I love a crisp, clean, cool and sparkling white dress. For me, it's impossible for it to be summer without one. I've been seeing lace and eyelet everywhere, so I decided that eyelet would be my choice of fabric for this dress.
I used Vogue 1298, a pattern by designer Rachel Comey. I bought this pattern as quickly as I could get my hands on it. I was sold at the gorgeous halter back and the curved hemline.
The description is: lined dress has straps extending into bands, close-fitting, front pleated bodice, back waistband, pleated skirt with raised waist, side back seams, shaped front hemline, invisible back zipper, and no side seams.
Based off of the pattern envelope AND my flat pattern measurements, I decided that I didn't need to add any additional length. I wanted to this dress to be casual and it was okay if it fell above the knee. I cut a size 14 on top and graded to a 16 at the waist. I did a 1" FBA and added a horizontal dart. I also sewed in a nude colored strapless bra (I cut the band off at the side seams), because this dress is obviously NOT "bra-friendly". And being 41, there is NO WAY I'm leaving the house without the girls bound up, doing what they're supposed to be doing!
I used a cotton eyelet and lined it with a light-weight broadcloth, both from Hancock. And where the instructions advised for "sew-in interfacing", I used cotton batiste.
With this being a curved hemline, I'm so glad that it had a hem facing. The hem turned out perfectly! And instead of the lining being free hanging, it's slipstitched to the hem.
Close-up of the back: Look! No gaping!
I really like this pattern. What I didn't like is that it was more empire-waisted than I thought it would be. That plus the pleating equals "maternity-ish". Hence the reason I added this great belt. But other than that, this is a great, well-drafted pattern and the instructions were precise. And this hemline is so on trend!
See, I'm not the only one that can rock eyelet! My little princess Isabella -- The Future Fashionista, decided to get in on this trend!
I love shopping for baby girl clothes, A LOT more than I enjoy sewing them. One of my favorite stores is Janie & Jack. For those of you not familiar, those prices are no joke! Maybe for a special occasion outfit, but for everyday clothes?! Nope... I can't do it. She'll grow out of it after barely one wearing. So while browsing for ideas, I was inspired by the "Tea Time Bright Collection". I was sold at eyelet, orange and madras!
For the top, I used McCall's 5610 and cotton eyelet and batiste for the lining, all from Hancock. I cut the infant size medium. It was a little big in the shoulders and I had to take several inches ( I don't remember how many) out of the shoulder straps. And since I was using scalloped edge eyelet, I decided to only use one row for the ruffle. The top has a thread loop center back closure, with a tiny 3/8" buttton.
For the shorts, I couldn't find an option like these for infant girls, so I used a baby boys' pattern -- McCall's 6016. I eyeballed this pattern and knew it was going to be huge! I cut the size small and still had to make waist adjustments with the elastic so that they wouldn't be too big. And I cut around 2" off at the hem and still made 5/8" hem. They looked like pants before I altered them. I think they mixed in a toddler pattern for infants. Notice I added grosgrain bows for a girly detail. Oh... I used a cotton madras from Hancock. I had no problem matching the pattern. It was quite easy!
It was so much fun sewing for Isabella. I hadn't made clothes this small in almost 15 years! I enjoyed it so much that I picked up more patterns for her!
