As I was finding out that Project Run and Play was on again yesterday (and simultaneously finding out that I have at least 200 unread blog posts in my Bloglovin’ feed!) I was inspired to make this little dress by loosely using the PR&P theme “Winter Wonderland”. I have been wanting to make something with lace for quite a while, but I could never find the soft, stretchable lace I was looking for. Thankfully I was able to get some in Texas (from Hobby Lobby) while I was on vacation – and I think I should likely have bought more than 1 yard. It is really amazing to sew with!
I started drafting with the dolman sleeve Skipper Top from Sew Much Ado. From there things went off in their own direction! I added 3/4 sleeves, a front pleat and made it into an A-Line dress with a (barely there) high-low hem. I like that it is a bit Valentines’ themed, but could be worn any time of the year.
Details?! The sleeves are shorter out of necessity. I should have remembered that I made these shorts twice because the gray knit is not very stretchy and they were too small the first time. Some added width in the bottom of the sleeve would have been good. The front pleat was copied from an adorable dress that my sister-in-law bought for my oldest. It crosses over in the front, which is simple to do, but looks different from the traditional-style pleats I’ve seen lately. I love pleats – they keep the simple lines of the dress, but add that extra “umph” to the design. If you are interested in a tutorial on how to alter a pattern adding the pleat let me know.
From the top, moving on to the bottom of the dress. I ran across this knit heart dress tutorial from Lexi Made on the Sewing Rabbit yesterday as well. She did such a great job on these little dresses, and I got idea for the lace heart on mine from her tutorial. All of the lace in this dress is overlaid and sewn on because thankfully it doesn’t fray much. Though I did fold the shoulder lace under by 1/8″ or so along the straight edge before I sewed it on.
I think I am going to have to eventually make myself a sweater with the same fabric and lace. Different overlay though. I purposely kept the lace away from the front of the dress since that is where most 3-year-old spills happen! The whole thing took about 5 hours – including pattern drafting/cutting and chasing after the aforementioned 3-year-old. Not too shabby, I think.
Are you participating in this season of Project Run and Play? I think I may wait and see if inspiration hits to sew-along again this time. We’ll find out!
Gorgeous! I love it when things go off in their own direction. It’s awesome and the second last picture is my fave! Love it!
Ha – you are right Laura! That one is my favorite also 🙂
Cute dress! I love pleats in girls clothing and this one is realy great. I’d like to see how you did it.
Thanks Mirjam! I will schedule in a tutorial for it.
cutie, cute, cute! I like the mix of textures.
Thanks Shelly 🙂 I appreciate you coming over to check it out!
I also saw that heart dress tutorial and I love your version! That pleat is really great too. I’ll have to try that. Maybe even on the top I’m working on right now. What great timing, I’m right at that stage.
Hooray! I’d love to see it if you end up making one 🙂 We must be on the same brainwave!
Don’t know which is prettier the dress on that beautiful little girl
Thank you so much Paula! 🙂
This is such a great winter wonderland look. Great Job!!
with love,
-Jo
Thanks Jo! I really appreciate your visit and comment, it’s so nice to hear what you think 🙂
I love how you used the lace! Darling shirt!
Thank you Karly! I’m glad you like it, and thank you so much for taking the time to comment 🙂
So cute! I think my little girl would love one of these!
Thank you Magda! I’m sure you would have no trouble pulling it off! 🙂
It is darling and so it your model.
Thank you again Dorienne! I love it too. 🙂
This is so cute Sherri!!! I love the lace and the whole thing!
Thanks for dropping by Abby! Glad you like it. I’ve really got to get another lace project done soon. I’m really liking the look right now.