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Tuesday, 22 April 2014

Billie Jean Dress + Vintage Brooch GIVEAWAY!!

Ok firstly, it is IMPOSSIBLE to make this dress with out having Michael Jackson stuck in your head for over two weeks.

You're singing it now aren't you ...

You're welcome.
Julia Bobbin - Billie Jean Dress by Blue Ginger Doll Patterns

A while ago the wonderful Abby from Blue Ginger Doll Patterns sent me this fabulous Billie Jean dress pattern to try out. I loved it as soon as I saw the cover image. A vintage dress reminiscent of Mad Men times? Yes please!

Julia Bobbin - Billie Jean Dress by Blue Ginger Doll Patterns

This pattern was extra special for me because not only is this pattern company an indie company, the owner creator is from the same area that I grew up! True story! Since this pattern was released Abby has been busy creating a whole bunch of other gorgeous patterns (the girl clearly doesn't sleep). I'm lusting over this one at the moment.

Julia Bobbin - Billie Jean Dress by Blue Ginger Doll Patterns

Details:
I made this dress in a lush jacquard that I purchased from good old Spotlight a zillion years ago. As soon as I looked at this pattern I knew I was using this fabric.

The dress has princess seams in the bodice and a scoop neck on the front and back.

Julia Bobbin - Billie Jean Dress by Blue Ginger Doll Patterns

Changes:
I had some fit issues on the bodice which I worked out, though I really should have done a full-bust-adjustment (FBA) as it's too tight across the centre of my boobage which is giving it a bit of square shape. Meh; the pattern of the fabric helps to hide it. Though I am counting on the ol' bobby-ta-ta's getting smaller once my 15 month old stops breastfeeding (yes, that's right).

I used an invisible zipper down the centre back as that was what I had in my stash.

I also used pleated the skirt waist instead of gathering it so that it would be a little flatter on my belly.

Julia Bobbin - Billie Jean Dress by Blue Ginger Doll Patterns

I love the cut of this dress and it's classic style. If you're a lover a vintage it's a great easy pattern that you can dress up or down. I wore a petticoat underneath to give the skirt some fooph and I love the 1950's effect!

For endless vintage inspiration, you can check out my Mad Men Challenge post here.

VINTAGE BROOCH GIVEAWAY


To WIN one of the three brooches above from the Ruemiraldi store simply comment on this post.

All people who leave a comment will be in the running to win and three lucky people will be announced the winners.

Entries are open to everyone from anywhere in the world. 
Entries close on Friday, May 2nd, 2014
Three random winners will announced in a blog post on Saturday, May 3rd, 2014.



Thanks for stopping by; I hope you all had a lovely Easter!
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112 comments:

  1. Kaitlyn22 April 2014 at 13:23

    What a fantastic dress. the fabric suits it so well

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  2. Brittany22 April 2014 at 13:38

    Darling! The fabric choice was perfect.

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  3. Jorth22 April 2014 at 13:38

    Looking fab as always, my darling! Love that colour on you!

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  4. Sewingfunthings22 April 2014 at 14:17

    I'm just blown away over this dress. It is gorgeous. Jacquard was a wonderful choice.

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  5. Seamstress Erin22 April 2014 at 14:21

    Looks lovely! But of course it does, it's a JuliaBobbin creation :)

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  6. Ping22 April 2014 at 14:29

    Ooh pretty!!! It makes me think of this dress of Betty's actually: http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/130401111750-mad-men-11-season-4-horizontal-gallery.jpg

    I recently got Boyfriend into Mad Men so I've been binge-rewatching it all over again. I love the later seasons too but the clothes in the first few just make me swoon. What are we going to do after this last season??

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  7. Unknown22 April 2014 at 14:49

    I love your dress! I just started sewing for the first time a few months ago, so I'm still scared to try clothing just yet. I would love this to be something I sew soon though! Count me in and thanks so much.

    tdkcarpenoctem@hotmail.com

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  8. Anonymous22 April 2014 at 15:18

    Love that dress, it is a real beauty! It certainly says Mad Men era and that is a great thing. The fit is perfect. You have awesome sewing skills!

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  9. Марья Искусница22 April 2014 at 15:24

    Very beautiful dress! Looks great on you! And brooches wonderful.

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  10. Sassy 22 April 2014 at 15:39

    You don't need to enter me in prize draw BT I just want to say GORGEOUS dress

    SSB. https://facebook.com/sassysewingbees

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  11. Sassy 22 April 2014 at 15:40

    Meant to say 'but'

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  12. Unknown22 April 2014 at 15:46

    Beautiful dress and stunning fabric

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  13. Deb22 April 2014 at 16:03

    The dress is beautiful and fits you really well - good job :-). I'd love to win a brooch

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  14. Rachelle22 April 2014 at 16:06

    It's a lovely dress. I love the brooch on the bottom right, so I'll keep my fingers crossed.

