I now interrupt an unintentionally long string of blue projects to bring you…a red one! This was a super fun and rewarding project. It began when I realized that I have been constantly wearing a dress I'd made a few years ago – that I still fit in it comfortably and it was flattering to my little baby bump. Suddenly I felt like making another version, this time short sleeve. 

I promptly paired it with a red gingham sheet I'd thrifted a few months ago, and knew it would be the best cheery 1950s house dress. Once I outgrow it this spring, it will be ready for me to wear after the baby is born. It will still be summer then, so I know I will make use of it later, and layer it with a sweater in the winter. 

Sewing with sheets can be risky since often they are stained, faded, have uneven fade marks, or may be worn enough that the fabric won't last long with that extra strain of wearing. But on the other hand, they are such lovely wide pieces of fabric to work with, and usually are a great, densely woven cotton blend that washes without wrinkling. This one was in good enough shape I was willing to risk it.

Plus, I got it for only 99 cents. Sometimes sewing can still be the economic way to get clothes!

Since I had used the pattern years before – and it's pretty basic anyway – it was a breeze to make, and quite a quick project. Partly because I enjoyed working on it so much that I'd snatch moments of sewing throughout the day, which add up quickly.

I like this pattern a lot because it's a simple house dress that is fitted, yet the shoulder gathers add not just detail, but plenty of room for the bust – which is a nice element when you are fluctuating sizes. The skirt pleats stitched in the front don't add bulk, but rather just the right amount of slimming, and a little extra fullness to walk in. It's a very comfortable style. 

For this version, a white collar seemed to be the right choice (also making a variation on the first version), so I used some white seersucker from the stash, and had the idea to do a double row of contrasting top-stitching – which I absolutely love. I was very careful in stitching it to make sure it would be as straight as possible. I just love the little detail it adds. Plus it makes the collar nice and crisp. Now I want to top stitch everything in contrast! 

I wanted to make the dress roomy enough that I could wear it for a while yet, and I think I succeeded a little too well, as it's a tad big for me on the top. I should deepen the sleeve seams a little, and maybe later take it in at the sides. A belt works well enough now to get a decent fit. I have a dressier version planned too, and will make sure the bodice fits me better on that one.

The square buttons mirror the gingham squares, and as I expected, the dress is comfortable to wear, and doesn't wrinkle much. The perfect wash-and-wear-right-away everyday dress! 

Plus the cheery color, pretty collar, and trim fit make me feel very housewifely and spring-ish, and like it I am wearing an actual vintage 1950s house dress, which are all good feelings!