Wednesday, February 22, 2017

A Frock fit for a Frolic

I picked up a sweet little dotted print at JoAnn's a few months ago (an impulse buy -- I know, I know!) with the intention of making a play dress for Rosa. At the time I was thinking it would be long-sleeved, but now that our weather seems to be making consistent strides toward Spring, I opted for short sleeves. A little cardigan can easily warm it up if needed! 





I also opted for a pattern that's been in my stash for at least a decade (never used!), because it's frankly ridiculous to have a pattern and never use it. Even though I've cleaned out my pattern collection extensively, there are a few unused patterns lurking in there.

The pattern is Butterick 4176, marked "Fast & Easy." 


I like fast and easy! The dress came together in less than a day, so I'd so their claim is well-justified. I cut out the size 4 even though the size 5 measurements were more accurate -- I assumed there would be too much ease, and apparently I was correct because it fits Rosa beautifully!






I love the simple, pleated/tucked style! Though, of course, I did change a few things. I lengthened it a few inches (three, perhaps?), gave it a slightly beefier hem, changed the neckline finishing by drafting facings (I loathe the "sew on bias trim and press under" finishes!), and added a button tab to close it in the back (which worked perfectly with my added facing). Oh, and I sewed the sleeves in before sewing up the side seams because children's armholes are so small and fidgety. Then again, I didn't really consult the instructions after I read how to sew in the tucks! I haven't made a commercial pattern in some time, so it was a bit odd using 5/8" seam allowances. 





When it came to choosing buttons, I pulled out my vintage collection. Two green buttons immediately caught my eye! Not what I was thinking of at all, but I love them. One for the back, and one for the front, flanked by two vintage mother-of-pearl beauties (sewn on with green thread, and arranged perpendicularly to the green button -- I was in a quirky mood!)




 Rosa seems to love whatever I make her -- an attitude that I am not taking for granted, since it may not last forever! She wore this the very next day to the local gardens, and it was such a joy to see her frolicking about (she was frolicking, truly!) in her new frock. I think there may be more "fast and easy" in my future...

7 comments:

  1. Shannon, this is a darling dress! I love the green buttons! You are on a roll with sewing lately! -Alyssa

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    1. Thanks, Alyssa! I'm quite pleased that it turned out (a new pattern is always a bit of a gamble) -- and yes, I'm on a sewing kick lately! ;-)

      Cheers,
      Shannon

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  2. Elena (https://www.blogger.com/profile/05152460799174310546) left a sweet comment, which I haven't published because she kindly pointed out that I'd accidentally used Rosa's real name! Oops! Blaming the baby brain for that one... So thank you for the heads-up and the kind words, Elena! :-)

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  3. So darling. I kept several 1980's patterns from when my daughter was young, and have sewn some of them for her daughter (my granddaughter). Always fun, plus many of the older patterns are still in style :)

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    1. Hey, a good pattern is a keeper! That's so special that you were able to sew dresses for your granddaughter from the same patterns you used for your daughter!

      Cheers,
      Shannon

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  4. Oh I love this! I will have to keep an eye out for the pattern. My 2 girls would love similar dresses. What a great play outfit! My favorite part is the green button in the back. Perfection!

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    1. Thank you, Sarah! The buttons were definitely out of my usual "comfort zone," but I'm so glad I chose them. Hope you can find a similar pattern -- I would guess the "Big 4" always have something in this style!

      Thanks for stopping by!

      Cheers,
      Shannon

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