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  15. Fashionista22 April 2014 at 16:07

    Perfect match of fabric and frock. Just goes to show sometimes Spotlight can deliver......

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  16. TracyC61122 April 2014 at 16:10

    Stunning dress - the fabric is gorgeous too - well done you!

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  17. Neeno22 April 2014 at 16:11

    The jacquard is gorgeous and the skirt look so nice and full. Love the boatneckishy neckline!!

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  18. Magdalena22 April 2014 at 16:26

    You look lovely, and this jacquard is soo beautiful.

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  19. Anonymous22 April 2014 at 16:32

    That dress is divine. I can never find anything this beautiful in Spotlight, so you did well.

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  20. Unknown22 April 2014 at 16:48

    Gorgeous dress! The colour looks stunning on you. Brilliant idea pleating rather than gathering, I find gathers are not always flattering on a more curvy shape! Did you pleat all the way round or have you left the front section flat? Whatever.......you have created a stunning, head turner of a dress.

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  21. Mrsw201122 April 2014 at 17:09

    Aahh that fabric, that dress!! In love!xx

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  22. Anonymous22 April 2014 at 17:44

    Beautiful fabric choice! Far out those shoes are lovely! From Sarah. (splarose@gmail.com)

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  23. Unknown22 April 2014 at 18:11

    LOVE the dress AND the fabric you chose! The brooches are beautiful too!

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  24. Zannukene22 April 2014 at 19:07

    You look amazing!

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  25. Brahdelt22 April 2014 at 19:09

    I love everything about this dress - the colour, the fabric, the 50's shape! It's suits you perfectly. *^o^*
    Please count me in the giveaway, the brooches are lovely.

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  26. Unknown22 April 2014 at 19:22

    Stunning dress. I can never find fabric as gorgeous as that! I am bery much a brooch person!

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  27. Anonymous22 April 2014 at 19:22

    Wow your dresses always look like a million dollar.
    Love that purple brooch. But would settle for the green if I must. :)

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  28. Betsy22 April 2014 at 19:38

    Your dress is lovely as well

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  29. MaciNic22 April 2014 at 19:42

    Absolutely adorable! And beautifully reminiscent of Tara Moss' ABA Rose launch dress ;)
    A magnificent effort all round - you're amazing!

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  30. DeeDee22 April 2014 at 19:53

    Simply striking!

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  31. Anna22 April 2014 at 20:08

    A stunning dress and beautifully made. I love the brooches.

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  32. Knivshults Anna22 April 2014 at 20:19

    Thank you for helping me discover Bluegingerdoll patterns! I see a new blouse in the near future. :)

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  33. ldolan2522 April 2014 at 20:23

    Absolutely stunning dress! Looks beautiful on you. With three weddings this year i may hvae to bear this pattern in mind. Thanks! :-D

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  34. JessD22 April 2014 at 20:24

    Love this dress! Going to give it a try myself I think

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  35. Unknown22 April 2014 at 20:24

    the fabric is just perfect and reminds me of a dress my mum had back in the 70's when I was little

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  36. Anonymous22 April 2014 at 20:41

    Wow your version of this dress is the best one I have seen - although not surprised, you have a knack of making patterns look amazing. I am tempted by the Winifred right now, I didn't like it at first but have since seen a few that have made me change my mind :)

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  37. Marijke22 April 2014 at 20:48

    Working on a similar dress, it's looks so beautifull I am even more determant to finish it now!

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  38. sewdiane22 April 2014 at 21:02

    MARVELOUS! And a great color on you!!

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  39. Unknown22 April 2014 at 21:15

    love the dress and the fabric - very dramatic. definitely will be checking out this pattern.

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  40. fabriCations by Jill22 April 2014 at 21:20

    Brilliant as always! The design and fabric choice is sexy and demure all at the same time! One of your broaches would look very fine on this dress! I am attending a Summer Garden Party where this design made in a light summer floral will be perfect!

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  41. Nat @sewoutnumbered22 April 2014 at 21:21

    Gorgeous dress as always!! Feeling your pain on the old booby ta-ta's ;)

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  42. Sewcial Warrior22 April 2014 at 21:34

    Gorgeous dress which looks beautiful on you. Wonderful fabric too

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  43. Unknown22 April 2014 at 21:35

    Gorgeous as always! Good idea to swap the gathering for pleats - I like pleats sometimes better with thicker fabrics as well ;-)

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  44. Unknown22 April 2014 at 22:41

    Absolutely stunning!

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  45. Mandinga22 April 2014 at 23:27

    Oooh! So pretty!

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  46. Lady Stitcher22 April 2014 at 23:35

    Gorgeous dress! And that fabric is stunning!

