Vintage Shirt ReStyle

Not sure if this counts in Sew Retro terms? But I was so pleased with the outcome I wanted to share! It's a vintage shirt restyled in a preppy retro style?? I picked up this pale denim shirt dress, for £1 at a charity shop. It looked so shapeless when I tried it on, that it's been shoved in my "to sew" pile for nearly a year. (I kid you not!). But I really loved the light coloured denim and it's so lovely and soft. I knew I wanted to do something with it, just not what.

I didn't want to post the whole thing on here as it's quite a long "how to" post. So if you want to read more it's over on my blog. :)

Desperately Seeking...

Option A w/o Big Ass Ruffle™

NOT Susan. Actually, I'm looking for a dropped waist full circle skirt pattern, either from a dress or just a skirt for my new spring frock. I've got this amazing border printed fabric that is printed in panels that are half circles (I've got 4 half circles). I've got this amazing "cotton stretch satin" to make the skirt yoke and skinny belt and the blouse (for which I've got a lovely pattern).

<----------- See?



Floral Fantasy Frock Fabric

But I need something to figure out the bottom half. Because of the way the pattern runs and the need to stuff my big fat hips in it, I need a yoked skirt to make the most out of the fabric. I'm planning on making a crinoline poufer to go under it for max effect also. So what say you? Have you a favorite pattern for something like this? Will I have to self-draft? Because I've got nuthin' in my stash that really springs to mind.

Opinions please...

Okay, so Ive made 5 of these dresses from my 40s repro pattern and I do so adore them. The back bodice of the pattern has one long gather across the waistline, which creates a boxy look above the belt. I am cool with this on some of the dresses with lighter fabric, as the drape shows the gathers and is a bit more shaped, but on others Im not too sure. Perhaps I just need some time to warm up to the look.

Now Im NOT gonna take apart the dress, but I was thinking of adding another row (perhaps two) of gathers about an inch apart to create a shirring effect along the bottom. Just shape it up a bit.

Thoughts?

Thanks all!