Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mackenzie on 3rd mo. 13, 2013 at 11:37am

I really like how this woman dresses: http://theopulentpoppy.blogspot.com/search/label/daily%20dress

In particular, I like http://theopulentpoppy.blogspot.com/2010/10/peach-pink-and-princess... because it doesn't require zippers/buttons.

That's all stuff she sews herself.

Permalink Reply by Paula Roberts on 3rd mo. 13, 2013 at 12:17pm

Thanks for the links MacKenzie. I like the pink dress very much.  I don't sew myself though.  I think I'd like to see it with the buttons on the front.  It exemplifies my conundrum -I like the cape on a dress because of the modesty. I love my jumpers just for that. So the pink dress is beautiful, I wish it had a cape.  But were to find a scoop-necked, band waisted, cape dress?

I found this shirt at Shakti that I like too http://www.eshakti.com/Product/CL0026047/Ruched-sleeve-poplin-shirt  This shape is so hard to find for some reason. I imagine they're not in style?

Paula

Permalink Reply by Mackenzie on 3rd mo. 13, 2013 at 12:22pm

I have a long-sleeve shirt of that type that I got at Target years ago. It was the only one they had with buttons to the neck instead of stopping at the bosom. I'm an hourglass with strong shoulders, so knowing how to sew is a bit of a necessity for me to make anything fit right, and I did have to take that shirt in at the waist, as usual. 

You might want to look on Etsy for shirtwaist dresses.

Permalink Reply by Debbie Halcomb on 3rd mo. 13, 2013 at 12:55pm

Thanks for the link Paula, I will check it out. I too tried the cape dress but find it uncomfortable and kind of made me look odd. I even spent money to have a cape dress made to fit and still didn't feel right. I, like you, lean a little more to the modern plain, but hesitate to buy online because of fit. I am on a very limited budget. I paid $50 for the capedress which I don't wear and hate wasting the money. The search goes on for ready made plain.

Debbie

Permalink Reply by Paula Roberts on 3rd mo. 13, 2013 at 1:25pm

MacKenzie, I've looked on Etsy, but the dresses are not long enough. However, you've given me the nomenclature to refine my search. I did not know I was looking for shirtwaist dresses. I will use that now.

Debbie, I came close to right with a resource I got from Quaker Jane - Shukr http://www.shukronline.com/index.html?sh_nrdr2=1

The skirts are actually long http://www.shukronline.com/womens-long-skirt.html and I'm very pleased with them.  The tops, however, are too long because the site cater to Muslim hijab.  The same issue with the dresses -they are quite exotic in their patterns usually, but every now and then I see a dress I can wear ...maybe http://www.shukronline.com/wd2710.html  (and the one of me in my apron is from Shukr). 

Shakti looks very promising.  I was in New Delhi in 2008 and they do remarkable work in a day so the idea that they cut to order and still offer reasonable cost is completely plausible and I think someone showed great insight in giving us the opportunity to get stuff this way here in the States. The challenge here is to take your measurements properly.

Paula

Permalink Reply by Mackenzie on 3rd mo. 13, 2013 at 1:28pm

I think I'd wear some of Shukr's tunic tops *as* dresses. They look about knee-length. 

Permalink Reply by Mackenzie on 3rd mo. 13, 2013 at 1:36pm

Oh oh, and I just stumbled upon this post on that blog I linked earlier http://theopulentpoppy.blogspot.com/2010/11/khaki-shirtwaist-dress....  If you can handle just enough sewing for a straight line and a hem, you can lengthen the dresses you find.

Permalink Reply by Paula Roberts on 3rd mo. 13, 2013 at 2:09pm

That's a brilliant idea. That blogger is very innovative.

Permalink Reply by Bridget Casterline on 3rd mo. 14, 2013 at 9:37am

There is a company called Deva Lifewear which makes/made 100% cotton dresses which might meet your needs, Paula.  Unfortunately, they're going out of business due to problems getting high enough quality cotton, but they're still selling off their inventory, so you might want to take a look even though it can't be a long-term solution: http://www.devalifewear.com/x/home.php?cat=7 

I used to wear their Tara dress (http://www.devalifewear.com/x/product.php?productid=359&cat=7&a...) until I moved towards more traditionally plain clothes.

Permalink Reply by Mackenzie on 3rd mo. 14, 2013 at 11:00am

I liked their stuff, though I never bought any (don't buy clothes very often). Sad to hear they're closing up.

Bridget Casterline said:

There is a company called Deva Lifewear which makes/made 100% cotton dresses which might meet your needs, Paula.  Unfortunately, they're going out of business due to problems getting high enough quality cotton, but they're still selling off their inventory, so you might want to take a look even though it can't be a long-term solution: http://www.devalifewear.com/x/home.php?cat=7 

I used to wear their Tara dress (http://www.devalifewear.com/x/product.php?productid=359&cat=7&a...) until I moved towards more traditionally plain clothes.

Permalink Reply by Debbie Halcomb on 3rd mo. 14, 2013 at 11:21am

Thanks Paula, I did check out their site and see some promising items. The prices are srill high for me on my budget but I do not need a wide variety of dresses since I am limiting myself to 5 everyday dresses and a Sunday dress.
 
Paula Roberts said:

MacKenzie, I've looked on Etsy, but the dresses are not long enough. However, you've given me the nomenclature to refine my search. I did not know I was looking for shirtwaist dresses. I will use that now.

Debbie, I came close to right with a resource I got from Quaker Jane - Shukr http://www.shukronline.com/index.html?sh_nrdr2=1

The skirts are actually long http://www.shukronline.com/womens-long-skirt.html and I'm very pleased with them.  The tops, however, are too long because the site cater to Muslim hijab.  The same issue with the dresses -they are quite exotic in their patterns usually, but every now and then I see a dress I can wear ...maybe http://www.shukronline.com/wd2710.html  (and the one of me in my apron is from Shukr). 

Shakti looks very promising.  I was in New Delhi in 2008 and they do remarkable work in a day so the idea that they cut to order and still offer reasonable cost is completely plausible and I think someone showed great insight in giving us the opportunity to get stuff this way here in the States. The challenge here is to take your measurements properly.

Paula

Permalink Reply by Paula Roberts on 3rd mo. 14, 2013 at 3:36pm

Thanks for the link Bridget. It's too bad they are going out of business, but it's such a niche market isn't it? Of the small market for these kinds of clothes, many of the consumers themselves sew. 

Debbie, cost is always an issue.  I feel you.  Still, it's a good resource to keep just in case you ever have the means to buy, or develop the wherewithal to copy.  But like you said, we only need a few things.  

 

Paula 

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