This dress has been long on my list and I realized that with summer coming to a close, I needed to hurry up and make it! So I cut it out Wednesday and put the bodice together, finished it yesterday, and so here we are.
(Baby dresses are SO much more instant gratification than other sewing projects!)
The print fabric is too adorable. It's from Set Sail America by Riley Blake Designs, the same collection I made my 1950s sailboat dress from, and I loved the vintage style novelty sailor print. Perfect for a little girl's dress! My three-year-old son is deeply interested in the fact that the men are holding flags.
I paired it with some of their Swiss Dot fabric for the collar, and some Confetti Cotton in navy for the contrast.
I used the same 1950s baby pattern as the pink goose dress I made for her earlier this year, but of course I added some changes since I rarely make exactly the same thing twice. I used the scalloped collar view, and instead of a sash added a decorative band to the waist. It gives the same definition and contrast as a sash, but no ends to fuss over and tie.
I took a pinch out of the front bodice to help it fit better, but otherwise hoped she had grown into the pattern size a bit more now that she's two - and it fits her very well.
The skirt is supposed to be twice this wide! But I thought the width of the fabric would be quite enough for such a small girl, so only cut one panel. It was definitely easier to gather than the original skirt.
I debated on what to add to the collar. There were so many options! But I ended up opting for some hand embroidery, with tiny bows at each scallop point.
The sailor theme is also picked up with the vintage anchor buttons I had in my stash, which both add decoration and help keep the waist band in place.
I have been so busy this past month with quilt and crochet deadlines, as well as getting a small local business outfitted and running, that I have had no time at all for fun sewing. After piecing 3 of my 6 upcoming quilt deadlines, plus another for myself, I was tired of making quilts and ready for a quick garment. This was the perfect fix!
And the fact that my baby girl is old enough to love pretty clothes and get excited over new dresses makes it even more fun for me to make her something.
I suppose technically a sailor dress should have a square collar. But this fabric was nautical enough that I decided to call it a sailor dress anyway. The main thing is that she loves it!
So sweet! Lovely little dress on your doll baby!
Posted by: Carla | 09/04/2021 at 07:19 AM