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10.22.2013

Oliver + S Sailboat Top Turned Dress {Modified} : Kids Clothes Week

It's kids' clothes week and I am in awe of what I'm already seeing in the flickr pool.  After being inspired by this pin and then seeing this sailboat top turned dress, I decided my first dress would be this simple dress modified from this shirt pattern, in corduroy.

sailboat dress

Having sewn regularly over the past five years, I usually have a pretty good idea of how a pattern will look on my kids before I make it.  There aren't a lot of surprises anymore.

This time, though, I enthusiastically helped Indigo into her dress, stood back, and... wait... it wasn't supposed to look like that.

sailboat and sunki

"Mom, is this a nightgown?" Indigo asked.   I looked at Dan.  "It's kind of... shapeless.  I'm not sure this one's salvageable." he said.

Hmm.  That almost sounded like a challenge. ;)  It was back to the drawing board... or cutting mat, as it were.

I cut off the a-line flare that I had added to the skirt.  Instead, I extended the shirt straight down by 8 or so inches, making it a dress.  I hadn't initially planned to keep the curved hem, but I changed my mind and added it back in.   I've been drawn to asymmetrical hems lately, but didn't think one would work on this corduroy dress.  The curved hem, while not asymmetrical, adds interest.  I like that detail.

sailboat dress

I added 1/4" elastic to the cuffs.  Then, using a zigzag stitch, I sewed a 6 inch strip of 1/2" elastic to the back waist (like this) to cinch the dress and give it more form.

dress back

I used these buttons (from here).

buttons

I was this close to using similar buttons but in mustard but Indigo preferred this color and I've been using mustard a lot lately.  I don't want to get burnt out on it - like listening to a good song too many times.

Then, as per the usual, I threw in a pair of Sunki leggings and called it a day!

sunki leggings

It's exactly the look I was going for, even if it did take some fiddling to get there.

sailboat and sunki


21 comments:

  1. i love that you made it work! awesome little dress, and i have to compliment you on the photos and the overall color scheme, too. perfectly fallish. :)

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  2. I love it! This is certainly the type of dress my 11-year-old would love to wear too!

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    1. thanks! it's funny how you really do have to change the things you sew for them as they grow. :)

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  3. Another compliment for the beautiful colours and the light in that last photo is to die for. Great job making such a perfectly fitted shirt-dress (and I'll say it again, I need that Sunki leggings pattern!)

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    1. thanks so much! i appreciate that! and we got outside just in time - the sun was setting fast. when i noticed, i dropped everything and jude watched my sweet potatoes which were boiling on the stove while i ran outside for 5 minutes to snap these photos. :)

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  4. Fantastic! You did such a great job, and the dress turned out beautifully. I'm always so inspired by your creations!

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  5. So lovely! This is one pattern that I've waffled over purchasing, but just lately have been seeing a few of the Sailboat tops that appealed to me and now this dress takes the cake! I love it in the corduroy! Thanks for sharing your "make it work" tweaks - super helpful. Great Sunki leggings as usual - I would say that pattern has paid itself off many times over:)

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    1. it's funny you should mention that, Lucinda, because this was my first time with this pattern. i bought it after seeing some tops and one dress made from this pattern that i really liked

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  6. Oh YES. So many things to love about this - the gorgeous deep green, one of my favorite shapes, one of my favorite patterns, one of my favorite fabrics (baby wale cord)! Drool. And with the leggings the look is absolutely perfect - classic but a bit trendy too. And of course your photography is spectacular as usual. You're making me almost happy it's autumn.

    You must try the pants sometime too. They are so cute on the littles, and really lend themselves to some piping! (They make great longer pants or shorts too,)

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  7. Once again, Rachel, your amazing creativity and dedication to your art shines on! I really see your sewing as art! Just as a painter or sculptor would make slight changes here or there to finish their piece, you refine your art to the point of satisfaction. An artist also may never quite know if their finished work will be what they originally envisioned and that is part of the fun of the creative process. You have a gift! I love seeing your work and also your gift for photography! Thanks for sharing! Much Love!

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    1. wow, aleshia, that is a huge compliment. thank you so much for your love and support. it really means so much to me.
      <3<3<3

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  8. Wow, you definitely made it happen! I really like the curved hem, especially. Had no idea that sewing elastic to the back to create shape could be so easy. Do you have lots of colors of elastic for moments like these? She looks very "hip" in this outfit. haha, Aria would never go for something like this!

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    1. Hi Rachel,
      The elastic is actually on the inside (wrong side) of the fabric. I might go back and edit that to be more clear - thanks! So it's just regular ol' elastic. :) Anna Maria Horner's Pretty As A Picture Dress gathers in the back in a similar way, which is where I learned that trick. I think Amy of Angry Chicken also mentioned it a very long time ago. I ordered the softest elastic on Amazon and it works so well for things like this.
      Yeah I guess I'm lucky that Indigo and I share similar taste. Tarikua and I, too. I'll just enjoy that while it lasts. :)

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  9. Beautiful! I love the colors and the dress version is so cute!

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  10. It's absolutely beautiful!!!! And the colors. I love it.

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  11. I love this outfit. The dress turned out so well!! I'm glad you didn't give up on it. Your daughter is so pretty too!!

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  12. Rachel... seriously! This is gorgeous. You have great taste! Can you tell me what the fabric is for the leggings?

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    1. thank you so much, erin! yes, i used this fabric: http://www.girlcharlee.com/bright-orange-solid-cotton-rayon-spandex-knit-fabric/famous-designer-p-6354.html
      but unfortunately i would not recommend it. indigo was climbing trees and playing in the leaves with them on and they got pilled and fuzzy. i'm wondering if it's the rayon? i'm hoping they'll look better after i wash them. the other knits i've used for sunki leggings (without rayon) have been great, except some have been thinner than i'd like. but that was my fault, not knowing the weights of the knits initially.

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  13. I love that you kept the curved hem...it looks fantastic on the dress version!
    And good for you for raising to the challenge and making the dress fantastic. I am embarssed by how many projects I just end up dumping because I get too frustrated with them. Shame on me!

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