• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • About
  • Tutorials
    • Vintage Hairstyles
    • Knitting
    • Sewing
  • Patterns
  • Sewing
  • Home
  • Knitting
    • Patterns
    • Free Vintage Patterns
    • Knit-alongs
  • Wardrobe
  • Travels
  • Contact
Tasha Could Make That

Tasha Could Make That

Vintage knitting, sewing, and a lifetime of craftiness

A very vintage Valentine dress

February 12, 2014 by Tasha 80 Comments

A happy early Valentine’s Day to you!

Actually, we don’t usually do much for Valentine’s Day. As a couple, Mel and I historically have never made it a big deal as before we were married it was two weeks away from anniversary, so for 10 years we really just never did anything.

One thing I’ve always loved, however, was vintage Valentine ephemera. Just so cute! So when I saw this vintage-inspired fabric with a heart toile print, I decided to sew up a Valentine’s Day dress. The fabric is from the Pam Kitty Love line by Lakehouse Dry Goods. I bought it on sale from Fat Quarter Shop and sadly there’s no more!

Valentine Emery dress

This is my second Emery dress by Christine Haynes. I told you I was going to make a bunch of these! I’ve only just begun. After my first version which had no alterations to the pattern, I decided to change the neckline to square for this one. I really like square necklines and I think they make a great frame for necklaces. I also increased the shoulder width by 5/8″ to give me a little more coverage.

To sew the inner corners, I decreased the stitch length to 1 for about an inch going into and out of each corner. And with clipping into the curves and understitching, it lays perfectly flat with no puckering in the corners or anything.

Emery dress with square neckline

The bodice is lined with red cotton voile, and I used a vintage Talon zipper from my stash to do a lapped and hand picked zipper. I have very few zippers on hand so how I managed to have a cherry red 22″ one is beyond me, but I did!

Emery bodice lining

Now, you know I usually don’t bother with print matching or anything like that. But with this print, how could I not center the hearts right along the front?? Admittedly it was absolute dumb luck that the bottom heart didn’t get caught in the waistband. Swoon… seriously, I’m so glad I spent the time to line this up.

Even though, if I’m being honest with you, cutting the bodice on one layer meant I totally forgot to straighten the grain and I paid the price for that as my hem is a little wonky. Whatever–no one’s looking at my hem with this great print! Same with the bust darts which I’ve now come to realize are a little too high on me. (I’ll move them down in future versions.) You’re not looking at that, you’re looking at those kitschy hearts instead!

Valentine Emery dress

I also decided to match the print on the back. It worked out great except for the fact that when I lined it all up, I didn’t take into consideration the seamline, so the hearts are not actually centered, even though the print matches. Whoops. But hey, it distracts from the fact that the top of my lapped zipper is a little crappy. I had decided to use a hook and eye at the top of the back neckline so I could have the zipper finish a little lower and not have it look a tad doofy like my first one. But when it came down to it, I didn’t have any hooks and eyes (where did they all go?!). So, a tad doofy it is. (And now I have no hair to hide it. Ha!)

By the way, that matching really does go all the way to my waist, but I forgot to interface my zipper area so the overlap (on the left) is flaring out a bit at the bottom, I think, or else it’s the angle somehow.

print matching and lapped zipper

Quibbles aside, I’m really quite thrilled with this dress. This print could not be any cuter or more perfect for Valentine’s Day!

earrings

And of course I had to throw in a little themed vintage jewelry! These screw-back heart earrings, for one…

hair-flowers

And an adorable brooch, which I added to my cardigan.

vintage Valentine brooch

So let’s talk about how great those centered hearts line up when I’m wearing this cardigan. It’s so perfect I can’t stand it! I knew I’d be wearing this dress with a cardigan because like so many others in the country, we are having the crappiest winter ever. This is about 2 layers of clothing less than I’ve been wearing every day. Ugh.

sweater-hearts

(By the way, I took off my Luxulite necklace when I put on the cardigan and then forgot to put it back on for a few of the other photos because my anal-retentive side likes to pick and choose what I actually remember to be anal about, apparently.)

Valentine Emery dress

But back to the dress. So I lined up the hearts on the center front, I matched the print on the back, and my goal was to line up one of the heart motifs on both sleeves. I used 2 1/2 yards on my first Emery, and had 3 yards to use for this one. But even so, at the end I was about 2″ shy of being able to center the same heart motif on both sleeves… so they don’t match. No one but you will ever know, though, since it’s not like you can see both my arms at the same time!

sleeves

I only made one other change, which was to cut the skirt using almost the full width of my 44″ wide fabric (I got this great idea from Roisin). It gave the skirt just a slight bit more fullness which I really like.

