Thursday, May 2, 2019

FREE pattern, giveaway and that sweet bodice...


This year I've truly wanted to offer all of my faithful readers useful patterns as my freebie each month but I was genuinely stuck on 'which one' as May approached - until a couple of lovely ladies in our Gentle Domesticity group asked where they could purchase one of my 2018 designs, The Welcome Door.
This stitchery is perfect for housewarmings or to hang in your own home and it's also easy to alter from the soft greens and browns I've used to a brighter palette if that's your style. 


"The Welcome Door" is my free gift to you through the month of May.







The dress was a combined effort by Blossom and myself and truly, it's even more beautiful in real life. I designed and hand stitched the bodice before handing it over to Bloss so she could (immaculately) finish it as little Raf's special dress.





The lovely thing about the bodice design is that it will work with just about any basic dress pattern, but it could also feature on a tunic, popover, apron or back opening blouse.
I'm thinking it would even be fine on a t-shirt.




Many people have requested the pattern since they first saw it but I needed to play around with the sizing in order to offer more options than a size 1.

So in between finishing Phyllis May's Kitchen (still going on that) and having a troop of tradies through the house to replace our flood damaged ceiling (another five days before it's complete) I tweaked the pattern to fit sizes 1, 2 3 and 4.




This sweet bodice now has a name too!
No surprises, right?



You can purchase the pattern HERE in my shop as an instant pdf download.

You might see more pretty designs for little girl's clothing in the months to come as Blossom and I loved working together on this project.


This month's giveaway is another celebration of the gentle domestic life!

I love the new Simplicity vintage and retro sewing themed notions and tea towels and if you'd like to win this trio of goodies all you need do is leave a comment below and tell me what era you'd love to live in.

I'm pretty sure my heart would have been happy in the 50's, what about you?

LOVE the dresses (Nana would have called them frocks) and the styling and the hair and the modesty of clothing. I love that women looked like women and that they took pride in their homes. Now, I know there were exceptions to that rule, but overall, there was so much to love about post war 1950's.


GIVEAWAY closes on Monday May 13th.
I'll announce the winner in our next book study post on May 14th




Blossom always said she should have been a 50's housewife because of the clothes and with Audrey Hepburn being her favourite actress there was a deep envy for Audrey's wardrobe too. 

I'll tell you something about my Blossom. She can wear hats, any hat, and look incredible. 
I on the other hand cannot wear a hat to save myself and do every hat an injustice.

 Well, enough chatter for today...there's a pile of Phyllis May's Kitchen blocks staring at me and if I don't keep plodding forward with them you'll never see how they turned out or the "not a quilt" way I'm displaying them. 

Oops, one more thing - I keep forgetting to share the link to my fortnightly newsletter for those who are new to my blog. It's free and will keep you up to date with everything that happens in the wonderful world of Elefantz.

Just pop your email over HERE.


May the Lord God, strong and mighty, honest and true, be your shelter, shield and abundant provider this month. Draw close to Him and He will draw closer to you. Lay your needs before Him in prayer and trust that His hand is always at work to care for you in both big and small circumstances.
How do I know?
Because He has never failed me, regardless of how often I fail Him.
Do I always get what I ask?
No, but that's because He knows what's best for me in the larger tapestry of my life.

Bless you gorgeous gal,


81 comments:

e l i z a b e t h ♡ said...

Oh, I love your granddaughter's dress...the colors are so happy and cheerful {{smiles}}

I would have to agree with you and your daughter...I think I would have fit into the 50's just fine. I'm 24 and I feel like a black sheep nowadays with how fast the world is changing and the lack of morals, family values and Christian foundation. It sure would be wonderful to live in an age where those things were held up in high esteem and for them to be more of the norm unlike they are today. Oh yes, the 50's sounds quite lovely to me.

This was a delightful post...wishing you a wonderful rest of your week! I hope your ceiling gets fixed fast so you can get back to normal living. It always throws things off having workers in the home.

Joyful blessings to you ♥

Kitty Owens said...

I was a teen in the 50's, and loved it. It was the best time to be a teen. . Married at 17 in 1956. (what was I thinking?) Would love to have the towels,patterns, and sewing notions. Thanks Jenny for all the lovely Patterns and words of faith.

