Debbie's Birthday Dress!

May 10, 2013


Here is my latest creation - a vintage dress that was inspired by my favourite children's book, Debbie's Birthday Party, by Gilbert Delahaye and illustrated by my favourite illustrator of all time, Marcel Marlier.  Delahaye was Belgian, as was Marlier.  Marlier started his career by winning a drawing competition at the age of sixteen.  He illustrated hundreds of books that have been translated into many languages.  Marlier illustrated well into his senior years and died two years ago aged 80 years.
 

I have decided that instead of developing the Mini Pinnie as my first digital pattern, that I will instead develop Debbie's Birthday Dress.  I am so excited about this design - I can't wait to get it out there!  The Mini Pinnie will have to wait!


It is a simple design that I am hoping will appeal to all sewers as a quick and gorgeous dress to sew up with a few design variations (the second is currently on the ironing board!).  The hemline is short but that is what gives it the sweet vintage appeal.  The bonus of this dress will be that as Juliette grows taller, she can wear it as a top with pants.  The dress took only an hour to sew once all cut and prepped.  I love a quick project! So satisfying.

 
The dress is made from a light weight wool - leftovers from Isabella's winter coat.  It is faced (lined) with an Aunt Grace print.  The bodice is embellished with a sweet crocheted lace I found at Spotlight.
 

The back has a simple button and loop closure - so no scary zips or buttonholes!!

 
 
Aren't these the most beautiful illustrations you have ever seen? So innocent and sweet.
 
 
 
 
Juliette really lapped it up reading in bed, saying, "Mummy, I'm not finished the book.  Come and take more photos!"
 
 
Did you love this book too?  Turns out my friend An is also a huge Marcel Marlier fan - makes sense, since she is Belgian!  Keep an eye on her blog over the next few weeks for her new pattern release. 
 
For more Marlier beauty, have a look at my Marcel Marlier board on Pinterest.
 
Stay tuned for the next variation of Debbie's Birthday Dress!

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40 comments

  1. So sweet!! Love the purple fabric you chose. That little dog in the book reminds me of my dachshund :)

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  2. What a perfect dress! I love the fabric and the crocheted lace. And the book is beautiful. I just ordered a copy because I love the pictures so much. Your posts usually have me buying fabric (I bought the Heather Ross snow white fabric last after the last dress you made) and now I am buying children's books too!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Christine!! Hope you and your daughter love the book:)

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  3. Such an awesome result, Suz! I also love how you combined it with the white socks and black shors - so typically Debbie! I'll be posting about my love for Debbie outfits next Thursday :-)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks an:) look forward to seeing your post !

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  4. I really like this dress and its vintage style!

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  5. Very sweet dress. Looks like a lovely story too. I recently found your lovely blog. I'm glad I did. I can see I am going to be inspired to start making some more dresses for my little girl. Cx

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  6. Gorgeous!
    I still have my collection (here Debbie is called "Anita") and I've been adding some new titles for my little girl (I know, shameless excuse for collecting children's books).
    "Debbie's Birthday Party" as an adorable illustration of Debbie's mum taking measures for the birthday party dress (love Marcel Marlier drawings. Probably my favorites).
    Your version is so beautiful - I'm sure it will be a hit (PS. don't forget about the Mini Pinnie. I love that dress as well)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Ana Sofia. I am still working on the mini pinnie too!

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  7. Love the dress - definitely has the vintage vibe.

    I have two of these books from my childhood - Mary at the Flower Festival and Mary and her Garden. They have always been favourites of mine.

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  8. A proper little girl dress, it is absolutely beautiful. I love the illustrations so will peruse your links shortly. Hope your doing ok, and happy weekend x

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  9. Ohhh ! I didn't knew that Martine was called Debbie in your country, how strange it is !

    Very good idea, this little dress !

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  10. Beautiful work suz can't wait to try the pattern, Trines xx

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  11. A beautiful little dress!!! I wore a blue dress, with white lace down the front, very similar in style to yours, to my 6th class (Primary School) farewell.

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