Hard to get a full-body photo indoors that looks decent but here you can see my shoes, the final piece of the outfit. These L’amour Remix wedges were a gift from Mel few years ago.

Valentine Emery dress

What else is there to say? I love this dress! I’ll be wearing this outfit when we go out to dinner on Friday. And my third Emery (timed for a special event early next month) is already being planned, along with a matching cardigan that I’m furiously knitting for the Ravellenic Games, the event that Ravelry hosts every Olympics. I know some of you out there are ‘competing’ too, so good luck! For the next two weeks I’m knitting and watching Olympic events like a mad woman. 🙂

  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit
  • Email
  • Print

Filed Under: Sewing, Vintage Wardrobe Tagged With: christine haynes, dresses, finished projects

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Perlchen Noir says

    February 12, 2014 at 8:57 am

    Oh wow…what a lovely dress!

    xoxo Perlchen Noir

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 12, 2014 at 2:02 pm

      Thanks! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Lisette says

    February 12, 2014 at 9:06 am

    I love this whole outfit. You did a fabulous job matching up that print in the back.

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 12, 2014 at 2:03 pm

      Thanks, Lisette!

      Reply
  3. Stacey Stitch says

    February 12, 2014 at 9:07 am

    Oh my gosh, this is beautiful (and you too!) 🙂

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 12, 2014 at 2:03 pm

      Aww, thanks Stacey! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Marie says

    February 12, 2014 at 9:13 am

    This is oh, so beautiful Tasha! I’m running out of compliments for your makes, but I truly adore this! You look like a million bucks and I reckon Mel should take you out on V-Day on account of such a lovely dress ;o)

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 12, 2014 at 2:04 pm

      Thanks, Marie! We’re going out for Italian food on Valentine’s Day and you now know exactly what I’ll be wearing. LOL

      Reply
  5. Mr. Tiny says

    February 12, 2014 at 9:19 am

    What a sweetheart of a dress! It is so flattering. Nothing I sew is ever perfect; to me, that’s the charm
    Of a homemade garment. Beautiful job and happy valentines day!

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 12, 2014 at 2:07 pm

      Very true! Actually one of my favorite things about when I find vintage handmade clothing is seeing imperfections. Makes me feel like I’ve found a kindred spirit. 🙂

      Reply
  6. sewlittletime says

    February 12, 2014 at 10:07 am

    it’s lovely. and your hair suits you so much!

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 12, 2014 at 2:07 pm

      Oh thanks! I’m still getting used to it since it’s such a big change, but enjoying it. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Michelle says

    February 12, 2014 at 10:25 am

    This dress is adorable! That print is pretty incredible. I love that you took the time to be aware of the pattern placement down the center front, because it really has a gorgeous effect visually. And, the little bit extra in the fullness of the skirt is a great idea!

    Good luck with the Ravellinic games! I’m not competing, but I’ve been seeing a lot of competitor projects all around the internet.

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 12, 2014 at 2:08 pm

      Thanks, Michelle!

      I’ve put aside my Effervescence cardigan for my Ravellenic Games cardigan, but your gorgeous one will inspire me to turn right back to it once this project is finished. 🙂

      Reply
  8. Lauren of Rosie Wednesday says

    February 12, 2014 at 10:36 am

    This is fantastic!! The square neckline is just great. What are you talking about a fear of plaid? If you can match hearts, you can match stripes!!

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 12, 2014 at 2:09 pm

      Thanks, Lauren! Well plaid has a lot more going on, so it still scares me! lol

      Reply
  9. Christine Haynes says

    February 12, 2014 at 11:05 am

    I’m dying!!! This is so frickin’ adorable and wow, those hearts down the front are perfection! So cute and I love the square neckline. I can’t tell you how lovely it is to see your gorgeous versions of my pattern! Like a dream come true! Oh, and ps- LOVE your hair cut!!!

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 12, 2014 at 2:10 pm

      Thank you so much, Christine (on both the dress and the haircut, hee hee)!!! ♥

      Reply
  10. zilredloh says

    February 12, 2014 at 11:16 am

    *Swoon* This dress is so great, and again is a perfect fit.

    The matching hearts takes some mad skill, lady! Awesome that you were able to do it so great on that lapped zipper. Your accessories & *more swooning* those shoes! Love this new look you’re sporting. Cheers.

