Here is my latest mini. Is it vintage yet modern? I am so happy with how it came out. The background print contains vintage ads/logos for sewing notions and trimmings. I immediately had this curvy paper pieced dress in mind when reading the text. So I drafted up a 10" block featuring this ladies dress to feed my paper piecing addiction yet again.

Look at those curves! Although the skirt is only solid green, I visually wanted to add a pleat or dart look. The skirt is paper pieced in four sections to add the visual interest. Then I added the scalloped quilting down the skirt using the pleats as guidelines. These were the first curves I've actually ever pieced myself. It's not nearly as difficult as I thought it would be. I tried it first on a test block before using my real fabrics.

As I've mentioned before, I am focusing on smaller projects and building my confidence in FMQ and other skills. The scallops and the loops in the border were an experiment. I like the effect of those loops on the solid border. The grey color adds some modernness to the otherwise vintage feel.

Here is the paper pieced block standing alone without the border.

I've made the {betty dress} block up into a pattern if you'd like to try it yourself. You can get it in on Craftsy.

The {betty dress} is a PDF pattern. The finished block measures 10" square. The pattern includes written instructions, a diagram of the block, and mirror image pattern pieces. This pattern does not teach you how to paper piece. {betty dress} is an intermediate level pattern. There are 2 curves and 2 y-seams. This block is a great place to try out these techniques!

I'd love to see your version if you make one!