Beth said...

I've often said I was born at the wrong time, because I always feel like I fit with the previous generation better than my own. The 50's are interesting, but I'm with you on hats! I really don't like hats (however I don't like sunburn even more). Thank you for the Welcome Door pattern!

Angela said...

I love the 50s too! I love the fashions & trends of the 50s. The bright colours, the florals, music and I think there was still an air of innocence. I was born late 60’s so can only go by what I’ve seen on television and in books etc but that’s what the 50s are to me 😊

Nanna Chel said...

Jenny, I lived through the 1950s and it seemed to be a time of innocence. We had heaps of fun as children and a lot of children would go down to the creek etc. all day and be back in time for tea without their parents having to worry about them. No screens to distract us in those days.I don't want to go in the giveaway by the way. That bodice you and Blossom designed is just beautiful. If I had a little granddaughter that age I would embroider one for her. I hope your migraines aren't as bad now.

dixigirl said...

Loved the 50's. Much simpler times. Lovely memories.

Rämmengården said...

Som beautful dress. Have a Nice Day hugs Nina

Little Quiltsong said...

Thank you so very much for the lovely, lovely free pattern. I have a little plate on the wall that says - "No matter what, no matter where - it's always home, when love is there" - and your pattern reminds of this :)!
I too would love to go back to the 50's. I was born in the late 50's, but have such happy memories of when I was young, and things were 'slower' - the neighborhood milkman - running over to the neighbors to chat - hanging wash out in the early, early mornings from the old wringer washer - and especially family time, and the simple meals we were surrounded with. Love the fabric - reminds me of the 'good old days' :)!

Susan M. said...

I also would have loved to be a 1950’s housewife! Except for one thing—air conditioning! Having lived in Texas, and still living in the South in Tennessee, I have a great appreciation for the invention and wide spread availability of air conditioning!!!

Deanie said...

Your "Welcome Door" is gorgeous, can't wait to stitch it up! And Rafaella's Bodice is beautiful! Though I have no little girls to stitch it up for, one day I hope to! Jenny, you're not alone...I cannot wear hats either, no matter how lovely the hat...can't do it justice! Thank you for the free pattern and blessings to you.

april dawn said...

I always think I was born in the wrong era. I love the 50’s too but I think I love the 1930’s even morn. And yes it’s the hair styles and clothes.

Kay said...

I would like to live in the Victorian era but only if I were rich enough to have the beautiful dresses with leg of mutton sleeves and lots of hand made lace. Thank you for a lovely giveaway. x

Bubba and Nana said...

Just beautiful!!!

Lydia said...

I grew up in the 60's and 70's and that was a great time. Still a favorite.

daisydilly (vicki) said...

Love the little dress. Makes me wish I had more little girls in my life but alas my new great grand baby was a boy and I don't think he'd want flowers. lol. Love the 50"s but I've been drawn to the mid 40"s for some unknown reason.Still pretty much in the same dress code era. Glad the house is finally back in order and the damage wasn't worse.Have a wonderful day.

Kaye said...

Jenny, I born in 1954 but wish I had been born earlier so I could have enjoyed being in the 50's more. My kitchen is full of things from the 50's. I have 2 canister sets, a spice rack, cookie jar, jello mold, several coffee pots and a few things more. I also love decorating everything in red and with cherries if I can find them. My dinning room table is covered with a tablecloth from the 50's. It is red and white with a flower design. Thank you for the pattern!

Remembrances said...

I grew up in the 50s (born in 1948), and I love the clothing of that era - not so much the "mid-century modern" look of the decor though. My favorite era would have to be the late 30s-early 40s, both in clothing and style.

gracie said...

What a beautiful little dress. You both did a fantastic job of course it helps that that is a pretty face wearing it.

Ann R said...

I have always been enamored with the 40's. Looking through my parents old photos has always been one of my favorite pastimes. The clothes, shoes, hairstyles, cars, furniture and even music was all so classy and stylish.

Simply Ann said...

