I really like the bright happy colors and retro style of the new quilting line Oh Happy Day by Riley Blake Designs, but most of the prints were not quite vintage-specific enough for me. One exception was this fun circles print, which instantly reminded me of 1950s fabric.

So I used it and cut out a dress from a vintage pattern I have had since very early on in my sewing years…and never made until now. It has the slender 1950s silhouette, but with some unusual touches that I love!

The front is fairly straightforward, once you are accustomed to this style of pockets…something I only recently tackled, but found surprisingly easy, and have done frequently since then.

The bodice is typical of the time period, with a fitted torso, dolman sleeves, and a crisp collar. 

It also has unique construction, which I had done before and enjoy – where you sew the shoulder and neck/back collar seam in one swoop, then come back, fold and hand fell the front of the collar to that seam. No facings at all! And a very neat, professional finish for the inside, if that matters to you.

Another time I will cut the overlap part up higher so the neck is higher, but otherwise the fit was very nice! It was supposed to have wing cuffs, but I find them unhandy especially when layering with a cardigan. Too much rearranging. So I just added white bands instead, using RBD Confetti Cotton in white for that pure white contrast.

The sleeve style is very comfortable to wear, without the arm restriction that often comes with this period. 

The back was extremely unique, with several layers of pleats and darts on top of pleats and darts to gather in all that fulness to a nice fit at the waist. I've never sewn anything like it, but it was fun!

I like how it gives plenty of walking and sitting room, yet retains the slender style overall. 

I will say that the straight front skirt is not my favorite. I still have to lose a little weight from my last pregnancy before I will look good in a skirt like this – but I totally would try piecing together a different skirt front with this same back, because it's that awesome!

I chose buttons that echoed the little dotted circle print.

When looking for vintage-suitable fabric among modern quilting cottons and aren't sure about prints, you are always safe with a classic stripe or polka dot, but geometrics are often easy to find as well – or in this case, circles. Plus, in a quilting line these prints usually come in several color ways, so that makes it perfect for finding a color that suits you! Almost like shopping in a vintage magazine with their fabric swatches. 

It is definitely early spring here now, so this cheery dress feels very appropriate, despite the lingering snow on the north slopes. 

It's the style that I like to wear for knockabout, or when I feel like dressing up a bit more for everyday. Not a church dress, but not a house dress either. Maybe town dress is the right name?

It was high time to give this pattern a chance to shine after all those years in my stash. I will definitely keep it around for the future!