Last month my mom gave me a blouse she no longer wanted. She had purchased the blouse a couple years ago at a thrift store. The color was a soft lavender and it was 100% rayon, but too big for her. She hated to just toss the blouse, because it was pretty and comfortable. That was when she had an idea! Mom thought that there might be enough fabric to sew something for Jemimah, and that the color would look lovely with her blue eyes. Mom was right! : )
I pressed the blouse and then set to work laying out the pattern pieces. It was a lot easier than I thought. The front and back of the blouse were a perfect width and length for the skirt. I cut the ruffle sleeves from the sleeves of the blouse and then with what I had left from the front and back I was able to cut out my front and back pieces of the yoke.
It is a very lovely little summer dress, and the fabric hangs so nicely. Since it is 100% rayon it is also cool and comfortable in the summer weather. I think this dress is my favorite "momma made" garment for Jemimah so far.
One challenge in the construction of this dress came when I discovered a small bleach stain and hole. Thankfully it was just about an inch or so above the hem. I carefully mended the hole and then added trim to cover the mended spot. I was very pleased with the added elegance of the trim, but as I stitched the trim in place I realized the trim
almost met in the back! I did not have quite enough trim to overlap my raw edges of trim.
I fiddled with the scraps of fabric, contemplating how a little patch might look.... and then I remembered these sweet little flower appliques I had in a tin! They were a free gift with an order of trim years ago. I sorted through the different color flowers and was satisfied with how the blue looked against my fabric. Now that all is said and done I rather like the little flower "patch" in the back of the dress. It is an added touch of homemade whimsy.
So as you can see this is a very thrifty little dress: an old blouse destined to be tossed, a remnant of trim and some free flower appliques. I think that is one of my favorite things about sewing for a baby, you don't need much to make something sweet and adorable!
the little girl is charm n cute. also the dress is beautiful. Very nice photos...regards!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet little dress! Love the pattern. I have some left over material in a cream background with tiny lavender flowers from the baby quilt I am making for our coming granddaughter. Thinking a little dress would be fun to make!
ReplyDeleteOh what a lovely dress Sarah :0) a terrific idea to use what we have and refashion it into something so lovely. mari
ReplyDeleteI haven't visited your blog for a while (my apologies) and was amazed at how big your bub is now, quite a little girl and no longer a baby - how time flies!! Her new dress is gorgeous and you are very talented. I am sure it will be very easy to wash and try too being rayon.
ReplyDeleteOh Sarah! Sweet Jemimiah is a perfect darling (and how big she has grown! Aww! Love little ones!) and the little dress you made for her is absolutely gorgeous! You are just so talented...I love how you upcycled the blouse and created the prettiest summer dress for your wee one! So precious!
ReplyDeleteI love the trim and the flower patch adds such charm...hugs and much love to you!
Kelly-Anne
Dearest Sarah, the dress is simply beautiful! And to think it was once a shirt :) You are quite amazing with a needle and some thread :) Your little Jemimah looks absolutely precious!
ReplyDeleteHugs to you!
What a dear sweet dress you have made for your daughter.
ReplyDeleteFondly Michelle
What a sweet little dress! That is so wonderful that you make dresses for your little girl. She will love treasuring them for her own children one day!! :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute little dress! She's just adorable in it! I like the lace and applique you added ~ such a sweet touch. :-)
ReplyDelete