and be very discouraging to sew, plus, it wont really hang right on your figure.
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41 comments:
Miss Lydia, I wanted to thank you for your gorgeous little book "A matter of Housekeeping". It is full of lovely tips, encouragement, and quotes! If there will be more in a series, I look forward to them! Thank you for this lovely piece. I am very far from being in agreement with you all the time, but I've appreciated beauty on your blog more than once and these new pages (as well as that little book) are prime examples of this! Thanks and God bless :)
Jennifer
This sounds fantastic!! You're so creative, Lydia, Have you thought of writing a 'Sewing made Easy' book, giving wonderful patterns, sewing basics, hints for beginners, workarounds concerning traps for young players, how to improvise, how to combine patterns to make something truly original, notes on fabric, trim, buttons etc, even guidelines on accessories; hair, purse, shoes etc, notes on colour, helps for plus sizes?
Lydia and ladies, to see how 'modest modern' can work, an extension of Lydia's fabulous work, go here; her descriptions are fair with assistive technology and links to brandnames etc are given; yes, some are pricy, but they provide a perfect inspirational guide.
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.mid=embed&id=544441
Keep up the good work.
This is my favorite dress so far. I love the simplicity and how feminine the fabric is. I would never have chosen it for myself and now I am thinking that I might need to rethink my fabric choices!!!
Thank you for the constant inspiration to do what I know is right even when other people are telling me it is wrong (or at least unnecessary). Please post MORE, MORE, MORE!!!
Another source of modest modern; all occasions are covered, from a homemaking Saturday to birthday celebrations.
http://www.polyvore.com/peasant_frum/set?id=3473382
This combined with Lydia's sewing expertese should give everyone an idea of where to start and how to transition whether one can sew or not; yes, some of the Polyvore clothing is very expensive, but it is as much about prompting thought on how to take up modesty as it is about where to source particular garments.
I really like this one! It is more "me", and I never thought of making a top and skirt out of the same print.
Because I'm sure it will be asked, if it wasn't already- what patterns did you use?
that is a truly lovely dress!
~ Ann
All of the dresses you have posted so far are very pretty and have inspired me to make one of my own. But, where I live here in the Northeast, the seasons are short and the weather changes day by day quite a bit sometimes. We have many long months of cold or even bitterly cold weather. Your pretty creations could not be worn here for very long. Do you have any suggestions for dresses to make for the cold months you can post? If I start making a dress now, it would be a fall one if I were to get much use from it.
Also, do you have any easy apron patterns you like in particular? I have an easy one for a half apron, but the only full apron pattern I have is pretty complex.
Thank you in advance for any suggestions and for all your wonderful advice. You really do a nice job on your dresses!
That dress in the painting is stunning! I do like your blueberry dress:-) Very pretty and looks cool and comfie.
Hi Mrs. Lydia,
I love your blueberry dress. It's pretty and looks lovely on you.
Kaye :)
Very pretty, and I love the fabric!! It looks cool and comfortable!
Keep the pix coming!!!
Dear Lady Lydia,
My little boy would love that dress! He likes to pretend like fruit is real on fabric. He picks it and "feeds" it to me!
The painting is just breathtaking.
Love,
Marqueta
Skirts and blouses can look like dresses and if you want to look slimmer, you can use this technique. However, I only make them when I do not have a long length of fabric for a dress. Shorter pieces are a reason to make skirts instead. I do not like mix and match because it makes for a very messy closet. I prefer a dress because it the top and bottom are matched already and it hangs on one hanger.
On this skirt I added a piece of lace.
I will put the pattern numbers up, soon. The neckline did have to be added to and I will try to show an easy way to do that.
That is a very nice, feminine, comfy dress! Cotton is nice, as you say, because when they become a little worn, you can wear them as housedresses. I always cut up worn-out clothing for rag rugs. Fun!
I love the beautiful dress. The mismatched buttons add the character and charm of the dress!!
Just wanted to say something quite important about modesty.
We try to pay attention to modesty because we do want to follow the Bible. People are all over the place saying they love Christ, but he said, "If you love me, keep my commandments."
In another place, he said, "Why call ye me "Lord, Lord" and do not the things that I say?" His word tells women to "adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness."
If young girls would take the time to look up those Greek meanings and apply them, they would not forever be complaining that it is just too materialistic to talk about clothing.
Clothing was so important to the Old Testament figures that to have 30 pieces of clothing was a great honor. At worship time, people had to put on holy clothing.
THey had to dress up in a special way to worship.
