Pattern Testing: Sew Over It's Vintage Shirt Dress


Eeeeep! Have you seen? Sew Over It have just launched the Vintage Shirt Dress pattern (based on this popular dressmaking class) and I was lucky enough to test it! They're also kindly offering my readers a giveaway and discount, which you can find details of at the end of this post.

The Vintage Shirt Dress has buttons down to the hem and other adorable features include a notched collar, dropped and softly gathered shoulder seams, sleeves with cuffs, and a pleated skirt. I opted for the sleeveless version as I was desperate for a cute dress that I can layer up or down. And that's exactly what I ended up with!




First, let's take a minute to admire the Mediterranean Tile print viscose which Sew Over It kindly supplied me with. Isn't it gorgeous?!? Sadly, it seems to have sold out, but I guarantee you'll fall in love with many other of their awesome fabric prints.



Although I love my fabric choice and how comfy this dress is, it was tricky to get photos that showed off all the sweet design details...but trust me when I say they're lovely! My accidental pattern matching of the collar and front bodice means it's a little camouflaged, as are the skirt pleats. Using a less drapey fabric would guarantee a beautifully crisp finish. 


I didn't quite nail pattern matching on the bodice, but I'm pretty pleased with how my skirt matches up!



To help my viscose waistline keep its shape, I added a cotton-tape waist stay. This prevents it from going all loose and baggy after a few hours of wear.

Although the pattern and instructions may well have changed a little since I tested them, they were both a joy to work with. The pattern is well thought out and drafted, while the instructions are clear and easy to follow. If a shirt dress with a vintage twist if your thing, then I can't recommend this pattern enough!


Now, about that giveaway and discount! 

GIVEAWAY: I have a Vintage Shirt Dress pattern with one lucky reader's name on it - to enter the giveaway leave a comment including your email address below by midday (GMT) on Tuesday 9 June.

DISCOUNT: Sew Over It are also offering a 20% discount on the pattern using code MARIE20VSD at the checkout. This too is valid until midnight (GMT) on Wednesday 10 June.

118 comments:

  1. ooh what a lovely giveaway! the new pattern looks gorgeous :) beththegulfmini@googlemail.com

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  2. Beautiful dress- the pattern and the fabric!! meg dot mccarthy at gmail dot com

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  3. What a wonderful dress. I love the fabric and the look of the pattern. :) andrea.leathley@gmail.com

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  4. Lovely pattern and such a good choice of fabric. And it looks fab on you!

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  5. Aaahhh, I want this pattern! I love shirt dresses, and this one is really special... Your dress is beautiful! My emai is tatimaio@yahoo.com.br

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  6. Ooh!!! This is so cute!! I just love this silhouette on you, and your fabric is perfect for this vintage look.

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  7. Gorgeous dress - it looks perfect in that fabric. Thank you for the giveaway! letdougiesing[at]yahoo[dot]co[dot]uk

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  8. very pretty! the pattern and the fabric is beautiful! nathaliesewsthings@gmail.com

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  9. Can´t wait until Wednesday, I take the discount :)

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  10. I'm super keen on the sleeveless version too. Thanks for a great giveaway and discount code. clippedcurves@gmail.com

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  11. I just adore this dress, such a good choice of fabric :)

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  12. I've been wanting to learn how to do a notched collar for ages. This pattern is perfect! sewingandmore@gmail.com

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  13. I would love to sew this pattern!

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  14. Oops for mollymakesdo@gmail.com

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  15. Oh that dress looks so wonderful on you!
    I'm definitely in for the giveaway (pirkko.kriikku (at) gmail.com)

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  16. I love your version of the dress and have been looking for a pattern like this. My e-mail is rebecca[dot]rutz[at]bluewin[dot]ch

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  17. Pattern, fit, and fabric are all perfect. I love the details. It looks fabulous on you! Super cute vintage living room, too.

    susannaprince@gmail.com

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  18. ah it's so cute! my email address for my entry is rachel_wain91@hotmail.com :)

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  19. I really love this dress! The fabric is gorgeous and the pattern too! Thank you for this giveaway - my email is stitchnpastitch[at]gmail(dot)com

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  20. A tempting dress... so thankyou for the giveaway!

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  21. That's a really nice pattern, and your fabric/print choice is wonderful as always!

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  22. Ooh it's really cute, that's such a lovely collar.
    hellozoeb@gmail.com

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  23. Oh yes, count me in for the giveaway. One can never have too many shirt dresses or shirt dress patterns. :)

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  24. Love me a shirtdress. Ooh, and that print is lovely. guillemetter (at) gmail.com

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  25. Totally in love with this! <3 megan_carter_@hotmail.com

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  26. Cute dress will be perfect for sunny days ahead. sarahwoodhead30(at)gmail(dot)com

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  27. Can't resist a shirtdress!
    alice.lam1[at]gmail.com

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  28. You did a great job on that pretty dress. sillyleaves@gmail.com

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  29. Very pretty :) I'm always looking for a good vintage shirtwaist pattern, but I have problems finding them in my size, so this will be perfect!

