Feedsack Inspired Bonnie Dress
This post is my honest opinion using fabric I received free of charge from Harts Fabric.
Its been a hot minute on this blog, hasn’t it? My oldest started kindergarten at the end of August and I tell ya what, even though having one kid in school has made life easier in some ways, in other ways it really is more hectic! But our family is enjoying the new rhythm, even if its a little faster paced. And though its been quiet on the blog, I’ve still been sewing away and turning out some fun projects like this vintage-y Bonnie dress.
When the Bonnie blouse and dress pattern by Sew Over It came out I instantly loved it. The style was super cute and I really liked the old school vibe of the dress. I don’t normally wear tops fully buttoned to the collar, but I wanted to give this look a try.
I chose a darling floral rayon challis from Harts Fabric for my Bonnie dress and its pretty much a perfect pairing. The feedsack style print compliments the vintage details of the pattern like the rounded collar, bodice pleats, and A-line skirt. Of course I loved the pink background, and the floral pattern in teal, purple, and gold makes it really easy to coordinate accessories. They’re also not too vibrant which will help this dress transition to fall and winter—I mean, how adorable will this dress be with some knit tights and a cardigan? Cute, right?!
I made a size 18 and am very happy with the fit. Usually sleeves on woven tops are too snug on me, but because these ones have a bit of gathering at the cap they have plenty of ease and are really comfortable. If I were to do it again I’d probably shorten the bodice, only because if I wear the elastic waist at my actual waist the bodice blouses more than I’d like. In addition to keeping the length in the bodice I also kept the original skirt length for more of a midi style.
I normally don’t wear tops buttoned all the way up (or crew necks or turtlenecks for that matter) because I’ve been conditioned to think its not flattering on larger busts, but I have to say I really like the fully buttoned bodice on me. The Bonnie also features a concealed button placket which is really neat, but now that I’ve made it part of me wishes there were instructions for a normal button placket. I feel like its almost too plain and that being able to see the buttons would add some visual interest. Even so, I do appreciate the clean look and how nicely it lays because of the hand tacking in between the buttonholes.
I do find the sleeves are designed a little long, which combined with the high neckline made me feel rather matronly. I ended up shortening the sleeves quite a bit and I think it really helps balance the conservative neckline for a more youthful look.
This pattern feels so nice in the flowy rayon. I love what this fabric does in the A-line cut and just walking in this dress and feeling the skirt swish and float makes me feel so feminine. I really like the dress version and am eager to make a blouse to pair with a double knit pencil skirt I’ve got cooking.
Also, if you’re curious about why this fabric is called “feedsack floral rayon”, take a look at this brief history of feedsack fabric for some fun trivia about the inspiration behind this style of floral print. And if feedsack or vintage textile projects are kind of your thing, check back in November for a super neat project I’ll be sharing…!
