New Look 6881 is my go to pattern for party dresses for Button. The lovely purple satin version I made her last year was not only unsuitable for the warm and sunny weather we’ve been having of late, but also it didn’t fit her any more. So when a birthday party invitation arrived recently, we high-tailed it off to our local fabric shop, The Buttonhole in Chorley, and I turned her loose.
She skipped around the shop pulling bolts of fabric off the shelves, finally settling on some gorgeous red and white dotty Michael Miller cotton.
It was, of course, some of the most expensive fabric in the shop.
What can I say??? Our girl has taste!
I made the age 4 size, but added an inch to the bodice and an inch and a half to the hem, which means there is plenty of growing room in this one!
The dress is lined in cotton lawn (I know! But it’s so beautiful it seemed a shame not too!). There is 4 metres of broderie anglais trim gathered around the hem, and 4 metres of net gathered onto the petticoat to give the skirt some twirlability. Which surely is the raison d’etre of any party dress!
This is, without a doubt, one of my favourite makes, ever!
And, more importantly, Button loves it too!
Nothy says
Your little one is adorable. Look at those cheeks. Does everyone pinch them? I love the dress and especially the photo where she is twirling!
PendleStitches says
She’s far to fierce for cheek pinching! This is a little lady who knows her mind. For which I’m eternally grateful.
Tiffany says
AWWW I used to love dresses that I could twirl in. As a little girl they are all I would wear. I love dots. She looks very cute and the dress looks like it will fit for a while.
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PendleStitches says
Thank you…I’m hoping it will take her through a summer of parties.
K-Line says
Lord, that girl is gorgeous. And your dress is just beautiful. What a combo.
PendleStitches says
Can you imagine the trouble we’re going to have when she discovers boys?!?!?!?!
K-Line says
I won’t lie. It’s going to be a problem.
PendleStitches says
For sure!
dokucug says
Adorable! Those twirling shots are precious too!
PendleStitches says
She does love to twirl!
I love how studious she looks in them.
Serena @ Sewgiving says
Twirly whirly photos are the best! What a lovely dress – too cute 🙂
PendleStitches says
Aren’t they just! Thank you.
Jane G says
I love broderie anglaise. Button is modelling the dress beautifully, she definitely has her mother’s taste in fabric
PendleStitches says
Me too…it’s so pretty. I think she has better taste than me!
Sewing Princess says
Really nice! It’s a really sweet and happy dress! Perfect for a party! I love it you added all those details… I would say it’s a couture dress!
PendleStitches says
Oh thank you! That’s very kind. This dress makes me smile. she looks so pretty in it.
Clipped Curves says
Great summer party dress for Button!
PendleStitches says
Indeed! And we’ve finally had some summer weather here too.
Ginny says
What a lovely dress! The broderie anglaise trim is a very nice touch. And of course she chose the most expensive fabric possible. That’s what kids are for- spending your money lol.
PendleStitches says
Oh they are so good at spending our money too! We had a trip to the toy store on Friday as a reward for good school and nursery reports. Ouch! 😉
themateriallady says
Lovely dress for a lovely girl!
PendleStitches says
Oh you’re so sweet. Thank you!
Calico Stretch says
That pose is perfect. As is the girl. And the dress! I think I’m going to have to get this pattern, finally. My two are standing behind me as I type and just whooped as they read! They love the dress too.
“Mummy can you pleeeeeeeeeeeease make us dresses like that? And shoes?” 🙂
PendleStitches says
This has just made my day! Hugs to your girls.
I can’t wait to see them in their versions. It’s a fabulous pattern. The shoes are Marks and Spencer…btw. I’m not sure if you can get them, but I’m sure you can lay hands on white patent sandals to complete the look.
Chica Andaluza says
She looks so beautiful. And can you imagine this made up in a grown up size!
PendleStitches says
Thank you…and the thought had crossed my mind! 😉