Constructing: Mackinac Island Dress

Sunday, June 17, 2012



I have one dominant memory of Mackinac Island in the Upper Peninsula...bright, white light and lots of class. It might have been because I was a gawky, adolescent last time I visited, but I've always thought that when it comes to lake side cities, Mackinac stands out like a classy, genteel lady amid a crew of industrial workers in a forgotten, more innocent time. With her stately, white hotel and curving bike trails, it's a place where each memory made is timeless. 

When I designed this dress, I was pulling from the fuzzy memory of a picture I saw of my mother as a teenager, looking happy and carefree...wearing something I'm sure was made of double ponte knit. The details have faded a bit, but the relaxed smile on her face is what really stayed with me. With the Mackinac Island dress, I wanted to construct a piece that appears deceptively simple and effortless on the surface with detailing that on careful inspection, is more complex and intriguing (because no honest-to-goodness genteel lady would give all her secrets away at a mere glance).

 

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23 comments:

  1. Beautiful! Love the soft green. Reminds me of a nice Summer's night. :)

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  2. So pretty! I love the lace details! The color is great!!

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  3. the dress is great :) Do you also sew those amazing dresses? Great job!!!

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  4. What a beautiful dress! I could totally see walking around Mackinac Island wearing that :)

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  5. So beautiful! When are you opening an Etsy shop?!?

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  6. Gorgeous dress, Kristina! And I so LOVE Mackinac! :)

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  7. Very pretty and delicate..even the a delicate shade of green...im a sucker for greens..

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  8. Absolutely lovely. Does it come in maternity? lol

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  9. This dress is absolutely PERFECT.
    Creamy

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  10. Mackinac Island is close to where I live and our family visits yearly. I never grow tired of it! Your lovely dress captures the essence of the Island!

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  11. Omigosh I just found your blog via the Train to Crazy linkup and I ADORE the dresses you make yourself! Wow. Probably the quickest add to my Google Reader in a while. You are awesome!

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  12. This is beautiful. You did a wonderful job. I was wondering if you would link it in my Wednesdays Adorned From Above Blog Hop. Here is the link:

    http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/06/natural-aftershave-and-wednesdays.html

    I would love to have anything that you would like to link.
    Sincerely,
    Debi Bolocofsky
    www.adornedfromabove.com
    Adorned From Above

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  13. This is absolutely stunning! Thanks so much for linking up to Made With Love! You were the highest viewed link last week so I am featuring you today! http://sewchatty.blogspot.com

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  14. Hi! I found you through sew chatty & when I saw Mackinac Island I was so happy. Mackinac is one of my favorite places on earth! I am from Michigan, but my husband & I are stationed in NC because he's in the military. we try to visit Mackinac once a year & we love it!!!! We are actually heading to Michigan this week for a visit. I love your blog & I am now following.. Nice to meet you!

    liz marie
    lizmarieblog.com

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  15. I love this... I'm from the UP. We actually spent our home moon on Mackinac Island.

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  16. You have definitely captured that vintage vibe. Tea in the back garden?

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  17. Anywhere I can buy this dress? It is fabulous!

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  18. I am in love with your blog and this dress (and every single creation of yours!). I've got a question: how did you construct the bodice? I'm good with skirts and sleeves but haven't gotten close to constructing my own patterns for bodices. It seems pretty simple but I just can't seem to get it right just yet, especially the drapey-ness of this one. Any pointers??

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