Granny Chic Hawthorn - Minerva Blogger Network

posted by Marie on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 64 comments

Friends, I'm so excited! Last year I was asked to join the Minerva Blogger Network and I now finally have my first make share. Determined not to embarrass myself on my first network outing and eager to make 2014 the year of the dress, I decided to go with a tried and tested pattern. I've made Hawthorn by Colette Patterns twice before with great results and minimal fitting issues – a sleeveless Neolithic dress version and a polka dot blouse version.

Couple a foolproof pattern with some delicious chambray and lovely lilac buttons...and bingo! In fact, you can get your very own kit here...minus the granny chic floral print! That's a charity shop sheet from my stash, sorry! Teehee!


The Hawthorn pattern has always been a breeze for me to fit and just like the last two times, I made a straight size 6 and only shortened the bodice pieces by a couple of centimetres. One thing I did do differently though was to add 3 centimetres to the collar pieces. Hawthorn's collar is quite delicate and petite normally, but for this version I wanted to make more of a statement with it.


Another thing I like about this pattern and working with such delightful fabric, is the neat finish inside. I was able to overlock all seams, as well as the facings, which reduced bulk as I didn’t bother turning under twice. This is an important factor for me, because the Hawthorn could easily become quite bulky around the collar area.



Obligatory back shot - pardon the large derriere, but I love how well the back and shoulders fit me! 


Also, I totally look like a cross between Mr Bean and Davina McCall in the picture below, but I just had to show you how twirly this skirt is. And this was the best of all the shots...just take a moment to imagine the others!


Overall, I’m really pleased with my first dress of the year. The fit is spot on and having a faux-denim shirt-dress in my wardrobe makes me giddy! I know the floral details on the collar and cuffs make it quite kitsch – not everyone’s cup of tea - but you could skip those or use a print/colour more suited to your taste. Either way, I can’t wait to bust my Hawthorn out in warmer weather with bare legs and cute sandals!


Hope you approve of my first make for the Minerva Blogger Network and that you tune in for next month's offering!
Marie

Obsessed with stitching since 2009. Passionate about vintage styles yet mainly using contemporary patterns. Instigated the #VintagePledge to rectify this and help inspire others.

64 comments:

  1. Laura15 January 2014 at 10:45

    This is super cute.

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  2. Linda15 January 2014 at 11:36

    Gorgeous! I can see it will be lovely with bare legs and cute sandals!

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    1. Marie18 January 2014 at 23:53

      Thanks Linda, I can't wait for better weather!

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  3. Stevie15 January 2014 at 11:54

    Cute lady! I love the floral collar idea, very clever. I was also moaning to Piemaker about how awesome your lounge looks! I have blue in the kitchen but I now want it in my lounge too and those chairs swoon! x

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    1. Marie18 January 2014 at 23:54

      Thanks missus! And, yes, blue/greens are awesome! I just can't get enough of them lately!

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  4. Anonymous15 January 2014 at 12:12

    That vintage fabric on the collar and cuffs really lifts this dress. Love it.

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  5. Unknown15 January 2014 at 12:29

    Sooo lovely! You certainly didn't embarrass yourself on your first Minerva outing. I really love the larger collar, as the small collar on the original Hawthorn pattern has never really appealed to me, and it's lovely in the floral print.
    2 final thoughts:
    1. Gorgeous lip colour
    2. LOVING your facial expression in the reflection on the behind shot - those daisies obviously smell divine!
    :D

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    1. Marie18 January 2014 at 23:57

      Aaaw, thank you so much and I'm glad you like Hawthorn a little more now! And, yes, my face is hilarious in that shot...but you gotta act it our properly ;o)

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  6. Diya15 January 2014 at 13:27

    Its simply beautiful.. Wonderful the floral and chambray combi.. Love it :) - Diya TheHobbyHarbor

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  7. Catherine Makes15 January 2014 at 13:34

    This is so cute! I love the floral collar, adding the extra width to it was a good idea.

    This has made me realise I definitely need an overlocker in my life! x

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    1. Marie18 January 2014 at 23:59

      Thanks! And yes, get an overlocker asap ;o)

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  8. Mary Danielson15 January 2014 at 15:01

    So gorgeous! I love how the floral contrasts against the chambray. It's a lovely combination and looks beautiful on you. Congratulations on joining the Minerva network!

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  9. Tasha15 January 2014 at 15:37

    I love it! Such a great fit on you. I love that you made the collar a little more of a statement, too. It's really fun with the chambray!

    Isn't it funny that in the first photo I had to readjust my mindset because I still expected it to be on your old balcony? lol

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    1. Marie19 January 2014 at 00:01

      Thank you Tasha! And how cute are you still lamenting our balcony?! Truth be told, as much as I love our new house, I do miss that little balcony for photos!

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  10. Vicki Kate15 January 2014 at 15:46

    Fabulous!

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  11. Anonymous15 January 2014 at 16:25

    I love this on you! So cute!

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  12. Anonymous15 January 2014 at 16:55

    This just made me decide to buy the hawthorn pattern!

