For round two of the Super Online Sewing Match the challenge was sewing up this adorable little dress pattern from Oliver and S - The Roller Skate Dress. Amazingly enough I have never sewn one of their patterns before so I was really excited to give it a try. I now know why their patterns are so popular (aside from the fact their designs are simple, European style, children's clothing) - the patterns are professional and well made, with detailed instructions. I learned quite a few tricks as I put this together and had a really great experience doing so.
When thinking about fabric for this challenge I realized that if I kept shopping in the garment district for these projects I would soon go broke so I decided to look into what I had in my closet to up cycle. Then I remembered this amazing Anthropologie dress (originally $178) that I got for $9 off the clearance rack because of two 10 inch long rips in the skirt. I knew I wouldn't be able to salvage the dress to wear, but at $9 I couldn't pass up the amazing fabric and knew it would be a great up cycle project of some sort. So finally, 3 years later, it is getting turned into a little girl dress. The fabric is an amazing navy and white striped silk/cotton blend with a beautiful drape. The lining was made from the lining of the actual dress - 100% white cotton, which was essential because the outside fabric is somewhat sheer. I did have some moments in the middle of sewing this dress that I cursed my choice of fabrics as it was a little slippery and tricky due to the silk content, but in the end I love how the choice of fabric makes the dress feel a little more upscale and dressy while still feeling youthful enough with the nautical color palette and pattern.
Collar :
In my opinion this was definitely the hardest part of the dress. It took me a few tries to get everything perfect. But in the end I love it. I feel like the wave/point goes well with the nautical feel of the fabric. In the back I added a button loop and a fabric colored button that I made out of some scraps of matching fabric.
Hem :
I created a wide 4 inch band across the bottom of the skirt as the hem. I liked the visual interest of the horizontal with the vertical stripes. For the lining I made a simple 1/4 inch hem.
Inside Seams:
Because of the sheerness of the main fabric I used french seams to keep everything tidy. I also made a little thread chain on both of the side seams to connect the lining to the dress to keep everything in place.
Waistband :
I couldn't use the patterns instructions for the waistband because the elastic would have shown through my main fabric, so instead I created a small casing which I stitched to the lining to encase the elastic.
Outside :
Inside :
Well, that is it. I kept it pretty simple and clean, but I am really proud of the attention to detail and finishing work of the seams, lining etc...
Can't wait to make a tunic version next.