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  47. The Renegade Seamstress22 April 2014 at 23:44

    Ok, Julia, you seriously have to be my absolute favorite sewing blogger in the world. I look forward to your posts in my email and I always open yours first. You are not only adorable, but you crack me up! I wish we lived closer 'cuz I'd love to hang out with you. Beautiful dress as always and your photos are great!
    Happy sewing,
    Beth

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  48. pigwingsfarm22 April 2014 at 23:53

    Love this dress! I already have a line up of 11 dress to make for my wedding in Sept. but I may have to fit this one in somewhere.

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  49. toreapage22 April 2014 at 23:56

    Love your fabric choice!

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  50. Nicole from PudgeAndNico.com23 April 2014 at 00:13

    I'd love to be entered into the giveaway.

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  51. Anonymous23 April 2014 at 00:22

    Beautiful dress. I like your version much more than the original.

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  52. Anonymous23 April 2014 at 00:23

    What a beautiful dress Julia!
    Please put my hat in the ring for one of those lovely brooches!
    Jenny xox

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  53. Anonymous23 April 2014 at 00:23

    I love this dress and the material

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  54. TheTellTaleTasha23 April 2014 at 00:58

    Goodness, the brooches are beautiful

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  55. Unknown23 April 2014 at 01:28

    Precious dress!!! Looks lovely and old fashion...which is awesome. I want a brooch!!!

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  56. Hana 23 April 2014 at 01:46

    Gorgeous dress! Love the details of the dress and the fabric is awesome! And ohh... what a pretty brooches, I want one :-)

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  57. Anonymous23 April 2014 at 02:09

    That dress is just utterly fabulous (and, yes, now I have MJ stuck in my head!). Thanks so much for hosting such a great giveaway, too. I love brooches, I wish more people wore them these days (or maybe I don't, because then there's more for me! LOL).

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  58. Anonymous23 April 2014 at 03:18

    Gorgeous! I once owned a 50s haute couture Jacques Heim dress made from a very similar rose print on silk.

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  59. SandyS23 April 2014 at 05:45

    The dress looks gorgeous. The perfect colours for you^^ And those shoes are awesome.
    Love the vintage booches^^
    Greetings, Sandy

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  60. Miss Crayola Creepy23 April 2014 at 06:19

    I always admire your ability to match fabric and patterns together. Everything you choose looks so perfect!

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  61. Anniesinstitches23 April 2014 at 06:32

    This pattern is lovely and the fabric is gorgeous. The colour is perfect for you. Ann x

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  62. Suzanne23 April 2014 at 06:45

    So lovely in that fabric! What a perfect Mad Men dress...I'm guessing you will see a few of these next year if you do your Mad Men challenge again!

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  63. Anonymous23 April 2014 at 06:46

    That is a beautiful dress. It really suits you!

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  64. Karin- the F girl23 April 2014 at 07:52

    Gorgeous dress. The warm colour looks perfect on you. I can imagine you want to throw lots of parties now to wear it to :-)

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  65. Maria23 April 2014 at 09:42

    The dress is really lovely and as always you look beautiful. The jacquard definitely adds to the retro vibe. I have a very small collection of vintage brooches which I wear often so I would love to win one. Thanks so much for the giveaway.

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  66. Gail23 April 2014 at 14:51

    Amazing what you can find in Spotlight in between rolls of dubious quality. Your dress is really beautiful. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  67. Unknown23 April 2014 at 15:43

    This fabric is amazing! And the brooches too :)

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  68. barbarajane23 April 2014 at 21:29

    Gorgeous fabric and dress and yes can't get the song out of my head.....

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  69. Jennifer Blackman24 April 2014 at 00:05

    That is a beautiful dress! One I would love to own. And the brooches are just gorgeous and would be a wonderful addition to my jewelry collection.

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  70. Helene24 April 2014 at 00:26

    Just a lovely dress, and you look so happy wearing it! Good work!

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  71. Elena Knits24 April 2014 at 00:39

    That's a stunning dress! And thank you for the giveaway.

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  72. Unknown24 April 2014 at 02:33

    Abbey makes such wonderful patterns, and I simply adore your version!! Thanks for the giveaway - I have it in my head that if I had brooches, I would wear them so hopefully it'll all work out since I can't find them in stores! ;-)

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  73. Katie T24 April 2014 at 06:56

    Love that dress! Good ol' spotlight indeed! Beautiful brooches too

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  74. Helen24 April 2014 at 07:36

    Well Julia you did it again. Just lovely!

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  75. cecilhe7324 April 2014 at 09:49

    Beautiful dress! Good tip re: pleat vs. gather. Don't let anyone bust your chops re: your 15month old breastfeeding! Thanks for the giveaway.

