Izzy in Bloom

It may surprise you to know that Rosa is actually in need of new clothes. I know, even I was somewhat shocked by that revelation! But little ones grow, clothes wear out, and that means that I have to sew. sigh. Such a sacrifice...

I turned to the Izzy top once again, and that probably won't be a surprise. This is my fourth rendition (One, Two, and Three) in less than six months, and I just keep loving this pattern more and more. Teri, you designed one amazing pattern! Oh, and on the subject of "Izzies," you should go see this beautiful version by "Beloved" -- it's so lovely and well made that it's hard to believe it's her first sewing project! 

And now to the Izzy in hand...

Simply made, in a green floral cotton with natural muslin from the stash. In other words, inexpensive! 

I decided to add a band at the bottom to make it into a dress, which Rosa can also wear next spring/summer with a pair of leggings. The sizing is so flexible with this pattern, because it's roomy in the bodice and transitions well from dress to tunic. 

A covered button, also from the stash, for the back closure. The Izzy is so easy to get on and off, and the single button does its job well while being simple and decorative. One buttonhole? I can do that!

It's super simple to add a contrasting band to the Izzy, because the skirt piece is straight along the bottom. Adding a band to a curved hemline can be tricky, but this is a simple matter of cutting a rectangle twice as wide as you want the band to be, plus seam allowance. I sewed it right sides together to the skirt, then folded it under and topstitched. It's a clean, easy finish, and it seemed like the perfect way to balance the dress with the contrasting bodice and skirt.

Oh, and I made the 2T for my almost-two-year-old. Plenty of room to grow, but it fits perfectly now.

It may seem late in the year for such a summery dress, but the hot weather is here to stay for at least a few more months. We're "braving" it as best we can by staying inside all day like cowards...