Hi Jenny! Thanks for the free pattern. I think I would love the 50"s as well. I am a dress girl so I love the dress styles that they wore back then. Of course now that I am the fluffy Nana type, those styles would not look very good on me but I still admire them. I love the dress you both made for your precious one. I enjoy sewing for my granddaughters. I have plans for many little dresses this summer. Pass me on by if by chance I am chosen. I have really enjoyed the gifts you sent and use the scissors and tape measure often and the other items are proudly displayed in my sewing cabinet. Hugs and God bless!

Rita Lynn said...

Thank you for the Welcome Door. I was a child in the 50's. I love the styles and would have loved to be an adult then. rita_l_39212@yahoo.com

JoJo said...

Oh my goodness...this post is filled with such awesome eye candy. Thank you for the welcome door pattern. It is so lovely. I must move it up to the top of the must make list. I grew up in the 60s but love the clothing from earlier eras. The dresses were so feminine and respectable. Your granddaughter is beautiful. I love the detailed work you did on the bodice of her little dress.

Martha MCH said...

Hot Diggity, You Send Me to the 50s with Blue Suede Shoes and Chantilly Lace and there will be A Whole Lot of Shakin’ Going On! And My Prayer, It’ll Be Me that You Send Me these Little Darlin’ vintage notions! Que Sera, Sera.

AlisonC said...

Such pretty embroidery on that dress!. I would have liked to have been around in the late 1940's and 1950's. Women dressed so smartly then and wore such lovely dresses. I think we dress far too sloppy these days. The 1940 events that are held at our heritage railways are testament to how much modern ladies like to dress in those dresses and suits.

Beth said...

Thank you so much for the free pattern. It will be lovely for my niece who is getting married this September and starting her own home. I don't know if I would have liked being a grown woman in the 1950's. I think it would have chafed a bit for me--so many restrictions, so much inequality. In fact, I hope it would have chafed; I hate to think I would have been a grown woman and not recognized how much easier my life was than other people's, while at the same time bristling at how restricted I was. Having said that, I do love those swishy skirts and the smart suits I see my mother wearing in old photos! And my mom was one of the women who looked so smart in hats, like your Blossom.

Robin in New Jersey said...

Hi Jenny! Thank you for the Welcome Door pattern. My son and his wife purchased their first home so I hope to make this for them to bring as a gift when I go to visit them in August.

We sell all those Vintage Simplicity items in the store where I work. There's a bowl that's actually a giant magnet to throw your pins into. At work one night, while straightening up, I went to move it and of course it was "stuck" to the metal shelf. LOL

Have a lovely day!

Maureen said...

Thank you for the beautiful prayer.

wendy said...

Love the Victorian era! The beautiful old homes and furniture style, the gorgeous dresses with lace and embroidery. It seems a simpler and quieter time though it was harsh and unfair for some. Thank you for the new design, can't wait for Phyllis May's Kitchen to debut!

GrammaGrits said...

You are so kind to adjust your granddaughter's pattern for more sizes - it is precious!

I was raised in the 50's and love how much more feminine women were at that time. I love the dresses that women usually wore everyday in their housework. The patterns look really special!

ssjmommy said...

I love where I am and where I am supposed to be; here and now. I wouldn't change a thing.

Sharon Aurora said...

Like you I would have liked being a housewife in the 50's. Women were women and men were men. Families were intact and children respected their parents. Families did things together instead of playing on their electronic devices.

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

The 50's had such fun dresses and colors. Thanks for the door pattern. We will be moving, and this would be good to make for our new home.

Joyce said...

I love the 60s. I guess because that’s when I grew up. Give me some bell bottoms and a the dyed t shirt and I’ll be happy. Oh, and maybe some of those fringed suede shoes.

Christine M said...

Hi Jenny. I'm like Blossom and would be a 50's girl. I love dresses and wear one every day (most of them vintage style). You very rarely see me in pants and the only skirt I wear is my tennis skirt! xxx

Judy1522 said...

Rafaella's birthday dress is so beautiful. Thank you so much for the free pattern.

Ondrea said...

That dress is ever so pretty and Rafaella carries it so beautifully. Love the stitchery and thankyou so much for sharing it with us.

Jill said...

Hi Jenny,
I'm with Blossom on the 50's era. Love the style of those dresses and have quite a few of those Simplicity patterns which belonged to my mum. Unfortunately I don't have the figure to suit those waist-hugging frocks.

