I found an unusual organdy tablecloth this week, with adorable flower baskets embroidered on it and a very nice lilac binding to the edge.

I’ve always wanted a 30s organdy dress, so this seemed like a good opportunity to get a little way towards the dream. It’s not a lot of fabric so obviously I can’t do a puff-sleeve, button-up, collared, full-length gown – but I can do the bodice of one as a blouse, which I can add the skirt to when I find some more suitable fabric. Maybe even keep them as separates????? Obsessed with anything that lets me avoid a permanent decision and also mix and match.

I’ve never sewn fabric this fine so gah, got to practise ON the fabric I’m trying to make stretch as far as possible. I’ve also got to be strategic about how to cut out the pattern so I use the embroidery and finished edges to their best advantage.

Here’s my pattern: an original 1930s design, optimised for modern idiots by the Vintage Sewing Pattern Company. I’ve had some great results with them. Not cheap, but so worth having the pieces on strong paper rather than the delicate tissue of yore.

I’ve had quite a lot of practice with old patterns now and this is a small-ish project, but the fabric is unforgiving. No stretch and nearly transparent, so everything will show.

I had a rifle through my box of trims and found some deadstock embroidered trim. I’d prefer it to be lilac but there is blue in the tablecloth so we’ll see. I also found some neat white bias with a scalloped edge that I MIGHT use to bind the seams so everything’s neat inside. Maybe.

Plan of action:

I may do the peplum as a slidey thing on a belt so it can be removed, making side poppers – which is usual with these dresses – easier. I may also do a couple of buttons up to the collar for a bit of extra ease (I panic when I get stuck).

However, that means making buttonholes on transparent cobweb gossamer. Arse. Might be time I learned buttonhole stitch by hand. Double arse.