As I mentioned previously, I think this silk dress is one of the most gorgeous things I have ever made. It makes my heart skip a beat a little.
I think it makes Addie’s heart skip a little, too.
Let’s talk through the details of making the dress. The bodice was cut from Whimsy Couture’s knot dress pattern – I used the 12-18 month size pattern pieces for the dress bodice. My finished dress is a size 3T. {I noticed that the knot dress pattern that she has for sale now is a “remixed” pattern and indicates “better fitting bodices” so you may need to adjust accordingly} Before sewing the bodice and bodice lining together, I made two straps by cutting fabric strips about 2″ wide, then turned the edges in to the center and pressed, then pressed in half again and stitched down the sides (to finish with 1/2″ wide straps). Measure on your child to approximate the length of the straps. I set the straps 3″ from the center on each side and then sewed the bodice front and back to the bodice lining.
The dress closes with an invisible, side zipper.
I used two 36″ wide panels of fabric for the skirt – gather attach to bodice with side open for the zipper. There is a simple pressed under hem and then I stitched a beautiful flower trim around the bottom. I found the trim at a scrapbook store – I’m headed there today so I’ll try to snag some more and write down the manufacturer. Have I mentioned before that scrapbook manufacturers have THE BEST trim? I think so, at least.
The dress is worn with a fluffy pettiskirt for extra fancy, but I also love the dress without the pettiskirt or brooch. Simple and white are probably my favorite combination ever. I wasn’t going to try the photo shoot until Addie actually wears it for Easter (what with the white silk at all), but Addie seriously begged me for a photo shoot and volunteered that she would smile really nice. So, we tried that. After she was finished making silly faces at herself in the dresser mirror, she gave me three hundred pouty and silly faces and two smiles. SO! That is what we have to share today.
This post is so long already, I’m going to do a tutorial for the brooch separately.
I’m headed to a photography class tonight – do you think they’ll teach me how to get my kids to pose pretty in less than 500 pictures???
Who has fun plans for the weekend? Please share!
Sharing at Tatertots and Jello
Comments & Reviews
Amy @ Positively Splendid says
Stef, this dress is an absolute work of art! Lovely!
E says
It is a gorgeous dress and she’s gorgeous in all the pics 🙂 look forward to the brooch. E
Bratling says
You’re not crazy… Both of mine will be wearing silk for Easter. But I didn’t make them–I bought both (coordinating) dresses second hand. I couldn’t buy the materials for what I paid for them. They’ll be wearing pettiskirts I made, and bows that I’m making before Easter, but otherwise, it’s Strausburg dresses this year.
Наталья says
Shi is like an angel! Magnificent!!!
Kristie-Creating Chaos says
Addie looks cute even with a pouty face. However, chocolate chip bribery works for me most of the time.
I think you take amazing pictures already but I hope your class is fun and informative.
My plans this weekend are pretty laid back. We are going shoe shopping for my hubby & Mina, checking out toilets & tile at Home Depot, finishing up some crocheting and getting it in the mail & hopefully fixing my serger & finding time to work on Mina’s damask dress & purple tie skirt. Oh, and cleaning the bathrooms. Fun. I hope you have a fun & crafty weekend!
kristin says
So cute! I love that she has a little tattoo on her arm to go with her gorgeous silk dress. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!
Vietje says
one word ==> WOOW!! or maby 2… WAAW!!
Nichole says
Gorgeous, elegant…classic.
Cathy says
Such a beautiful dress and little girl! You are a very talented sewer, photographer and mother. Thank you for sharing your amazing skills. May you also have a fun weekend.
Shari says
Beautiful!Your daughter looks so pretty in it!
angelwynx says
Hi! Your daughter is so cute and pretty! Oh please don’t get offense as I really want to pinch her cheek.. (soooo cute)!! Also, her silk dress is awesome and classy. I also have 2 daughters – 7 and 6 years old who’s very naughty but lovely. I’ll be checking out too my favorite cheap clothing store and see if they have a replica of those dress. I envy you for having that stuff.
sewVery says
These pictures are adorable! Your daughter is really working the camera. The dress is beautiful, but I would be terrified that something would get spilled all over it! I am so afraid of white clothes!
SJ says
Shouldn’t you be working for Vera Wang or someone equally fabulous?! Your talent is absolutely astounding!
Kat @ sewchibi.blogspot.com says
That mirror picture is priceless! It’s so magical when you can capture those chuffed, sweet little smiles!
Emily says
What a lovely dress! I adore that first mirror picture of your daughter! 🙂 I love white and the fullness and that fun trim. 🙂
Caitlin Weaver says
That is really gorgeous, definately an heirloom! I love the picture of your daughter looking in the mirror!
Jenni says
so beautiful. Your daughter looks so pleased with her dress. I’m sure that is the best satisfaction for you. 🙂
Anonymous says
Ha! Even her pouty shots are adorable! And the dress is gorgeous!!!
Don’t know how you find the time to do all that you do!