Corinne76 said...

Tout est très beau !!!
Have a good day

Annieaquilts said...

In the 50's my mother always took the time and effort to change into a fresh dress and put on some makeup before my father got home from work. After the austerity of the war years her lovely floral dresses were so pretty and just a little frivolous. Such pride in appearance as this would not go astray these days with quite a lot of people despite the everyday busy lives so many lead.

Worshipper said...

Well - I lived in the 50's as a child and loved it - but the 70's brought my daughters, a dishwasher, a microwave and lovely little ranch home where my children were safe to play outdoors with their friends - I would say 70's. Thank you for your continual generosity - Blessings!!

e said...

I love the simplicity and domesticity of the 50s. I love the fashions and shoes and elegance of the 40s. Thank you for the beautiful designs we've come to know and love.

Carlie said...

I was born in 1955 but I think I would have liked to be a teenager then! As always, your stitching is a great inspiration to me and I love reading your blog.

Joan said...

I lived through the fifties and would like to relive a day with my parents and extended family. They are gone now and one Sunday afternoon picnic at my grandmothers would be so grand.

Little Penpen said...

Oh my! The little dress with the embroidered bodice! Beautiful!! 💗

Renea said...

I would have loved to been an adult in the 1950's. As I read through the comments it seems alot of us feel the same way. Seemed like such a sweet time to have been raising a family. Thanks for the giveaway.

Unknown said...

Love the 1950 and 1960s a lovely style, a more relaxed an simple life. Peggy Willson brucepegwillson@gmail.com

Deb said...

Thank you for the Welcome Door pattern, I have just bought a house and will be taking the keys at the end of May and this will be perfect to stitch up for my new home. I think I would have liked living my adult life during the 1950's (I was born in 1955) so many new and exciting modern conveniences were making there way into homes around the globe, like today with all our new electronic devices a whole new world was just opening up for the household making life a little easier on women who were home taking care of home and raising family. My grown niece always asks me where I get my retro kitchen stuff, I tell her dear I bought it all brand new back in the 1970's when I started my first home.

Lola said...

I always tell everyone, I was born 100 years late, I too love Victorian, but I was born and raised in fifty's and sixty's, so I guess its the 30's I'll pick!

sam said...

I was a child in the 50's and it was grand. I'm not sure it was because it was the 50's or because of the wonderful parents and sisters I had. Life was carefree and such a cozy loving environment. I would have enjoyed being an adult and raising my family then.

Tammy said...

I was a child in the 70's as I was born in 1969. It was a good simple life. But I think I would have loved the 20's or 30's or 50's to be raised to be so very self reliant and to be taught so much neele work skills and so many other skills that ladies learned back them...I love simple stuff and I love old houses and old farms...Now that I think of it maybe the 50's would have suited me better as ladies had more freedoms them. And I could have been in apron heaven to cover up the lovely beautiful frocks I would have worn...And those gorgeous old cars....I can see me and you and a couple other group members laughing as we drove off in our frocks with the convertible top down....to deliver some baked goods to someone whom was feeling under the weather...

Gillian said...

I love being a reenactor as a pioneer woman in the 1800's in the USA. I can't say it was an easy life, but you always had family and friends around to make the work easier. I love learning about how clothes and other goods would be re-purposed. A bed sheet becomes a tablecloth then napkins. But I could also see myself at the turn of the century as a servant in a house like Downton Abbey. Yes, a servant..I really believe they had the most fun LOL!

Jenny said...

Jennifer what a treasure. I have admired this pattern ever since I saw it on your blog. Thank you for sharing it with us. The May give away is such a fun idea too! You are always full of great ideas & encouragement.

What era would I want to live in? I think I'd like to pick &choose! I know, I love Jane Austen's era & almost every decade of the last century has things I love. I don't really want to give up my modern conveniences either....so maybe what I really want is to be able to time travel!

Rubies said...

Jennifer, I absolutely love the dress for your Granddaughter, so precious as is all your work.

What era would I love to live in, The 50's, I loved the dresses, the home styles, the interior furniture, appliances, dishes, glasses. Well you name it. I always felt as if i was born in the wrong era. I collect the old dishes and glasses, everything was made so well back then.