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  76. Vicki 24 April 2014 at 11:03

    Beautiful dress...hoping to win one of the brooches. =)

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  77. Debra24 April 2014 at 12:46

    Gorgeous fabric. Looks so darn cute on you too!

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  78. Reinergirl24 April 2014 at 22:30

    Fabulous darling!

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  79. Anonymous25 April 2014 at 03:03

    This is absolutely fabulous! It's so luxe and beautiful! You look fantastic, as always! You can leave me out of the giveaway as I'm too much of a tomboy for jewelry, but I just wanted to say how much I love this dress on you!

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  80. karin25 April 2014 at 11:08

    the dress and brooches are lovely!
    cookiesmasher5@yahoo.com

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  81. Unknown25 April 2014 at 11:10

    Great tip re the gathering and pleating, I shall take heed! Loving you in red.

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  82. imee25 April 2014 at 13:28

    love the colour of the dress. the brooch also looks lovely.

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    1. imee25 April 2014 at 13:33

      I'm really sorry that I accidentally spammed (4 times too *sigh).

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  84. imee25 April 2014 at 13:29

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  85. imee25 April 2014 at 13:29

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  86. imee25 April 2014 at 13:29

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  87. Anonymous25 April 2014 at 14:56

    The brooches are one of a kind! And by the way, I just love your dress!

    Doris
    mamansmart@yahoo.com

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  88. Kelly B.25 April 2014 at 14:56

    So classy! It's great to see more of those beautiful 50's styles. Your rose fabric looks quite rich. Your giveaway brooches are beautiful prizes

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  89. Unknown25 April 2014 at 14:57

    Would be a great gift to my wife! Thanks for the chance!

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  90. Anonymous25 April 2014 at 14:58

    OMG! I want that dress and the green broach! lol

    Mariam


    mariamt38(at)yahoo(dot)fr

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  91. Anonymous25 April 2014 at 15:00

    The dress is so classy! I am taking up sewing, and hopefully, I will be able to make one like that soon!

    Thanks!
    Linda

    mom_of_elijah@hotmail.com

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  92. Anonymous25 April 2014 at 15:00

    Enter me, pleaseeeeee

    Wade
    email: errt2002@aol.(dot)com

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  93. kastra25 April 2014 at 15:12

    Pretty dress. Love the fabric!

    kastrophona at hotmail dot com

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  94. Kat25 April 2014 at 20:10

    I looovvveeee the brooches! xx
    katch05 at gmail dot com

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  95. Kerry25 April 2014 at 21:23

    Love the Dress & brooches!

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  96. Belle Epoque26 April 2014 at 04:36

    Lovely dress. I love your style! And the brooches are beautiful. I especially love the purple one, as purple is my colour (hint hint!).

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  97. bn10026 April 2014 at 06:20

    Looks lovely

    bn100candg at hotmail dot com

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  98. TheMaskedSparrow26 April 2014 at 06:44

    Wow, what a beautiful dress. It is lovely and the colour suits you so well.

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  99. Leisurely Lesley26 April 2014 at 12:15

    Your blog is a motivational force - thank you. Can you blog more? Even though I could never be able to wear your clothes that you make I do love looking at them.

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  100. Unknown26 April 2014 at 15:23

    the dress is so beautiful like a rose. omg it'd make any girls look so pretty!

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  101. Heather Roach27 April 2014 at 14:20

    Love the silhouette and that fabric us to die for!

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  102. Annabella27 April 2014 at 19:42

    I am new to your blog. Loving your creations. :)

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  103. JACLYN28 April 2014 at 05:53

    Very pretty photos! Would love to win!!

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  104. Sherry L. Smith1 May 2014 at 10:30

    Very pretty dress and the color is divine on you. I would love to see a FBA on a princess seam some time. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  105. Unknown2 May 2014 at 00:17

    That dress is a fantastic advert for the pattern, it looks amazing. The adjustments you made work so well.

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  106. Norma2 May 2014 at 14:43

    Beautiful dress and wonderful brooches!

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  107. char2 May 2014 at 17:54

    I love this dress, it's so Mad Men. I'm adding the pattern to my wishlist.
    Would love to win a brooch as well, although I'm not sure if UK is allowed to enter.

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  108. Mickey2 May 2014 at 22:15

    Love the dress. The fabric is fabulous!

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  109. Caroline10 May 2014 at 23:58

    love the lushness of the fabric and the shape of the skirt! nice work.

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  110. Things to Do Now22 May 2014 at 05:19

    Hello, bombshell! You look amazing! And the broaches are very pretty. I have a couple of dresses that are way too v-necked, and I'm always wishing I had a pretty brooch for extra security!

    msmaryjenkins@gmail.com

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  111. Anonymous30 July 2015 at 19:07

    This looks absolutely gorgeous! It definitely inspired me to attempt to start my late 50's vintage dress patterns.

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