Sunday dress

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I’ve already made the disclaimer that I’m not much of a seamstress. It’s true– sure, I’ve sewn pillows and Halloween costumes and such, but much of what I see on a printed pattern is foreign to me. Most of the terms and markings don’t make sense to me and I end up skipping steps, slopping through detailing. My creations were good enough for late night trick or treating but I’ve never made a dress that could stand the light of day.

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But how could I resist the Mary dress in Girl’s World? The skirt is literally two rectangles sewn together and gathered with a string, the bodice so simple that even I wasn’t intimidated– no snaps, no zippers, not even a button. We did decide to add sleeves to the pattern (which truly tested my ingenuity– if you look carefully they are not really even) and I substituted a wide pink ribbon for the fabric sash (which covered masses of mistakes at the waistline).

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For months I’ve had my mom’s fancy Viking sewing machine waiting on my counter; this seemed to be the perfect time to use it to embroider little flowers around the neck and hemline. And when we found a pink flower from an old broken headband we knew the project was inspired.

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It wasn’t until Mary slipped the dress over her head on Sunday morning that I realized it was my mother’s favorite colors–yellow and bright pink.

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If you are like me, a bit afraid of the sewing machine, try this pattern. You might turn out something pretty enough to make people think you know what you are doing. I’m just trying to decide what to make next…

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August 1, 2011
August 11, 2011

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13 Comments

  1. Jeanelle

    August 3, 2011

    So darling…the girl AND the dress. Good job!!

  2. Claudia

    August 3, 2011

    ditto what Jeanelle said! Darling!

  3. cristie

    August 3, 2011

    it’s official…you can sew darling dresses…ready for the light of day and worthy of a darling girl. xox

  4. Rachelle

    August 3, 2011

    proud of you… it’s beautiful and miss mary is perfection. :o)

  5. Selwyn

    August 3, 2011

    Beautiful – all of it! I bet your Mum is thrilled =)

    Luvies! SK

  6. Lisa

    August 3, 2011

    I’m certain your mom is pleased you are using the Viking and proud of both you and the fabulous Miss Mary. Gorgeous dress…nice job!

  7. Mormon Women: Who We Are

    August 3, 2011

    “It wasn’t until Mary slipped the dress over her head on Sunday morning that I realized it was my mother’s favorite colors–yellow and bright pink”

    What a lovely tender mercy in all of that. She IS near.

    On a more practical note, I love the fact, too, that you shared an easy pattern. I might try this someday.

    ~Michelle

  8. Lizzy

    August 3, 2011

    It is sooo Mom and so Mary at the same time. Love it.

  9. Cath

    August 3, 2011

    Beautiful Mary! I think you’re a better seamstress than you give yourself credit for. xo

  10. ellen

    August 3, 2011

    Cute girl, cute dress!!

  11. Sew Pretty Dresses

    August 11, 2011

    And you just winged it with a sleeve!?!?! Ummm sure looks like you sew a lot from here! =D Such a beautiful little girl in a darling dress in my fave Dance With Me Kayla fabric! I love the flower with it and the stitching on the neckline is so pretty! Beautiful work!

  12. Tifani

    August 20, 2011

    Sweetness in a dress!

  13. Jeannine

    April 29, 2012

    I know I’m a little late to the party, but I was considering sewing this dress for my daughter, and did a search online and came upon your lovely creation! Thank you for sharing! The colors and sleeve shape are especially charming.

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