The Family Reunion Dress

 A few weeks ago I placed an order with Sunny Day Supply for some darling fabrics. Today, I want to show you what I made with some of the yardage, Snail Trail by Cloud 9 Fabrics. I've had the Family Reunion Dress pattern, by Oliver & S, for awhile now, but this was my first attempt at sewing it.

 You know that I adore the style and creativity of the O & S patterns. This one is a keeper for sure, and one that I'll be using over and over again for my granddaughters' little dresses. This rendition is size 4 and is the largest size included in the pattern. I may have to see if they make it in larger sizes.

 Jane, who is four, is petite for her age so the neck was perhaps a little bit wide on her. I could have made the size 3 and just lengthened it if I wanted a perfect fit. But, then again, little girls grow. Right!?

 As usual, the pattern instructions were clear and clever. I love the pin tucks on both the front and the back of the bodice. Buttons down the back are my favorite closing for little dresses. For some reason, I think that it looks classier than a zipper.

 An extra special touch is the faced hem which adds body and weight to the bottom of the dress making it hang nicely.

 Together, the super cute fabric and classic design of the dress make for a darling summer frock.

I think Janie likes it too!

Twirly Froggy Dress

 Three times is a charm, they say. It may be true as my third try at sewing up the First Day Dress, by Made, resulted in the best fit, so far, for Lula.

 Searching for a fabric that had a polka dot look, but a little something different, I decided on the cute little froggy fabric, called Hopping Along, from the Lotus Pond designs by Rae Hoekstra. The organic fabric is made by Cloud 9 Fabrics. For lining, a little cotton floral, found on the clearance table at Joanne's, seemed the perfect contrast as well as price!

 Cutting the neckline down about a half an inch and using the next size larger pattern made the dress a lot more comfortable for Lula to wear. It would fit a bit better with a little tapering at the waistline but would require a zipper in the back, I think, to make it easy to put on. A belt at the waist might do the trick, too, and look pretty cute.

 Lula loved the large turquoise flower shaped button at the neck. Again, I made a self fabric loop closure rather than the suggested elastic cording.

 When the weather turns cooler, later this week, Lula can pair the dress with leggings and a cardigan for a different look. She'd really like to turn the fully lined dress wrong-side-out and wear it that way as the lining fabric is her favorite part! I might have to think about how to do that next time!

 The best thing about this dress, really though, is how twirly the skirt is!

 And twirling is pretty important stuff when you are in kindergarten, you know.

Okay, I guess I better slow down on the Little Girl Wardrobe and get a bit of quilting done now. More on that soon!