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  30. Aha! I've been filling my Pinterest board with shirt dresses and this one looks great. Time to tackle my button-avoidance demon.... Dlkfanning@gmail.com

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  31. ooh love this one! i saw emmie wearing it a while back and have been waiting for the pattern to be released!

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  32. Very pretty fabric and pattern which I would love to have. jennylarking@gmail.com

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  33. Well this pattern looks super cute on you. Totally going to throw my name into the hat: mujerboricua at yahoo dot com.

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  34. Lovely pattern. Would love to make one in a red viscose that I have

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  35. Looks stunning! Rachelhacker44@gmail.com

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  36. Love this pattern. Shirt dresses look so summery, perfect for the better wrather (if we get any). Email is ligeia2001at hotmail.dot com.

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  37. fabulous shirtdress pattern!

    katherine dot jones13 at gmail.com

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  38. Oh! I need a dress pattern because I have the fabric!!! Perfect for summer! Thanks racurac2 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  39. I absolutely love this dress, you make it look so easy! I've been on the lookout for a pattern such as this. Thanks for the great give away!! cazfaithcrossley@gmail.com

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  40. Love the dress! I like the fabric too!
    Thanks for a great giveway!


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  41. That fabric is dreamy! Love your shoes too. Would love to try this pattern :) mts90(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  42. your dress looks lovely

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  43. Gorgeous dress!!! I definitely need a dress like this for summer!

    prairiegirl1971{at}hotmail{dot}ca

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  44. What a gorgeous dress and fab fabric too. Thanks for the chance to win. anndotsparkesathotmaildotcom

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  45. I think I'm in love with this pattern!!!
    Love the fabric
    Frankie
    Knitwitsowls@gmail.com

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  46. Super cute! I love shirt dresses.

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  47. How thoughtful of them! And I love your version! It looks great on you fits so nicely! What a fun print, too. I definitely need to sew this one. :)

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  48. Gorgeous dress. Love the pattern! Email Ruth.wilson@keyplayers.co.uk

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  49. Beautiful dress! This would be a brilliant project to practice aligning and perfecting my button holes!
    Mel_holmes3289(at)hotmail.co.uk

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  50. Perfect summer dress.

    Choistie at yahoo dot com

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  51. Sooo pretty! That fabric is gorgeous and the dress is just lovely.

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  52. How beautiful! And I really love their sample with the eyelet on top and navy skirt - swoooooon! katiejacocks [at] gmail [dot] com :D

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  53. Love it! Beaut 😉 meganjohnson013@gmail.com

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  54. Love your completed dress. I have never made a shirt dress so would love to win !
    Iain.ross30 at gmail dot com

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  55. Your dress looks great! There are a few versions of the pattern popping up in my blog reader - they all look lovely so I think it'll be another one to add to the sewing queue!
    nightingaleanddolittle@gmail.com

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  56. Gorgeous dress! Shape looks great on you and the fabric is fab! I'm yet to try sewing a shirt dress but it's definitely on the list.

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  57. This is the 2nd blog I've seen this pattern on today, and I'd love to make it mine!
    Cjm11581 at hotmail dot com

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  58. You matched the vintage look of the dress with some great fabric. You look great wearing it!

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  59. I like this one a lot. You lucky girl!
    drkat71@gmail.com

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  60. Gorgeous dress, that fabric looks really good on you :-) elizabethvbradford at gmail dot com

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  61. Spouse looked at the first photo and went: that's another SJ dress. And indeed, I have made about a gajillion button down shirtwaists, I think it's how I fell down the vintage rabbit hole. I love them in rayon, the way the skirt moves when you walk is amazing. As long as you can keep the placket ongrain, it's just swell. Adding a hook at the waistband helps, too.

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  62. This dress looks great on you and I reeeeaaaally love the fabric! Count me in for the giveaway please. janettaplanetta@gmail.com

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  63. Beautiful dress, and beautiful pattern! I'd love to be in the draw to win a copy please - macska at gmail dot com :-)

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  64. Oh wow! This looks like it was designed for you! What a stunner ( you & the dress! )

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  65. I love me a good shirt dress. amiriafletcher@gmail.com

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  66. Ooooh, please count me in for the giveaway! I'd love to give a try to this pattern. Thank you for this giveaway!

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  67. Ooooh it's gorgeous! Great fabric choice too! X

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  68. You've done a brilliant job! The pattern and dress are perfection!
    manucrazy88@hotmail.com

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  69. That is such a great dress on you

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  70. Great dress! The colors in the print look beautiful on you.

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  71. Love this dress! Looks wonderful on you! Thanks for the review and giveaway!

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  72. That's adorable, I love the black shiny buttons against that fabric! It's a great-looking pattern too, I can see it being a Summer staple, so I'd love to win a copy! hester.duffy@gemail.com

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  73. Love the notched collar. I have a perfect floral pattern for this. rjmcreations@gmail.com.

