I made two of the dresses that I like the most from this pattern.
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I will admit that the pattern cover influenced my version for Miss Lena but I went with a solid color for the top of the dress. I also made my first version a little big - starting with a size 4. Of course we noticed it after I'd sewn the floral embellishments to the front and hand stitched everything down.
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So some info on this one ~
Fabric:
Black and white cotton pique polka dot fabric
White cotton pique fabric
Notions:
9" black invisible zipper
floral embellishment
white cotton broadcloth
Construction Info ~
Since I'd never made this dress before, I had to follow the instruction sheet. This is difficult for me because I can always think of a way that the dress should be constructed better - well at least to me! hahahahaha! The dress was originally supposed to have sleeves but I ended up turning the lining to quickly and after finishing it, just didn't want to remove the stitching. Those little girl armholes are S-M-A-L-L!
Otherwise it was an easy sew and I love how the pleats were done in the skirt. I was going to remake the dress but my daughter said to let it be. It will give Sammy room to grow into! Miss Lena will wear it with a white sweater so that solves that!
This means that Lena and Sammy now have coordinating black polka dot dresses...
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The second version of this dress was made from a silk remnant pulled from the fabric collection. I used a size 2 bodice for this one and achieved a better fit. It was influenced by this dress I pinned from Pinterest.
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Fabric:
Silk twill from the collection
Notions:
Pink Rayon bemberg to line the bodice
9" pink invisible zipper
Blush striped ribbon
Floral Embellishment
Pink rayon seam binding
Construction Info ~
I used the bodice from the pattern and then 45" of fabric cut to the dimensions of the skirt pattern piece. The pleats were added about every 5" to mimic the pleats in the inspiration dress.
The finished dress does have the sleeves added. The dress is hemmed at the same length as the black and white one. It is hand hemmed with pink rayon seam binding added to the hem. A blush pink striped ribbon and a mauve colored flower was added to the dress as an embellishment.
Since Miss Lena didn't wear this one in the fashion show I only have fitting pictures of the dress on her.
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Conclusion ~
However, to me these were the prettiest dresses I made and I'm holding onto the pattern. It will be good to use in the years going forward since the girls are only 2 and 5. I'm sure there will be plenty more dresses being made for them in the years ahead.
I really enjoyed making all of these dresses and love that all of the materials were in the Sewing Cave. This reinforced to me why I collect things as I happen upon them because you just never know when you're going to make magic with a stored piece!
The other night I wrote a spring sewing list. I have a plan and the materials on hand so now all I have to do is sew!
...as always more later!
I will admit that the pattern cover influenced my version for Miss Lena but I went with a solid color for the top of the dress. I also made my first version a little big - starting with a size 4. Of course we noticed it after I'd sewn the floral embellishments to the front and hand stitched everything down.
So some info on this one ~
Fabric:
Black and white cotton pique polka dot fabric
White cotton pique fabric
Notions:
9" black invisible zipper
floral embellishment
white cotton broadcloth
Construction Info ~
Since I'd never made this dress before, I had to follow the instruction sheet. This is difficult for me because I can always think of a way that the dress should be constructed better - well at least to me! hahahahaha! The dress was originally supposed to have sleeves but I ended up turning the lining to quickly and after finishing it, just didn't want to remove the stitching. Those little girl armholes are S-M-A-L-L!
Otherwise it was an easy sew and I love how the pleats were done in the skirt. I was going to remake the dress but my daughter said to let it be. It will give Sammy room to grow into! Miss Lena will wear it with a white sweater so that solves that!
This means that Lena and Sammy now have coordinating black polka dot dresses...
The second version of this dress was made from a silk remnant pulled from the fabric collection. I used a size 2 bodice for this one and achieved a better fit. It was influenced by this dress I pinned from Pinterest.
Fabric:
Silk twill from the collection
Notions:
Pink Rayon bemberg to line the bodice
9" pink invisible zipper
Blush striped ribbon
Floral Embellishment
Pink rayon seam binding
Construction Info ~
I used the bodice from the pattern and then 45" of fabric cut to the dimensions of the skirt pattern piece. The pleats were added about every 5" to mimic the pleats in the inspiration dress.
The finished dress does have the sleeves added. The dress is hemmed at the same length as the black and white one. It is hand hemmed with pink rayon seam binding added to the hem. A blush pink striped ribbon and a mauve colored flower was added to the dress as an embellishment.
Since Miss Lena didn't wear this one in the fashion show I only have fitting pictures of the dress on her.
...and a group shot of the finished dress...
Conclusion ~
However, to me these were the prettiest dresses I made and I'm holding onto the pattern. It will be good to use in the years going forward since the girls are only 2 and 5. I'm sure there will be plenty more dresses being made for them in the years ahead.
I really enjoyed making all of these dresses and love that all of the materials were in the Sewing Cave. This reinforced to me why I collect things as I happen upon them because you just never know when you're going to make magic with a stored piece!
The other night I wrote a spring sewing list. I have a plan and the materials on hand so now all I have to do is sew!
...as always more later!