(Alternately titled: What Could Possibly Go Wrong When You Let an 8 yr Old Choose?)
When Abby of Sew Much Ado contacted me about being part of the Pretty in Peplum tour, I jumped on board and then thought it would be fun to let my daughter make all the decisions for this dress. Hindsight is 20/20.
We were generously given some free fabric for this project from Girl Charlee, so I sat her down and let her scroll through all the tempting knits to be had. Imagine my surprise when, without hesitation, she went straight for the rainbow leopard ponte de roma. And by surprise, I mean I was not surprised at all. So, in the spirit of things, I said you know what? Let’s do this. Let’s make a rainbow leopard dress. She also chose a black jersey for the peplum, cuz a girl’s gotta contrast, yo.
I was showing her pictures of all the options so she could pick her sleeve length, and to my dismay she noticed that the peplum sits right at the natural waist, WHERE IT SHOULD. But that’s simply unacceptable to my daughter, as witnessed by the sad unworn skater dresses hanging in her closet. Nothing, not even a seam, is allowed to touch her mid-section. I can’t imagine where she gets that from (yes I can, it’s me). So I begrudgingly told her we could do the drop waist version meant for the top, but that it wouldn’t look as cute, and that was perfectly fine with her. Because she’s stubborn (she gets that from her dad, I’m certain of it.)
So, that’s the story behind my wonky Pretty in Peplum dress, and I would like to formally apologize to Abby because this dress is in no way as cute as it’s meant to be. I know this for a fact, because I also made one for my 2 yr old and it is just about the cutest thing I’ve ever seen on her. That dress was visiting over at Quilt Market, but when it returns to us I’ll show you that one and redeem myself in your eyes. I’ll also be showing you the one that middle daughter inevitably demanded when she saw her big sisters’ dress. I think it’s safe to say that in our own individual ways, we are all big fans of the Pretty in Peplum pattern in these parts! I love that it transitions from summer to winter with 3 sleeve lengths, and you can also make it as a top. Nothing better than a cute, well-fitting, easy, versatile pattern. Well done Abby!
These pictures are from her school playground, because in order to photograph her in the light I had to take the dress to her school at pick up and quickly snap some shots. It was already dark as we drove home. Freaking Daylight Saving Time.
And now a little reward for you for getting this far! It’s a raffle for a $100 gift card to Girl Charlee! And, as witnessed, there is definitely something for everyone over there, so you’re gonna want to enter this giveaway!
And don’t forget to check out the schedule and see all the cute Pretty in Peplums heading your way!
LOVE this BRIGHTLY colored peplum dress your daughter is modeling! Your girl selected this knit fabric, “Rainbow Leopard Ponte de Roma,” with plain black for the peplum. This pattern is a CLASSIC! Bet she gets many many compliments whenever she’s wearing it! Lots of Mom’s LOVE sewn into this. Looks like a FUN time for the photo shoot, at a playground. So, thanks for sharing. Sarah in Minneapolis
I think it’s so awesome that you let her take the reins with this! I think she’s adorable in it, and if anyone can pull of rainbow leopard print, it’s her! Can’t wait to see the other versions too! Thanks so much for joining in on the tour :).
I love that last photo! She must be saying my mom rocks…hooah!
Lol, I’ll assume the same :) Thanks Teresa!
Love this post- it’s my first time at your blog but I was entertained :) it’s awesome that you let her decide everything about the dress
I’ve never sewn w/french terry knits. Would love to have 3 yards of the black-white-aztec-cotton-french-terry-knit. It looks elegant, and I’m sure it feels even more so. Thank you so much for the giveaway.
Peplum tops are great for any age girl:)
I love this. I’ve definitely cringed at some of Em’s outfit choices (more is more with these kids, eh?) but i think it’s important that she really truly got to pick the fabric and you didn’t talk her into something else. She definitely still looks cute, it’s just a lot…louder…than I’m used to seeing from you. That’s totally okay though! You’re a good mom.
lol, yes, “louder” is the perfect description of this dress and this girl ;)
Ha! My 7 year old just picked out the same fabric last night! I told her I’d make her some leggings. You are a super cool mom for letting her make the design choices though. She totally rocks it.