Jackie C said...

The 50s would be my choice. I love the music (I sing doowop). I love the decor (my house is decorated reminiscent of the 50s) and would love to own a mid-century modern home. I love the fashions (for awhile I made myself outfits from the retro 50s patterns). I was born in 1945 and actually got to live through that era...Lucky me!!!

Celtic Thistle said...

I live in a Victorian house and would love to have been around when it was built. I know the outfits were impractical and hygiene left a lot to be desired but there was also a great sense of expectation and enthusiasm which would have been so inspiring. Not to mention incredible handwork going on too :) Love the bodice now all I need is a granddaughter to make it for.

OkieKat said...

I would have loved to live in the 50's. I was born in 1960 so just missed them!

Verna G said...

I was a teenager in the 50's and it was great! Would not trade it for any other time.

Elizabeth said...

Your patterns are always lovely. Thank you for sharing the free embroidery patterns. I was born in the 50's but my teenage years were
the 60's. I would of liked the teenage years to be in the 50's.

Gloria said...

Love, luv, love the bodice and free pattern. You amaze me every time my friend. I lived in the 50's, 60''s and 70's. I loved the 50's. Life was simpler, people were loving and giving and took the time to visit with you. You could walk in their kitchen or back door and sit for a spell and have a cup of tea..........The 60's were all about PEACE & LUV! Crazy clothing and shoes, but I loved it all. The 70's brought new music and changing times as did the 60's. I am thankful for all the experiences through all those eras. I came from generations of learning to sew, crochet, cook, make my own clothing and am grateful for the European family I had.

Sally H. said...

I think I would chose the 50's. I was born in that decade and would love to see it with grown-up eyes. I remember that doors weren't locked and neighbors would visit with each other and we always had a home-cooked meal every night with the whole family around the table. Aah, for the good old days!!

Maureenclare02@gmail.com said...

I would have loved living in the Roaring Twenties era. I just love the slinky straight dresses with the long fringing and the bling. The bob hairdo's and the over the top hair clips. I did grow up in the 60's so I was one of the lucky ones. Pretty dresses, at least 4 balls a year to dance at and then of course the music.
Life is such a wonderful gift and every generation has some kind of a tradition to hold dear. Special hugs Jenny.

Michelle said...

I would probably like the clothing of the 50's the best. I also like prairie style clothing and Regency England dresses.

Mochagrams said...

Jenny, I would chose the 50's. Mom's were blessed with staying at home to raise her family as a given. The early 50's for me were wonderful. Played outside for hours, rode my bike with a friend on the wide tree-lined streets. Always had pretty dresses and saddle shoes for school and play clothes for after-school. Sundays were Grandma, Aunts, Uncles, cousins filling the pews at church, and to Grandma's for cinnamon toast after church. What a blessed time.

Mo Pfister said...

I loved the mid 60's. I was 5-7 years old. We all played outside till dusk. We built treehouses in the woods. A dinner bell called us back home. We all went to church on Sunday and knew everyone on our community. It was all so simple then.

Robbin said...

I am a long time blog appreciator. Your godly encouragement is a blessing to me. I am praying for your daughter with the new baby as I have a child in similar life circumstances. May the Lord bless you today, Jenny.

karamino said...

Your granddaughter's dress is wonderful! I would chose the 50's...

Abby said...

I’d love the 30’s or the 50’s. It’s amazing what a post war boom will do. But in all honesty can I just go back to 2000’s. Things had so much promise. Hopefully this world of hate, anger and intolerance is just a blip on the radar and manners and live can prevail sooner rather than later.

Abby said...

*love

Tammy said...

The 1950s with all the cute dresses and music.

TerriSue said...

