Tuesday, April 26, 2011

The picture that inspired a pattern



I am so excited the new Natalie pattern is now available from Sew Beautiful! :-)


I want to share with you the story behind this pattern. This is the picture that inspired the pattern. (note: I think my brother cut my bangs.)






This all got started over some jacquard ribbon. Several years ago Kathy B and I were working on the SB Dainty Design samples and she showed me some new jacquard ribbon that Martha Pullen was carrying .


That got me started on the story of my favorite dress when I was little. We were living in Bermuda and my Texas born and raised mother did not really understand the exchange rate. She bought some really pretty jacquard ribbon for a gingham dress that she was making for me. Later on she realized the ribbon cost more then the entire dress! I loved that dress!



The Natalie pattern is a "semi princess" style dress and is available in girl sizes 2-6 and 8-14. There are three different necklines available and three different sleeve options with this pattern.


http://store.marthapullen.com/p-7524-vintage-natalie-2-6.aspx








As a bonus, a christening gown pattern based on the Natalie pattern is available in the pull out section of Sew Beautiful #135


I can't wait to see what everyone creates from this pattern!

15 comments:

  1. I love the story behind the dress! Aren't you so cute in your favorite dress? :) This pattern is awesome and I really love the variations you did in Sew Beautiful. So in awe of you...

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  2. A pretty little dress. And I love the larger size too. I have two 12 year old Granddaughters. The dress looks flattering.

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  3. This is such a pretty look! Great pattern and such a treat to have a story to share. It is wonderful to have the pattern in bigger girl sizes, too.

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  4. Thank you for sharing the story behind the dress. It makes it that much more special!
    Many of us have photos with similar hairstyles, and we did not all have mischievous brothers!

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  5. It's it just amazing how some ideas are put together to take their final form. A beautiful pattern started as wonderful family story.

    Can't wait to hear / see your next one. ;-)

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  6. What a gorgeous dress pattern; I love the way it can be adapted to well for a christening gown. Beautiful.
    You look so cute and happy in your dress.

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  7. Janet, I love this pattern, and enjoyed seeing your as a little girl! I remember bangs just like that...
    Carla

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  8. My mom used to sew my clothes, and several of the things I sewed for my own daughter were versions of clothes I had worn as a child. While I have enjoyed sewing for my grandson, the news that a new little granddaughter is on the way has made me very excited about sewing again. One of the treats of "grandmother sewing" is that budget is not as much of a concern. No more iron on dots for smocking. I am thoroughly enjoying learning how to use my new pleater, and my lace collection is definitely larger and more beautiful.

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  9. Beautiful!! If only I had this pattern a month ago...what a beautiful First Communion dress it would have made. Instead, out of frustration on finding a pattern, I purchased the dress. Oh well!

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  10. Just starting the pattern- my daughter and I picked it out for her back to school dress. I was looking to see if there is pipping on the top edge of the dress for the square neck version. The instructions don't have it... I am not sure why I want it to be there...

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  11. Helen de Alvarez HDealvarez@aol.comJanuary 30, 2012 at 9:26 AM

    Janet, I saw a christening gown made from this pattern and tried to buy the magazine (#135 I think, Easter 2011) from Martha Pullen, but it's out of stock, and they don't seem to sell the pattern separately. is there any way to still get this beautiful pattern?

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  12. Helen, please email me and we can chat. I will look to see if I have and extra copy.~janet g

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  13. Helen, I must have given away my extra copy. I did a Google search and found this company. I have never done business with them so you may want to call first.

    Please let SB know that you wanted the but it was sold out. Maybe they will republish it~janet

    http://www.teawithjosephine.net/servlet/the-799/Sew-Beautiful-Martha-Pullen/Detail

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  14. Janet, my 12 year old has seen this pattern and is in love! She is a harpist with the Seattle Youth Symphony, and needs a new black frock to wear for performances. She loves your skirt treatment, so now she wants me to lengthen it and to use black Alencon lace for 3/4 length sleeves, and black silk dupioni for the gown itself. Simply gorgeous!

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  15. Hi! I have the size 2-6 Natalie pattern and would love to find the 8-14 pattern now that my girls are bigger. Do you have any tips for where I might find the larger size. THANKS!

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