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 12, 2014 at 2:12 pm

      Thanks, Liz! (And the shoes look way better when they’re not in the grainy end of a photo. lol) The back was really the first time I matched a pattern like that, I was so nervous that it was just going to be completely off. 😉

      Reply
  11. Joanna Kostrzewa says

    February 12, 2014 at 11:32 am

    Amazing fabric and great fit, I love your dress! (And now I regret not planning to make my own Valentine dress… I must plan one next year! *^o^*~~~)

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 12, 2014 at 2:12 pm

      Thanks! And yes indeed, there’s always next year!

      Reply
  12. Sarah says

    February 12, 2014 at 11:42 am

    You look stunning!! I adore the heart print and you look fantastic in red! The fit is amazing! I am so glad I ordered this pattern!

    Bring on more Emerys – I can’t wait!

    Reply
  13. Tammy says

    February 12, 2014 at 12:05 pm

    You have inspired me to return to apparel sewing. I love this dress and the attention to detail put into its making is great. The hutch in the background of the picture showing your shoes is to drool over. Love it love it.

    Can’t wait to see what you are making next. Keep up the great work.

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 12, 2014 at 2:13 pm

      Thanks, Tammy, I’m flattered to hear that! Also, the hutch was my step-grandmother’s and the perfect addition to our living room, I’m very lucky she was willing to part with it and that my folks were willing to drive it across country. 🙂

      Reply
  14. Rachel says

    February 12, 2014 at 12:26 pm

    Gorgeous! I’m a fan of those centre front hearts. Looks lovely with you new hair-do too.

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 12, 2014 at 2:14 pm

      Thanks, Rachel!

      Reply
  15. Ginger says

    February 12, 2014 at 1:17 pm

    This is so cute! Red is a great color for you! I really appreciate all the time you spent matching everything up- it looks great!

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 12, 2014 at 2:18 pm

      Thanks!! Red is actually my favorite color but I don’t have a lot of it since I’m picky about types of reds, hee hee!

      Reply
  16. Victoria says

    February 12, 2014 at 1:18 pm

    Looks great! Can’t notice any of those things you were annoyed with, and no one will notice. I really like the square neckline and think this style looks great on you.

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 12, 2014 at 2:24 pm

      Thank you! 🙂

      Reply
  17. Rochelle New says

    February 12, 2014 at 1:36 pm

    Geeze that dress really does fit you perfectly!! I can’t wait until I find a pattern I love so much I want to make it twice in a row 🙂 I love the square neckline and can’t wait to see all of your other Emery versions in the future!

    Also… CAN’T WAIT TO SEE IN YOU IN LESS THAN 20 DAYSSSSSSSS!!!!!! <3

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 12, 2014 at 2:24 pm

      I KNOW!!!!! Oh and thanks. 😉

      Reply
  18. Stephanie says

    February 12, 2014 at 1:49 pm

    Ugg, our winter here is been just dreadful also. Boo!

    But yay for a super cute dress and a darling look! And loving the new hair. 😀

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 12, 2014 at 2:24 pm

      I know, it’s really been the pits hasn’t it! And thank you! 🙂

      Reply
  19. Meg says

    February 12, 2014 at 2:25 pm

    The fabric! The sweater! The themed jewelry! It’s all fantastic 🙂

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 14, 2014 at 8:38 am

      Thanks, Meg! 😀

      Reply
  20. Rebecca says

    February 12, 2014 at 3:27 pm

    So sweet! Love the way you style your adorable dress! Super great haircut on you too!! Happy Valentines! 🙂

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 14, 2014 at 8:38 am

      Thanks Rebecca, happy Valentine’s Day to you too!

      Reply
  21. Taygan says

    February 12, 2014 at 3:30 pm

    That fabric is just perfection! All of these beautiful valentines-themed projects I’m seeing everywhere are making me wish I’d planned ahead and made something too!!

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 14, 2014 at 8:40 am

      Thanks! There’s always next year to join in the fun! 😀

      Reply
  22. Jen says

    February 12, 2014 at 4:03 pm

    What a beautiful dress! I’ve seen so many Emerys popping up everywhere but I really think this is my favourite! Excellent fabric choice, and such a good job with positioning the hearts. Taking time over things like that really does pay off doesn’t it?

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 14, 2014 at 8:40 am

      Yes, indeed!

      Reply
  23. Jessica Cangiano says

    February 12, 2014 at 4:07 pm

    Splendidly spectacular Valentine’s Day dress. I love that it’s both super festive and yet can just as easily be worn the rest of the year ’round, too. I really gravitate towards holiday appropriate pieces like that as well.

