I have always had a penchant for designer clothes, but many years ago I was in a situation of a champagne taste on a beer budget, so I used to sew my clothes. This way, I was able to have lovely designer fabrics and by using Vogue patterns I felt as if I was wearing haute couture.

When I wanted a new dress, I would have a vision in my mind of what the outfit should look like. I would then find the fabric and now my problems started. I wanted the dress to have a particular look and I could not find a pattern. I had no training in dress designing so I would make the dress to my needs by buying many patterns and by using the sleeves from one, the body from another, the neck line from another. I would create my own design. That’s how “The Little Green Dress” was created.

I was invited to go to a dinner and theatre. I wanted to look lovely, so, I needed a new dress. I found a wonderful celadon green wool crepe fabric and Emilo Pucci (like) silk for the lining with the same celadon green in the print. I was off and running.

I have always loved the Elizabethan style and decided I wanted that beautiful sleeve on my dress – long, draped wide at the wrist and coming to a point so my gorgeous fabric would show when I moved my arms and my hands as I talked and ate dinner.

The neck was square and low on the bust line. The body of the dress was A-line which was very flattering. This was in the 70s so it was a respectable length mini. I thought I was so sexy.

I remember receiving many compliments on my beautiful dress, and of course I would never let anyone know it was home made, that would have defeated the whole purpose. I was proud of this dress. The color and design was wonderful. I wore “The Little Green Dress” many times and always felt like a queen.

Eileen Ebin, Florence, Italy