No matter how depressing the weather, I like to express hope for the coming season by making a retro summer frock or two.

Last year I was so desperate to see a bit of sun, I  made a shocking pink dress on New Year’s Day. It helped with my mood, but did nothing to influence the weather.

The other day, my friend Andrew Wilkey, a photographer based in Hove

http://www.andrewwilkey.co.uk/

came round to take my photo for some Dandy & Rose publicity I have planned, so of course I put on this year’s summer frocks. And lo! the sun came out!

This is the second time I’ve used Butterick 5813. Last time I made it in blue wool crepe, with lining, but this time I skipped the lining (I just know it’s going to be really hot this summer) and went instead for a favourite combination – stretch denim with touches of Liberty print.

A couple of years ago, I bought a dress length of aqua and red floral Liberty print . It always said “40s” to me so I was thrilled when I spotted Butterick 5846 – a 1940s style shirt dress.

It takes me right back to my early teens. My mum made me a similar dress during the mid-70s revival of 1940s style. It was green and had a floral shawl collar. The sleeve head was box pleated (this one is gathered). Mum even made a belt and I feel sure she used a buckle from my grandma’s box of salvaged buttons and buckles. I bet the fabric came from the street market in Nuneaton, which in those days had a fantastic fabric stall, right outside Woolworth’s. I wore it with wedge patent peep-toe shoes.

I can clearly remember dancing to Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel”s ‘Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)’ at a youth club disco, wearing that dress.  I thought I was the bee’s knees!

But why let it be just a memory? Here’s the contemporary version…

 

I’ve added a cuff and piped the yokes. Of course!

And yes, I know – my legs could do with a bit of sun on them. Fingers crossed!