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  13. AlmondRock15 January 2014 at 17:13

    Tis gorgeous! Wish I'd checked out the chambray a bit better now as I am mulling over a chambray purchase x

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    1. Marie19 January 2014 at 00:03

      They do have a lovely selection and one can never have enough chambray ;o)

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  14. abitofanenthusiast15 January 2014 at 17:40

    Definitely a good 'un! One of the things I'm learning from the wonderful bloggers out there is that it pays to find a good pattern and keep using it (something I'd not even considered 6 months ago). Not that I'm far enough in my sewing career to have done this, but it's in my planning!
    ps. Davina, Marie called to say can she have her dress back??

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    1. Marie19 January 2014 at 00:05

      I've never been one to revisit patterns usually, mainly because there are always so many new ones I'm itching to try. But I think you're right! Even if you have a handful of tried and tested patterns you can whip on a whim...what a great feeling that would be!

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  15. Anonymous15 January 2014 at 18:51

    This is lovely! It looks so neat and I really love the fabric for the collar, plus - fab shoes, where may I ask are they from? xxx

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    1. Marie17 January 2014 at 13:13

      Thank you so much! The shoes are truly amazing, but I bought them a couple of years ago from Topshop! The have tassles on them!!!

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  16. Jane15 January 2014 at 19:12

    Oh I love this Marie, it's so pretty and the granny chic collar and cuffs are the perfect finishing touch! I really like the larger collar too, the original collar always put me off the pattern. Congrats on a fab first project for Minerva. Love the new backdrop of your gorgeous front room too! X

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  17. Ruth - Nightingale and Dolittle15 January 2014 at 19:18

    Cute dress - the floral collar and cuffs are definitely kitsch in a good way!

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    1. Marie19 January 2014 at 00:06

      So glad you agree! I love a bit of kitsch!

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  18. Evie15 January 2014 at 19:45

    So cute!! I'm just dying to make mine, but I have a few other (more seasonally appropriate) projects already in progress that I need to finish first. I'm going to have to really try and get them finished quickly so I can make my own Hawthorn!

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    1. Marie19 January 2014 at 00:07

      I know Hawthorn will look amazing on you, so I hope you manage to make it soon Evie ;p

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  19. Anonymous15 January 2014 at 19:48

    So cute! I love how you incorporated the vintage floral fabric, makes it so cool and unique!

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  20. Jenni15 January 2014 at 19:53

    Beautiful version of this pattern, love it x

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  21. Sue15 January 2014 at 19:54

    So darling - and love your belt too!

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    1. Marie19 January 2014 at 00:08

      Thanks! It's a cheapie belt, but I love it too!

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  22. allie J.15 January 2014 at 20:34

    Your dress is darling, and I love your lipstick, it looks fab on you!

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  23. Mika15 January 2014 at 23:42

    I love the fabric combo. It fits you so well too!

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  24. barbarajane16 January 2014 at 00:40

    Such a beautiful Hawthorn, it's one of my favorite patterns. Love the floral colar and the lilac buttons.

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    1. Marie19 January 2014 at 00:10

      Thank you! Glad you're a Hawthorn fan girl too ;o)

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  25. Johanna16 January 2014 at 00:40

    You are stunning as is your dress! :) congrats!

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  26. Anonymous16 January 2014 at 04:57

    I love the floral/chambray combination, super cute in a shirt dress too, although I am a sucker for a shirt dress at the best of times :)

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  27. buildingbuilding16 January 2014 at 05:35

    I love everything about this dress! I have this pattern and am now inspired to give it a go.

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  28. Megan16 January 2014 at 07:08

    Super cute! I wasn't sure about the Hawthorn at first, but I've seen so many lovely versions that now I'm sold!

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  29. Adrienne16 January 2014 at 17:02

    I liked how the larger collar turned out on this dress. I bet you're going to get a lot of wear out of this dress, both winter and summer!

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  30. Scruffybadger17 January 2014 at 07:46

    Love the way that you've gone patterned collar with solid dress, as we usually tend to design with a solid collar over a patterned dress. Super make Marie!! Looks fabulous x

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    1. Marie19 January 2014 at 00:13

      Thank never crossed my dress, but yes, I guess we normally do! Thanks for the kind words dear Winnie!

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  31. Kat17 January 2014 at 11:04

    This dress is so sweet! I love the contrast collar and sleeves. Congrats on the addition to the Minerva blogging network.

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  32. Anonymous17 January 2014 at 22:13

    ha ha, it IS granny chic!! With the chambray and the floral, it has such a vintage feel. But not SO granny chic that it looks dowdy by any means. Love your take on this pattern.

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  33. Unknown18 January 2014 at 19:51

    This is my favourite Hawthorne yet!

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  34. Jennifer20 January 2014 at 12:20

    Ooh, I love the chambray (I may be a little biased though :))

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  35. Angie25 January 2014 at 00:26

    Adorable, I love the (recycled) floral collar. Fun, fun, fun! Looking forward to your next project...

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