Dear Jenny, I do dress 1950's. I never leave the house without a hat and gloves. I think circle skirts are just about the most becoming style there is to any woman's figure though I have many dresses with pleated on skirts as well. Gathered on skirts...it just depends...mostly they add pounds. lol I started dressing this way after I had lost over 130 pounds and found I had a waist. Well I had just lost a whole person I hope I had found something. Mostly I wanted for people to see me and not the scooter I have to use when outside of the house. When I started to collect vintage hats and gloves Jim just thought it was wonderful. People no longer looked at an older woman riding on a scooter and feeling pity or what ever they felt but instead they saw me. Now women come up to me and say how much they wish women would go back to wearing hats and gloves again and I just respond with well YOU can if YOU want to. I will still continue to do this even now as I always will remember the love light in Jim's eyes when they would say something to him about me and he would answer "She looks like this all of the time. This is what I can look forward to coming home to." As I write this I can see him smiling at me with so much love.
Thank you Jenny for all of the inspiration you have given me. It was you that many years ago got me ironing my aprons that covered my dresses everyday to complete the look that Jim loved. You helped me so much in my path to domesticity. You have no idea what you have actually done for me.

Nancy in IN said...

I graduated in 1960, graduated from college and married in 1964, and was raising our boys from 1967 on. People do dress differently now.

tereza said...

Você é uma pessoa generosa! Obrigada. Gostaria de ter vivido em 1800, época do Brasil Império.

Cindy A. said...

Thank you for the Welcome Door pattern. My daughter informed me earlier this week that they were planning a house warming party to show off the new house. Maybe I can get this stitched in time to gift it to her. I know she'll critique my stitching, she usually does. Love the bodice design on the dress. I think it'd be cute turned into a wallhanging or small pillow. Always many possibilities with stitchery designs.

Gloria said...

I was born half way through the 50's, so of course the 50's are special to me. I loved seeing my mom in pretty dresses and aprons when cooking back then. It was such a simpler time. A lot more love in the world too. Neighbors and friends helping one another. I hope to see more of that again some day soon. Love the Rafaella bodice dress. Wish my grandies were still that little. Blessings to you and family Jenny

Jennie said...

I think the 1950’s, as my late mother said that women were more elegant and dressed well back then❤️

iHanna said...

The pattern is so cute, and your embroidery photos makes me wanna dive in and stitch stitch stitch.

You create such lovely things!

Cheers!

Sister4 said...

Your needle work designs are beautiful! Thank you. I love the dresses of the 50's but knowing the history of the 50's and 60's in the US with respect to racism and the Vietnam war I don't want to go back. I was born in 1960 and remember hearing the number of deaths each night from the Vietnam war on the news. Even for a very youn child I understood to some extent the loss. I could only imagine WWI and WWII was worse. So I would love a simplier time with PEACE. But as we know this will come one day when Jesus returns or we are in heaven. Have a blessed day. I love you blog.

Debbie said...

Adorable little girl in a beautiful little dress! Thanks for the Welcome Door pattern, Jenny! I was born in the late 50's and would love to be living then at an older age to see what it was like.

Candy D said...

Your patterns are always so sweet!
1930s for me. The crafts were not dead. I remember quilting bees at my great grandmother's house. All the women in dresses and aprons. The women born in the 30s were still pioneers in the 50s.

mommaloves7 said...

I was born in 1963 and would wistfully look at my mother's beautiful fifties dresses. She sewed all her own clothes as a teen. I have them all in a trunk! Lucky me!!I was so disappointed in the A-lines of the day! My mom sewed nearly all my clothes and honestly made the cuter than anything out there. I did feel lucky to be a teen when Gunne Saxe and Laura Ashley became big in the late 70s/early 80s. We bought all the patterns and my mom spent hours sewing all those intricate details. I helped cut and do the hand work. My mom didn't enjoy handwork and I did.I also sewed circle skirts and peasant outfits with hand embroidery. I still have all the dresses we made that weren't completely worn out from use.While all the other girls were wearing jeans, shorts, Ts and halter tops i went to school everyday in dresses and skirts with hose and heels. Yes, I actually wore hose everyday to school for 3 years!

Susan said...

Well, ahem, I DID enjoy the 50s! But as a little girl, since I was born in 1947. I grew up believing I was responsible for making everyone happy - not the best legacy the 50s had for little girls. I've always loved the styles, as well as the family aspects, of that time, and wished I'd grown into a like decade and generation. Those of us marrying in the late 60s received a lot of mixed messages about what a wife and mother was to be, but I still found the home arts to be satisfying, so I ignored any expectations that left those out. =)