Little Ray of Sunshine (or Izzy, Again)

 If my calculations are correct, I haven't made an "Izzy" dress for Rosa in over four years (I loved that little dress!). As long-time readers may remember, over the years I made nine of these dresses from size 18 months to size 5 -- just search "Izzy" in the sidebar for proof! I can't think why it's been so long since I've made one, and also can't believe this is my 10th Izzy. But I'm ever so glad I saved both the toddler and girl sized files for this pattern -- when I made my very first Izzy I mentioned that digital patterns sometimes disappear, and sure enough the files are no longer available now that the designer, Teri, has taken down her blog (Climbing the Willow).

Through the generosity of a reader and fellow knitter (whom I've dubbed my "fairy yarn-mother," but that's a story for another day), I came into possession of yards and yards of sunny yellow gingham. Not the unpleasant poly-blend that used to be all you could find at fabric stores, but a sturdy cotton with a small check. Just right for my sunny eight-year-old. As I look back through my blog posts, I realize this isn't the first time I've made an Izzy in gingham. 

For Easter Sunday, Rosa wore her new Izzy and I wore my coral gingham Penny dress by Sew Over It. It was lovely that we could "match," while the different colors and check sizes (not to mention different styles of dress) were still unique.

I sewed up a size 8 bodice with a size 10 skirt (lengthened a bit, to accommodate growth). Thank goodness I remember how to construct it, since the accompanying tutorial vanished with Teri's blog! 

For the closure, I opted for a KAM snap. I love the simplicity of this pattern (though there are many ways to modify and embellish it). At first I worried it would be too plain, but in the end I'm glad I didn't add anything. 

I made a tiny version while I was at it, for another sunny girl -- and I still have yards of gingham left!