After a very long winter of knitting and crocheting, I was dying to break out my sewing machine. The poor loyal friend had been hidden away in my office for months, begging to be used.
I consider myself a beginner. I have had two formal classes, only one of which I actually turned on my machine. I can do the basics (totes, headbands, basic skirts, pillow cases) and I was ready for something a little more challenging.
Naturally, I went to Pinterest. I have a few store bought patterns I wanted to use, but I am a visual learner, and I find I can better execute the instructions when I have a tutorial. I found this pin and got to work (during nap time, of course).
A couple notes about this dress pattern. When you download the free pattern from Craftsy, it only has one part and this had many (including myself) confused. Be sure to read through the directions before starting. You cut another piece for the skirt portion, and the straps, but it isn't in the PDF because you just measure it. So do not be alarmed when you go to print and it isn't there.
The pattern comes in one size. I simple cut mine a little bigger to accommodate my girl. I'll be honest, I didn't measure. I also made mine the dress length the pattern calls for, so it would be a longer shirt on my girl (who is 12 months).
And finally, I found it somewhat hard to get on and off her with the straps on the orange dress, something I attribute to the pattern being a smaller size, and my daughter having an enormous head. Two things could have solved this: putting them further apart/thinner, or simply cutting the top portion bigger so there was a wider opening. On the purple dress, I opted for tie shoulders and it did make it a bit easier.
I also suggest possibly adding some elastic thread to the waist so she can wear the dress for longer, as a shirt.
I really enjoyed making this. It was that quick project that I craved, and there was the instant gratification of seeing my daughter wear it. Naturally, she went out in the Spring grass and got herself all dirty moments after snapping these pictures, but at least she waited until after!
To see more of my projects, follow along on Instagram: @KnaptimeKnitter
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