IN the New Testament it is even more specific: adorn (drape), modest (hidden, appropriate, etc), apparel (loose and flowing garment---certainly not clingy), with shamefacedness (bashful, shy, not trying to show off the flesh).
The point is, that the skin should be majorly covered. Today women, whether they are too old or too fat, or too thin, or whatever, still want to dress like toddlers, with more flesh showing than fabric, as though they had something they wanted others to admire.
It is not that women should be ashamed of their skin or their bodies, but it is that the flesh is mostly private and special and not open to the public. Why would anyone want their stretch marks from child birth to be seen by anyone but their husbands?
At the creation, there was only God looking at Adam and Eve when they were naked, but the Bible says they were "ashamed." And, God sewed them clothing. Yes, even though no one else was looking, they were naked in the sight of God. They were ashamed, and God wanted them covered.
I think also we have gotten used to seeing so much bare skin as a society, that it is harder for people to look for the real person--the personality.
Bareness is a big distraction from the real person, the real personality..
Clothing is a lot of fun and the prints and colors are endless. I cannot understand why people want to go around in a grayish hoodie and a pair of dirty jeans (brand name) when those things cost quite a bit and the cotton clothing is a lot less expensive. It is an enormous amount of peer pressure going on here, to conform to what the styles are out there.
I saw several comments about dowdy dresses being discouraging, but can a dress, any dress, be any dowdier than a pair of dirty jeans with frayed cuffs dragging on the floor picking up dust, with the clunky horrid dirty sports shoes? Can any thing be dowdier than the whale but with the wide belt going around it, or the bare muffin top on the too tight low cut jeans? Can anything be dowdier than the layered tee shirts combined of muddy green, muddy gray, and dirt colored over blouse? Can any thing be dowdier than the goon looking hoodie? I mean, really, who invented this junk, and why are parents paying the stylists to make their daughters look like they just climbed up from the grave?
Answering a few questions that came in:
Winter clothes: They are the same as summer clothes, made with warmer fabric, like flannel or heavier cottons, or cottons in colors of the season. If you aren't going to be living outside in winter, there is no reason to pile on huge amounts of heavy clothes in the house, so you can wear a lot of your summer clothing, by just adding a vest or a sweater or warm leggings. It is the coat that counts, in winter. It could be long and lined and keep you warm, no matter what you wear. I personally dont think jackets or windbreakers or hoodies look good on women unless they are with a matching skirt in a pretty color
My size: I'm not thin, but I know better than to try to stuff myelf in a pair of low cut jeans and give myself a "whale butt" as one commenter termed it, by adding a wide belt studded with metal. Women, especially older women, who are grown up enough to KNOW BETTER, ought to refrain from creating the "muffin top" (that is the part of the belly and waist line that is squished upwards when wearing low cut, tight jeans--I had to ask a previous poster for explanation!) that shows to all the public.
Regarding modesty and emphasis on "looks"--sorry I can't print your comment, but will answer it here:
You might as well tell the Holy Spirit, who wrote these words in the Old Testament:
Deuteronomy 22:5 The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
that He was being legalistic or just focusing on clothing and not on the soul. The clothing people wore did have something to do with the condition of their souls, whether anyone wants to accept it or not. For example, in the New Testament, the Holy Spirit wrote:
1Ti 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety...
Would you say that this scripture focuses too much on the outward appearance, and chastise the apostle for penning these words, guided by God?
The great reason for practicing modesty is because God knows the danger of immodesty.Not everyone is going to look for your personality. THey will notice your skin first. That is why the face should be the focus, not the rear end or the bust or the thighs or the shape of the legs. No one is thinking, when they walk past a magazine at the check out counter, "I get that woman with the cleavage has a great personality." They are looking at the flesh, not admiring the soul!
CLothing offers much more variety than bareness. You can do so much more with fabric and it can also make you look much slimmer than the hoodie and the tight jeans (which make even thin women think they are fat)
Just keep looking at the old paintings and think about it a bit more before you jump to conclusions. I've studied patterns and clothing for a long long time, and have a whole collection of quotes from past designers about the reasons that certain styles were pushed on people. You might also go to Jennie Chancey's sewing board for history and techniques of sewing. Often some of the girls who sew will tell a reason why people wore so many layers of clothing, or why certain things were done. Today, we just throw on a tee shirt and a pair of jeans, and buy the notion that it is "materialistic" or "vain" to pay attention to what we look like or how we dress. It certainly is not "vain" if we are trying to be appropriate.
