Yesterday, when I took these pictures, it was scorching hot, too hot even for Laurel to stand in the sun for better lighting. Today, it was only 80 degrees, so here in Florida that means goodbye to summer. And, subsequently, goodbye to the rainbow dress until next spring. This basic yoke is still rather large for her, so it’s likely that it can be worn through next September.
This frock is all about summer.  Florida’s summer afternoon rainstorms are often followed by spectacular rainbows, much to the delight of children who have been called in from the pool.  The fabric is pale yellow Imperial broadcloth,  smocked with Martha Pullen’s 20+ years old design, “Over a Rainbow.” The cuffed sleeve and collar are self piped.
It was made 25 years ago for Laurel’s Aunt Rebecca, my daughter. Thankfully, my skills have improved since then. But Rebecca loved this dress, requiring the hem to be dropped and for pin tucks to be stitched to cover the crease.
The only thing that makes this dress remarkable is the remark Laurel makes when she wears it. “I love this dress, Nana,” she tells me, every single time, just like Rebecca did. Her mother loves it, too, as it comes right out of the dryer and onto a hanger, ready to wear.
