Blooming - The Floral Dress

Just finished the year-end fundraiser for my job and now with a little down time sewing is in order. Actually, I am a bit obsessed with sewing dresses, especially floral girly dresses. When does floral go out of style? Never! I found (per usual) some wonderful floral prints at Haberman Fabrics in Royal Oak.

This blue ball gown is a cotton pique. So yummy to wear and it has pockets. What girl doesn't need pockets. I think pockets are a must.

Wearing the dress at Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island

The short and long of it...
This wonderful floral is a embroidered cotton. Same style as above, mostly because it fits my figure, but knee length. It has a dropped waist, pockets and full skirt. I like to walk and spin!

On to the next dress...

Shipwrecked

For my birthday I decided to throw a party. I wanted to use the theme of Princesses, but some thought it too childish for a 50 year old, so I went with another love of mine... the Sea. A love of lighthouse, the angry sea and mariners seem to be an interesting idea.

In researching the details and design aspect all that I found were really traditional things - Nautical & Pirates, so this blog is hopefully an inspiration to finding more within a theme. The invitation started with Microsoft word and a picture of one of my favorite lighthouses -- Minot's Ledge Light of the coast of Maine. Minot's uses the flashing signal of 1--4--3 (I love you) something I have carried with me for decades.


For the décor I choose navy and cream as the colors with the addition of orange for accent. Lots of water, floating candles, and roping. For additional atmosphere I used fleece blankets and added an anchor stencil on the corners. They acted as deck throws. Snack containers (orientaltrading.com) for munchies with an added sticker that I printed myself -easy breezy. The wine bottles had their own life vest (amazon.com) and each guest at check-in received an itinerary.

         

Attire: Nauti-Shipwrecked

Costume 1. The nautical shipwreck

I used a stripped knit for the top and blue linen for the skirt. Red roping to attach the sleeves. I shredded the skirt.

Costume 2. Falling off the ship without all your clothes on ...
I made pantaloons and a chemise out of linen and ordered a corset from amazon.com and sewed strips of the linen over the stays of the corset. I added roping to the lacing of the back and tied square knots to put in my hair. I opted for #2 because it was so comfortable and fun. When can you get away with wearing your underwear on the outside!

The Food: A buffet station of "crew chow" beef stew, calm chowder, salad and biscuits. The catering staff wore jeans and flannel shirts and aprons.

Thanks to Edward's Café and Catering and Jazz Café at Music Hall staff.