If you think that clothing and modesty has nothing to do with spiritual things, then why were such verses included in the Bible? Even if clothing and modesty have nothing to do with the soul, the very fact that modesty was commanded, is reason enough.
The fact is, though, the immodest display in summer DOES affect the souls of others, especially those who are weaker. We are supposed to help the weaker brother and not be a stumbling block to them. Girls, help men, and treat them as brothers, by being modest.
I think that as Christian women we have been told for too long that thinking too much about our appearance is vain. However, the Bible talks A LOT about clothing and hair. So, we shouldn't say, "Oh, it's just clothing!" or "Oh, it's just hair!" We're only condemned for being vain if we go over the top with ostentatious clothing and hair-dos, overly-expensive clothing, etc., which are designed to attract attention for the purpose of pride and making other people envious. We shouldn't be immodest in THAT way, either.
Ha-Ha! Why to parents pay stylists to dress their daughters like they have come up from the grave!!!
I've always thought that those ripped jeans that have the dirty hems torn and dragging behind look like "Lazarus's grave clothes" or like some thing The Mummy would wear!
However, we are a culture that is obsessed with death as well as unnaturalness.
And, Lydia, what do you imagine that these ladies in the paintings were named??
Another trend I don't like is that of naming girls boys' names. In the past, girls had girls names (Margaret, Helen, Catherine, etc.,) and boys had boys names (John, George, Edward, etc.). Now, names are unisex. When you read a birth announcement, you can't tell if it is a girl or a boy by the name (as my alumni paper has said, when requesting that parents sending in birth announcements tell if the child is a boy or a girl.
I realize many of us can't help what our parents have named us, but we can, as women, refuse to be called by a boyish or mannish nick-name at least!
I was the one who did the Anon about names. I realize of course, that names are cultural and some people from other cultures have names for girls that we would consider boys' names and vice versa. So, I take that into consideration, of course, and do not condemn.
And, it is not a sin to have unisex names or anything like that. I have noticed in the Bible that some names are used for both men and women.
I have noticed, though, how many unisex names we have today, when we didn't used to have them in our society at all, and it just got me to thinking that maybe it really isn't the best thing, ya know?
Same Anon on names again: I have noticed that Southern ladies frequently have names like Bobby or Billy, but they are feminized by combining them with women's names: Bobby Sue, or Billy Mae. I like that.
I certainly agree with you about the names: it is hard to distinguish if they dont tell you if it is a boy or girl. I think it would be easier on the child, less explaining all through is life, if we would use distinctly male and female names.
Also to add to the discussion about denim. There is a history of why denim came to be. It was tent fabric and then later was made into trousers for the men on the gold fields in the gold rush days in the west. It was a material that would not be torn as easily by the rocks and rough treatment of the rough living at the time.
I dont think women really need to wear the jeans as much as they do. Now they think dresses are "formal" or "for best" but they show up in church and at weddings and tea parties in torn jeans and ugly tops. It is certainly true that designs are for masculine from the waist down and feminine for the waist up. Think about it.
Designers truly are corrupt in many ways and they care nothing for making women look good, but care about their own profit, and of course, are laughing all the way to the bank, while they see thousands of gullible women buy their products.
Thank you, Lydia, for your comments about calling the Holy Spirit legalistic and to the commentor prior that stated that if we love God we will keep His commandments. I don't understand how a Christian can decide that because we are living under the "new covenant" that the words of the Old Testament no longer apply to us. As a mother, I understand that if my own son were to be sacrificed for the sins of the people (crimes committed that God says are an abomination to Him) I would not feel that it was now okay for everyone to do as they please because we're now under grace and the Spirit!!! NO!!!! It would now be a greater abomination to me than it was when it was the blood of bulls and goats that was shed for the cleansing of sins. How the heart of God must grieve over us Americans!!
And as far as being focused on looks: what is the purpose of that focus? To attract people to the flesh? Or to the personality or spirit of a person? "What know you not that you are the temple of the Living God?" God sure did give a lot of details about how His earthly temple was to be designed.....it was His design.....not man's. He must care a lot about how we reflect Him to the world.
By the way, Proverbs says that a woman that wears the clothing of an harlot IS ONE. If we say we are Christian and dress like an harlot what are we saying to the world about God? Maybe, this explains the current condition of our nation. We say we serve God but our hearts are far from Him??? :(
It's interesting to note that many of the patterns listed here are '2hour' patterns or fast and easy patterns. At times, I have found nice cottons in the discounted sections of certain stores for $1-$2 a yard. I think we really can make our clothes quicker and less expensively than shopping for them....and also with much less stress. If you consider the amount of immodesty, immorality and blasphemy one experiences when shopping. That always stresses me out especially when I have my young children with me. I believe that having the children see and hear these things actually causes them to be desensitized to how wrong it is!