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  74. I am loving all the versions in my newsfeed! this print is gorgeous

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  75. What a gorgeous dress, love the fabric, it really suits your colouring. I would love to win this pattern. annmarshalluk@gmail.com

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  76. I have seen this pattern and I liked it but seeing yours really makes me want this pattern. Its so beautiful I have this really cute fabric that I can use to make this up. I hope I win! batresyohana@yahoo.com

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  77. Beautiful dress, would love a copy of this pattern. nic_bostock@yahoo.co.uk

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  78. Would love to win a copy of this pattern and make the dress to wear to work this summer. ahsh.frampton@gmail.com

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  79. Oh my gosh! Your dress is so lovely! I didn't even see the camo collar until you mentioned your pattern matching. :) firewife@gmail.com

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  80. An absolutely gorgeous dress - I've been searching for a shirt dress pattern and this might be it. fiona_gibbs@hotmail.co.uk

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  81. It certainly is out there and love it. The perfect pattern for my next vintage pattern make - if I had one! Yes please to the giveaway. You need some sunshine now to show it off. Jo x

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  82. Such a cute dress for summer! I'd love to make one as well.
    Mydearlizzie.blogspot@gmail.com

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  83. Great dress and material! anneehill7 at gmail dot com

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  84. This looks a brilliant version of the shirt dress. I'd love to enter the giveaway please. Although I'm reluctant to publish my email address on public site but you should be able to access it.

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  85. Tha fabric may not show the design details, but it's perfect!

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  86. I love the dress, it's such a flattering style. I would love to make one for myself :)

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  87. I like that, the fabric is super too. I have only just conquered my collar phobia, so this kind of dress is now very much on my list.

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  88. oops.. I did just comment but forgot the email: landgirl11@gmail.com

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  89. That is a fab dress! Really love the style, I have finally been convinced to make a shirt dress. The fabric looks wonderful, I think it really suits the style. love it!
    Thestitchingmagpie@gmail.com

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  90. Adorable dress. Would love to have a copy of this pattern.

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  91. What fabrics do you recommend using with this pattern? iliska_dreams@hotmail.com

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  92. Love this dress, thanks for the chance to win a copy x jennie.glaze@live.co.uk

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  93. That's exactly what I had in mind concerning dresses for my wardrobe!!! Thanks

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  94. Looks lovely on you. I'd love to win this pattern x
    Catherine_turney@hotmail.com

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  95. I like shirt dresses. The fabric you've used is lovely. I'd love to have a go at making it.

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  96. wow what a beautiful dress and I love the pattern, would love to have that to make. pfoster11@twcny.rr.com

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  97. I never saw this pattern before an love it. I am off to do more research on it.

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  98. I have been waiting for this pattern to be released. I just love the yellow version shown on Lisa to advertise the dressmaking class. I would love to own the pattern!!!

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  99. I love your fabric choice...colour and pattern. This is a gorgeous shirt dress pattern and looks lovely on you. I would love to win this pattern...my email address is ltsy@rogers.com.

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  100. Love it! What a beautiful dress (attieanddora@hotmail.com)

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  101. Ooooo a giveaway?! I was going to comment just to tell you how damn cute this dress is (love the fabric!!) but I guess I wouldn't mind being entered for a chance to win a copy of the pattern for myself either ;)

    luckylucilleco at gmail

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  102. Simply, I covet this pattern!!

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  103. So beautiful, wouldn't mind a copy for myself :)

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  104. I love the combination of fabric and style. I'd love to win the pattern. amcclure@talk21.com

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  105. I love this. Would love to win the pattern. Anita from Basel anita1 dot steiner at hispeed dot ch

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  106. I already commented on your lovely dress and asked to be included in the giveaway but for some reason I don't see it here.... so here I go again:) francesca dot amodeo at gmail dot com:).....

    Please finish the giveaway before the discount code expires - pretty please?

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  107. Ohh love the long sleeved version, thanks for a fab giveaway. Kirstystewart1 at hotmail dot co dot uk

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  108. It's gorgeous!! I've been searching for the perfect shirtdress pattern and this one seems to tick all the boxes. Love your version!

    camille at decoudvite dot com

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  109. Oh I really want this! Yours looks great, well done.

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  110. What a beautiful dress, it would be lovely to win the pattern! (Genya.keselman@gmail.com)

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  111. Gorgeous little summer dress. The printed fabric is particularly lovely. christina_snellgrove@hotmail.com

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  112. Such a lovely dress!! steameverdine@gmail.com

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  113. Such a lovely dress! Steameverdine@gmail.com

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  114. Beautiful dress& suits u perfectly nickyb.no26@yahoo.co.uk

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  115. Wow, gorgeous! I love the two-tone version Lisa wears on their blog too!
    Katie_young(at)hotmail.com

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  116. This looks SO cute on you and is so very Marie, in my opinion! I love the fabric! I'm obsessed with Mediterranean tile, so the idea of wearing it is quite appealing! :)

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  117. Very cute little house dress. I can remember sewing this style back in the early 70's. I would love to make it again. sissy709@gmail.com

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