    ♥ Jessica

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 14, 2014 at 8:41 am

      Yes, I definitely intend to wear it year-round! I tried to balance it by not making it too over-the-top Valentiney and accessorize, instead, just for that very purpose. 🙂

      Reply
  24. Lauren says

    February 12, 2014 at 4:23 pm

    So stinkin cute! You are the cutest little vintage Valentine EVER! 😀

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 14, 2014 at 8:41 am

      Awww thanks Lauren! 🙂

      Reply
  25. Emma says

    February 12, 2014 at 5:30 pm

    That is gorgeous, I think the effort in lining up the print was totally worth it.

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 14, 2014 at 8:41 am

      Thanks!

      Reply
  26. Heather says

    February 12, 2014 at 5:52 pm

    You have made an absolutely gorgeous dress – and I am so envious of the print! What a gorgeous dress for Valentines 🙂

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 14, 2014 at 8:42 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  27. Miss Crayola Creepy says

    February 12, 2014 at 6:08 pm

    I’m totally peanut butter and jealous about your print matching! I think it all looks so perfect!

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 14, 2014 at 8:42 am

      Ha ha, that’s the best phrase ever!! 😉

      Reply
  28. Frances says

    February 12, 2014 at 6:27 pm

    Lovely! I adore the print, and the hearts centered with the cardigan are just charming.

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 14, 2014 at 8:42 am

      Thank you so much, Frances! 🙂

      Reply
  29. Vintage Musings of a Modern Pinup says

    February 12, 2014 at 7:35 pm

    Argh, I just wanna claw my EYES out at how stinking GORGEOUS you are! Superb backdrop and glorious outfit. Perfect, perfect, perfect. xx

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 14, 2014 at 8:42 am

      Ha ha, thanks!!

      Reply
  30. Philippa says

    February 13, 2014 at 1:26 am

    It’s lovely. Perfect fit and the hearts down the front were well worth the positioning efforts!

    Reply
  31. Mim says

    February 13, 2014 at 3:38 am

    That is lovely. It looks fab with the cardigan.

    Reply
  32. Camilla says

    February 13, 2014 at 4:38 am

    Beautiful dress, you’ve really done that fabulous fabric justice. I’m seeing so many gorgeous versions of the Emery, I need this pattern in my life. Thanks for the tip about decreasing the stitch length at the corners, genius. Good luck with the games!

    Reply
  33. Gail says

    February 13, 2014 at 5:53 am

    Oh my – that is absolutely perfect!

    Reply
  34. Incendiary Blonde says

    February 13, 2014 at 7:02 am

    This is so, so adorable! It looks really pretty on you, too! I love the colour pairing with the cardigan, and the little brooch ties it all together so nicely. Bravo!

    Reply
  35. Kerry says

    February 13, 2014 at 8:39 am

    This dress looks fantastic on you. What a great fit and you’ve managed the fabric pattern placement perfectly. Seriously great job 🙂

    Reply
  36. Evie says

    February 13, 2014 at 8:43 am

    Cute dress! We don’t really do Valentine’s Day either. After nearly a decade of working at a candy store the holiday was all but completely ruined for me. Fortunately my husband is ok with the fact that I’m not really into it. 😉

    Reply
  37. Melissa Borromeo says

    February 13, 2014 at 8:43 am

    Amazing work! And you have styled your ensemble so well. Your hair really tops it off!

    Reply
  38. Donna says

    February 13, 2014 at 10:11 am

    Hi! I have the exact same bow and heart pin. I’m 53 and have worn that pin every year as long as I can remember… just took it out of my jewelry box for tomorrow’s ensemble… Very cool seeing yours on your cardigan! And your dress is absolutely “love”ly !

    Reply
  39. JennyOH says

    February 13, 2014 at 10:19 am

    Love this so much! Your attention to detail is so meticulous and makes the finished dress that much more amazing. Do you make dresses to sell, too? Because I am seriously hankering after one of these for myself but have zero sewing skills 😀

    Reply
  40. Kate-Em says

    February 13, 2014 at 12:24 pm

    Your dress is fabulous, such a great shape and the fabric is pretty. It looks great with a cardigan too, those centred hearts are amazing.

    Reply
  41. Lisa says

    February 13, 2014 at 4:31 pm

    Your dress is so pretty! And I am loving your new hair cut, lady! Happy early v-day!

    Reply
  42. Betsy says

    February 13, 2014 at 5:19 pm

    Your haircut is so cute! Looks great on you. So does the dress. I love your knitted pieces too. I laughed out loud reading the part about the hearts matching up but then the seam being off-pattern. Totally something I would do!

    Reply
  43. Bellis Winter says

    February 14, 2014 at 8:03 am

    Oh you’re so cut in that dress !!!
    Here, for valentine’s time, we offer just cards with a lot of love words !!!

    Reply
  44. Franca says

    February 14, 2014 at 2:05 pm

    It’s gorgeous! I am a big fan of the emery, if only it had long sleeves!

