Dresses for the Home

       

                                 Poppies, by Louis Lemaire, French, 1824-1910

                           

Sometimes I choose fabric that is similar to the 19the century floral paintings like the one featured here.  This fabric is cotton but has no brand stamped on the selvedge so I do not know where it is from or the name of the print.

                            

Although I have mentioned Laura Ashley's famous designs for wearing at home that were so well-liked, there were other designers who also made cotton dresses, equally as treasured by ladies all around the world, such as Jessica McClintock and Lanz of Salzburg. There were lesser known designers also and I will add them to these posts when I find their names in old Victoria's.

Of all the house dresses I have made this year, this understated little calico dress had been pronounced the favorite by the owners.

I noticed the roses on the print had a bit of very light pink on the petals so I used some rose buttons I had been saving. I am also thinking of adding light pink ribbon on the hem and sleeves.

Here are some patterns from vintage pattern sites.  Above and below are Lanz patterns. They were also available in ready-made and advertised often in the original Victoria magazines.

Below are two Jessica McClintock patterns which were also available as ready-made cotton dresses.

It is nice to look forward to getting up in the morning and putting on a pretty cotton dress and apron and feeling dressed up for something important. It makes every day special.