That is so true. When you have to also listen to the words of the rotten music being played in stores, it just makes a bundle of nerves out of you and you cant make decisions about purchases, properly.
Even if the sewn garment is not perfect, ladies, surely the finished garment will be better than the stores have to offer.
For that matter, if you just had someone trace around your body and you sewed a dress, it would STILL be better than what you see.
Just take your daughter to Joanns and look at the fabric and get some ideas.
I have sewn everything from men's suits (taylored) to wedding dresses (the old fashioned kind with sleeves and layers of details) and costume patterns, and even sewn upholstery things and decorating items like drapes, but when it comes down to saving time with a finished product, I prefer the two pattern pieces of a dress or skirt, and not something so complicated that you cannot enjoy the finished product quickly.
Even ifyou make a mistake, or the pattern doesnt quite fit, it has to be better than anything out there offered to women. Even ifyou wrapped 9 yards of fabric around yourself and walked around in it, it would still be BETTER, so don't think you cant make something and wear it. With the torn, unfinished edges "in style" what could go wrong in your own sewing attempts? Just remember what the straight arrow on the pattern is for, remember to wash the fabric and hang it on the line, then press it, folded, outside facing you. Find someone who knows sewing and ask for other details.
This is so fun, Lady Lydia, this is my favorite type of thing on your blog. You just look so sweet!
What an inspiration. Love you,
Feel funny not leaving my name!
The commenter who mentioned the stress of taking children shopping, because they are desensitized is right on. I am so frustrated by the lack of shopping options. Then, when we go to the mall, the only children's store with appropriate dresses for my daughter is just a few doors down from Victoria's Secret. There's always a poster of a supermodel with massive cleavage spilling out of their latest creation! The last few times I've shopped, I really seriously considered boycotting the mall for good!
Oh, I think this dress is my favorite, so fresh and lovely!
I have tried to discuss things like this on my blog, but whenever it is brought up, all kinds of anonymous flames appear accusing me of blaming the victim, etc. when a young girl gets looked at too much in a lustful way, etc.
I have a different take on the blame-the-victim excuse. Not everyone will look for personality or the real person within. Men will look for the sexy part of a woman's body, whether she is modest or not. If she is modest, she will at least be free from the guilt of trying to be overtly sexy in public, thus tempting a man. If the man is weak, and easily tempted, of course everyone blames the man. They say it is his problem. They say he lacks control. THey say he is the one at fault. But the scriptures say that a brother who is weak should be helped by those who are stronger. Ladies ought to be stronger and wear clothes that help the brother not to be weak. Doesn't that make sense? If you want men to keep their minds on things that are pure and good and productive, dress in such a way as not to expose all your cleavage, (back and front), or your legs or shoulders (also a sex focal point), and all the places they would naturally look. And younger women ought to save themselves for their future husbands.
I am reading a book about when communism took over the Soviet Union. Many brilliant thinkers and upstanding citizens were imprisoned. One of the first things they did whenever they arrested a group of people was to make them strip completely down. A first hand account said that it destroyed the person's dignity and self assurance they became just one in a sea of flesh. They no longer had the desire or will to object neither could they look the jailers or officials in the eye as equals. Their inferiority was being underlined and emphasized. That was such a chilling scene to me.
Our clothing gives much dignity to our poor feeble bodies of temporal flesh. In the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve covered themselves with fig leaves, small and flimsy; But God in mercy to them, covered their bodies in the skin of a slain lamb. Just as Jesus died on the cross his body was slain to cover our sins.
Our flesh should be covered. No excuses. Satan wants to strip us and leave us exposed. Jesus Christ covers us and restores our dignity.
Clothing is such a protection. Causing a brother to lust, or somebody that we are dating, is an aside. Of course, we shouldn't tempt these men either.
But, as far as a real criminal predator goes (a rapist), skimpy clothing says to the rapist: "naive" and "careless" -- therefore an easy victim. Also, skimpy clothing gives a rapist a reason in his sick mind to rape ("she was asking for it" even if she wasn't) and an excuse. We shouldn't walk around looking like easy victims.
It's childish to think we can "wear whatever we please" with no repercussions.
Can I ask about your use of cotton fabric?
