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By now you know how much I love sewing clothes for my kids. But I also have 2 nephews and a niece, and when I find a spare moment, I like to make things for them, too! My littlest Bean and her cousin were born just a week apart from each other; we're going to celebrate their 2nd birthday, along with their other cousin's 1st birthday, when we're all together for Easter next week. I wanted to sew a quick dress for my little niece but was afraid I wouldn't have enough time between finishing my kids' Easter looks and getting ready for the road trip, so I didn't prioritize this project. I figured I could dig through my stash and use a pattern that was already put together from something I'd made for one of my daughters. But then I was at JoAnn, picking up an extra roll of lace ribbon to finish the Easter dresses (if you follow along on my Instagram, you remember that saga) and as always, I perused the remnants and sale bins. I found the most darling floral print cotton knit, just over a yard, and knew I had to take it home with me. I hoped that I would have enough time to make something for my niece's birthday after all, but if not, this could eventually be a dress for either her or my own little Bean later in the summer.
Well, I finished the Easter looks with a few days to spare, and the worst of the packing was over, so I turned to Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop, my favorite patterns for knit and stretchy fabrics, to find something that would be a quick make. I thought about using the Delaney dress pattern that I already owned- the one I used to upcycle my old maternity sweater- but I perused the website just in case something stood out to me. Sure enough, I found the Dakota pattern for a Dolman-sleeved top or dress with optional sleeve ruffles. I knew that it would be a quick sew, the dress cut would be the perfect design for the bold floral fabric, and I had some leftover solid magenta knit from our Sonic the Hedgehog Halloween costumes that would be perfect for the ruffles. Plus, I knew I'd be able to use the same pattern in the t-shirt cut without the ruffles to make shirts for my son!
Y'all...isn't she lovely? The Dolman sleeve design means that the sleeve and bodice are one continuous piece- so you simply attach the front to the back at the shoulders and side seams, hem the bottom and sleeves (or attach the ruffles to the sleeves), and add the neckband, and you're done! I chose to leave the hem of my ruffles raw since this material won't unravel and it gives them an airy feel. This was the first time I used the stretch stitch settings on my machine; I don't have a serger, so when I sew with knits, I typically use a narrow zig-zag stitch. This time, I tried the built in stretch overlock stitch for all the seams, and the triple stretch stitch for my top stitching. The neckline is still looking a bit wonky, so I clearly need more practice, but overall it's a really clean, professional look. I assembled everything but the neckline Tuesday night, and did the neckband last night. (I'm sure if my toddler had gone to bed when she was supposed to on Tuesday, I could have finished the whole thing then.) For me, that's a very quick make indeed!
If you love this pattern as much as I do, you can get it now for FREE by simply joining the Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop Facebook group or signing up for their newsletter! (Click here for more details!)
It just so happens that the first week's theme for Project Run and Play is "I can buy myself flowers", with an emphasis on bold floral designs, so I'm submitting this look to their Season 27 sew along! Check out this season's themes and see if you have time to whip something up and play along!
Do you like working with knits? Got any tips to make my neck band less wonky?
Much love,
The Geeks
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