I had no reason to make this dress, it’s really just about the fabric. Here’s what happened: I went to the fabric store looking for an ungodly amount of garish polyester for halloween costumes, but amidst all the petroleum based bolts, I discovered this:
A gorgeous pre-stitched one hundred percent cotton bolt of loveliness. It must’ve really been shouting my name loud, because it was really buried. It took two little Thai women standing on bolts to pull that sucker out. After all that work, I didn’t feel like I could just buy a meter. I mean, really, it would just be rude.
Of course, given my immense originality, the first thing I thought when I saw it was: Little Girl Dress!! I actually don’t know if I’ve ever thought of anything besides Little Girl Dress when looking at gorgeous fabric. It’s a sickness. At least I have 3 of them to dress.
So, dress it was. It was supposed to be the simplest of simple frocks, but then I was all, “hey, why not use these stripes to their maximum capacity for cuteness?” So I chevroned up the bodice.
And then I was all, “add flutter sleeves!” and, “bubble skirt? Don’t mind if I do!”
I’ll just throw in an exposed zip AND a loop and button while I’m at it! (ok, that one was really just because my only zipper was too short and I was too lazy to cut apart my bodice to make it a scoop back)
And that’s the story of how a simple dress that was only made to showcase this one-of-a-kind fabric got warped in my brain into something waaaay more difficult than it needed to be. Kinda like everything that goes through my brain, really.
Thankfully my daughter is around to remind me of the simpler pleasures in life.
Have any fabrics shouted your name recently?
an adorable dress for an adorable girl. I found some dark purple/plum fabric with small white flowers that is screaming to be made into a flowy shirt/tunic (or even a dress if I have enough fabric) for me. I got it cheap at a thrift store and only have 2 yards.
It’s beautiful! I always do the same thing–go home after finding some amazing fabric and make ANOTHER dress for my daughter. Sickness? Yes. Worth it? Always. :)
Oh yes, I stumbled upon some Heather Ross Far, far away fabric (on sale!) and it was begging to be turned into a trench coat.
Beautiful fabric. Beautiful girl. Beautiful dress!
Oh, I really must stop reading these girly dress posts. It is far too dangerous when you are a boy mommy. I love the dress and you captured the feel of the fabric perfectly. I love when the “it’s all I had in my stash” kind of embellishments work out so well. I currently have a piece of black and lime squirrels (purchased here to you know it must have screamed for buying) that are awaiting the perfect project.
Beautiful dress!! Love the way the stripes lined up perfectly!!!! :) Yes, I get tempted by fabric all the time.
love that fabric! and your dress turned out great!
DIVINE! I love it so much:)
oh yes, this dress was a must! the chevron is perfect and i’m a total sucker for a flutter sleeve. sometimes when i’m not feeling inspired, all i need to do is shop for fabric. the perfect fabric makes aaaall the difference!!
adorable! I love how the bodice turned out!
i just bought some similar to that to make dresses for the girls…but i decided to keep it and make something for myself. the kiddos have enough clothes and i am in desperate need of some new ones:)
Well the creamy colour outfit is looking very good on the sweet little girl…It seems that lot of hardwork goes behind that simple and elegant design…
I have to ask, how did you do that to the zipper? Or did you buy it like that? I love the dress and love the zipper!
I got that zipper on etsy, but I’ve been seeing them more frequently in the shops too. I think a google search for “lace zipper” would give you some good results. They come in all different lengths and colors too – this is just all I had on hand :)
I love this dress! The bodice,the bubble skirt, and above all, the lace zipper. So sweet! =)
Well I learned something new today, thank you!!
Oh it’s so pretty. I love the fabric and how you have turned it into some thing so sweet and girly!
Goodness, what a cute girl. The dress is perfect for her. I really love that fabric.
Oh, and, um, all kinds of fabric talk to me all the time, at varying decibles.
Wow, she looks just like Liesl’s S from Oliver+S in that last photo…
pretty girl, pretty dress, off course
Gorgeous! My 3 year old girlie was looking over my shoulder as I was reading and asked me to “make her a heart dress and take a picture so she can stick her tongue out.” Ha ha. We may just have to now, if I can find time to get to my sewing machine.
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