Model: Alicenne LeBlanc of The LeBlanc Modeling Agency.
[I'm going off topic here but I have to tell this little story. I posted the above picture on Grammy's FB page one weekend to show her the completed dress. Emily saw the picture on the computer and yelled out, "Hey, Allie, you're on dot-com."]
The dress pattern is called Feliz and it can be found in the book Sewing Clothes Kids Love. The original pattern calls for a double layer dress almost like a pinafore on top of another dress. I've removed the top layer for my sundress version simply to make the dress lighter.
You are going to want to trace the pattern in the size you will be using onto paper. If you cut out the original pattern, you will not be able to use the other sizes. These patterns do not include a seam allowance so after you trace the pattern, you need to add a seam allowance. I used a ruler to measure 5/8 of an inch around the pattern tracings.
For my sundress, I only used the four pieces of the underdress. You will also need to cut the straps and the inside piece to the back of the dress (for the elastic casing.) Instead of using the ties from the pattern, I used a thick ribbon. I sometimes do this to save some sewing time.
The ruffles are not include in the pattern. I cut mine at 4.5 inches wide and added them around the bottom and up the back.
With the way that the dress fits my kids, I like the top of the back panel to not be so rounded. I've been re-cutting it to make it more flat.
Because my kids are super skinny, I've sewn the straps so that they are coming out of the top of the back panel. I also used elastic cording to keep the ribbon ties in place. (Of course the ribbon could be tied neater.)
You will need to remove the seam allowance from the top of the front panel and the two side panels. (Or you could cut pattern pieces without the seam allowance at the top.) I measure and mark with a fabric pen before cutting.
After you sew the sides of these three panels together, you will finish off the top with small bias tape. (Do this before you sew the back panel to the sides.)
^ Not a modeling face but an Allie face well known in our home.
18 comments:
I seriously want one of these dresses for me. :) You have awesome skills.
Love the dress! I need to try it out!
This whole post might as well have been written in Greek :P You are a really great seamstress. You always make the cutest things for the girls!
I used to love sewing for my girls when they were little. Because they are 7 years apart, there was no way to get "matching" if I didn't.
But, seriously you are amazing that you can accomplish this when working full time, and taking care of 3 little ones. My hat is off to you.
I can just see these girls skipping down Main Street, USA.
SO CUTE!
Curiosity question based on your side story, do the girls normally recognize who is who in pictures?
Ack! So cute! Seriously, I love the ruffles. I am pretty sure I say that anytime you post pictures or your dresses and the fabulous ruffles.
Ok, that's it. I'm going to start sending you fabric and you can send back the finished items! Because dressing girls is so much fun and I feel very lucky it is finally my turn!
xo
That is so cute!
Hi Sarah, I have a 4 month old baby who doesn't like to sleep, and have spent the last few nights reading your blog from your first posts to now while feeding him, and just wanted to thank you for making me laugh, cry, and teaching me about photography, sewing and the weather in Boston! Your girls are so very beautiful and your photos are amazing! x
You are amazing! I love the dot-com comment, it made me smile!
What a fun dress! Looks like a lot of work! Im just learning to sew. A seem ripper is my best tool so far. :)
Thank you for the nice comments!
Emma - I know how non-sleeping babies go. At least I was able to keep you awake. Hope you get some sleep soon. 4 months was tough for us.
BreezieGirl - Yes and no. It depends on the picture. The older ones are hit and miss - recent ones, they usually know who they are.
I wish I knew how to sew! Everything you make for the girls is amazing, and they will treasure these forever - I know it.
Hi, new follower :) Your girls are lovely and the Disney dress is FABULOUS! :) My husband and I went on our honeymoon at WDW last summer and it was just magical. (So magical that we brought home our baby girl 9 months later, haha!)
So glad to have found your blog!
Ali
(theduggans2011.blogspot.com)
Hi Sarah! I've never posted a comment before, but I've also been reading your blog since my kid was born about 5 months ago. I was just totally out of it at night, and your blog is the perfect mix of interestingness and ease. I don't know why, but I just can't stand any of the other mom blogs.. they just don't talk about enough stuff to be interesting.
Anyways, I love the feliz dress, definitely my favorite I've seen before. I also sew a lot, but I've been trying to put off doing too much until she's walking. Have you checked out any of the other farbenmix patterns? They have some really interesting stuff. Figured I'd share with you my favorites, since the studio tantrum site is a pain to navigate.. and I kinda feel like I owe it too you since you're how I found these patterns really. The design example links on the page actually show the best views of the dresses (and they're all listed as $7 btw):
Jumper with princess seams: http://www.studiotantrum.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=47
Interesting hoodie dress with a detachable jumper that can be worn over it: http://www.studiotantrum.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=52
A two layered jumper: http://www.studiotantrum.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=85
Mostly just some really interesting ideas, I love some of their patterns. They also have a lot of really neat farbenmix ribbon on their site.. the fishy ribbon is probably my favorite. Although, I could never use a 50 meter roll, so I'll probably just stick to buying it by the yard from this shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/chickadeesupplies?ref=seller_info
Hope you found all of this as interesting as I did!
Jes B - thanks for those links! I haven't checked out other patterns (aside from those in the book). I'll have to expand my collection after our Disney trip. I tend to like to use the same patterns especially after I make adjustments to fit my skinny kids.
How precious!! I am fairly new to reading your blog, and I just have to say how much I LOVE your photography and your precious girls. Thanks for sharing!
Sarah- Where do you get your Disney licensed fabric? I was in our local fabric store the other day and the only non fleece or flannel Disney one they had was Tinker Bell. I would love to get some Minnie Mouse and Disney princesses but they don't seem to carry that.
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