    Reply
  45. Melody Mae says

    February 15, 2014 at 6:39 am

    I WANT THIS QUITE A LOT.

    Caps necessary, this has put the nail in the coffin for buying the Emery.

    Ugh I just love it and it looks so gorgeous on you!

    Reply
  46. wardrobe experience says

    February 16, 2014 at 10:43 am

    what a beautiful dress! the pritn is so cute …. and it looks just perfect paired with the cardi.

    Reply
  47. Margaret says

    February 17, 2014 at 11:46 am

    OK. You have convinced me. I’ve seen so many gorgeous Emery dresses across the sewing blogs and couldn’t decide if I ought to spend the money on the pattern, but they come out perfect every time and you styled it so wonderfully. Your blog is beautiful!

    Reply
  48. jude ammar says

    March 2, 2014 at 6:00 pm

    i LOVE your quibbles! the pattern placement on the two sleeves is brilliant and the zipper worked where it most needed to and just plain made me happy. i never became the seamstress my ma was, but as is so often true with prolonged exposure to quality, i am a snob. Nicely done!

    Reply
  49. Michelle says

    March 26, 2014 at 10:47 pm

    Your dress is perfection! Great details–nice job centering those hearts and getting the neckline to lay perfectly flat. Now I want to make this dress too.

    Reply
  50. Erika says

    February 2, 2015 at 5:04 pm

    What an awesome dress and way to show off the print!! Total queen of hearts!!

    I am trying to adapt a square neckline, and came here for a little more detail on the process. Can you please measure the dimensions of yours? Width, drop front and back, etc. Yours is just perfect, not too deep and wide.

    Yours truly, Erika

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Completed: The Emery Dress | LLADYBIRD says:
    March 10, 2014 at 8:19 am

    […] are AMAZING! Some of my favorites – Miss Crayola Creepy, SewTell, The Nerdy Seamstress, By Gum, By Golly!, ShanniLoves, Sew I Thought… ok, I’ll stop now, but you get the idea!). This little […]

    Reply
  2. DIY Valentine's Day Outfits for Girls | NewNise says:
    February 9, 2015 at 5:35 am

    […] source […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

About Tasha

Welcome! If you’re into vintage style, knitting, sewing, and general craftiness, well then grab your favorite drink because you’re in the right place! I’m Tasha. Read more...

  • P

Tasha Could Be In Your Inbox

Yes, add me, please!

My Knitting Patterns

Wondrella cardigan - new knitting pattern!

Wondrella cardigan – new knitting pattern!

Fortesse beret - new knitting pattern

Fortesse beret – new knitting pattern

Fortesse pullover - new knitting pattern

Fortesse pullover – new knitting pattern

Confidette bolero - new knitting pattern!

Confidette bolero – new knitting pattern!

Legendaire pullover hands behind head

Legendaire pullover – new knitting pattern release

Fayne beret: new knitting pattern release

Fayne beret: new knitting pattern release

Knitting pattern release: Sprigs and Berries

Knitting pattern release: Sprigs and Berries

Nisse: knitting pattern release

Nisse: knitting pattern release

Debut knitting pattern release: Victory

Debut knitting pattern release: Victory

Categories

Some Favorites

Getting a cardigan right

Getting a cardigan right

Our great 1950s kitchen renovation reveal

Our great 1950s kitchen renovation reveal

50s topper coat for spring

50s topper coat for spring

Nancy Drew and the Clue in the Epic Sweater

Nancy Drew and the Clue in the Epic Sweater

A plaid bolero, a dress, and a belt buckle walk into a bar

A plaid bolero, a dress, and a belt buckle walk into a bar

Spring green batwing sleeve bolero

Spring green batwing sleeve bolero

Topics

1940s sewing birthdays blouses briar rose knitalong butterick butterick B5895 buttons cardigans christmas clogs craftsy dresses fair isle knitting fall for cotton finished projects fitting a 1940s pullover project giveaways haircuts Hollywood 1678 jacket hollywood patterns knit for victory knitting patterns knitwear design mccall's outfits pants resizing knitting patterns reviews sew for victory sewing with knits simplicity skirts stranded knitting susan crawford tailoring vintage vintage clothing vintage hair vintage knitting vintage knitting college vintage knitting patterns vintage pledge vintage sewing vintage sewing patterns wisconsin

Posts

Footer

Tasha Could Be in Your Inbox

Yes, add me, please!

  • P
  • © Copyright 2023 Tasha Could Make That. All Rights Reserved.
  • • Privacy Policy
  • Created with ✨ by Moxie Design Studios
Scroll Up