Are all cottons created equal...I have sewn with some before that WRINKLES so bad after you wear it just a few minutes..it ends up looking sloppy...would you mind giving a few pointers on this...picking out quality of fabrics...
I too like this dress...I would like a dozen or so....maybe mix and match a bit...
these are my favorite posts....
you do a wonderful job of explaining....thank you for being you!
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I read all the comments so far but just have a moment to write at this time. Lady Lydia I have one question. Could you tell us how to get onto Jennie Chancey's sewing board? I noted you mentioned it and I haden't heard of it before. I sewed for years but have not been able to for a while. I sure want to get back to it soon. Thankyou so much for continuing posts about this subject.
Another hint:
If you're trying to make adjustments to patterns or combining patterns...a good way to start is to make it up first in an inexpensive muslin before using the fabric you want to make your dress out of.
For the lady who is facing a lot of cold weather and wondering about fabrics: I have found that the quilting flannels are very good for dresses, warm and thicker than the cheap flannels you find sold for pajamas and the like. If you have a quilting store near you, they will probably stock them. They have beautiful prints and are quite thick and heavy. I have made many dresses with them that lasted with hard wear and lots of laundering for as much as ten years. They are very warm.
In fact, today I'm going to our local quilting store to see what's there in the way of flannel - we're in the middle of winter where I live!
I really enjoy all of your posts on Modesty. This cotton dress is pretty and once women get used to "dressing" it is never a big deal to wear dresses or skirts again. I only wear dresses or skirts. I do use a lot of demin at home, I love ruffles on my skirts.
And pretty tops.
I am so glad to see someone sewing. These posts makes me want to sew again.
Also the comment about the music and atmosphere in the mall, oh my, I thought it was just me. I have left many stores just feeling awful, so out of my realm, it is so sexual and lustful, and when I think about going back those memories makes me not want to.
I very much agree about the wonderful cotton flannel. If you live in a northern climate, this fabric is great even in summer. I make clothes that go through winter, just by making them long sleeved and long length hems. That way, if I do not have time to make winter clothes, I can still wear the summer ones a little longer.
Dear Lady Lydia,
Thank you for making the comment about making clothing slightly loose since women's weight will vary from week to week .My weight does go up and down from week to week but, I haven't heard anyone "say" it. I thought I was one of the few with this flucuation issue.
Oh, I never thought of flannel. And yes, btw, my weight fluctuates like that!
I love the suggestion of using quilting flannel for warmer winter dresses. Winter in my part of the Southern Hemisphere is not so cold as to need such (though if one lives in the mountains, Southern Highlands, Northern, Central or Southern Tablelands - now that's different... When in New Zealand a couple of years ago with my husband, I bought a beautiful woolen Aaron Jumper (sweater for those in the US/Canada) and a matching soft marino scarf; worn with a long-sleeved high-collar T and long skirt, it is very warm and cosy; Tello and City Rose make leggings and full slips out of warm, stretch-cotton fabric in black or white, your Middle Eastern Clothierre will sell these in all sizes. they also sell undershorts for summer wear.
To the naysayers that acuse us of fixating upon material things, Remember Paul's words; are we going to use our freedom in Christ to keep on transgressing? 'Golden Ticket to do what we want'? no. Never. Freedom and licence are two completely separate things; many within the modern Church misuse the term 'Freedom', living instead in licence and abandon. get onto www.quakerjane.com and read the modesty article by Frances Fischer; this puts it so lovingly and succinctly; any arguments against modesty aren't left with a leg to stand on. My modesty is my dignity. I am not a mere object on display; my body is a private matter, a gift for me and my husband. I am more confident in myself than to need to wander around letting it all hang out for the world to see; what is this achieving? it is illogical at the very least; humans are naturally visual creatures, so let the visual focus be on the face and let the person be seen as more than just a display item. We don't need to be sexually charged when out and about; sexuality is a beautiful gift preserved for the domaine of the private sphere, where, in the loving trust of our spouses, we are accepted just as we are.
if modesty were more honoured, I believe there would be less childhood and teen lives ruined by dangerous and distructive eating disorders.
Where is the Church Millitant? Even if it is on the whole too incipid, incapable and limp-wristed to speak up for women and men (and modesty IS, after all FOR, not against women and men), we can champion it every single day without a single word being spoken. Naysayers, read this and leave your anger and upset behind; give it all to God and try it for a moment; you might be pleasantly surprised.
Thanks, Sarah in Oz. You just can't hide ;-)
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