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4.27.2014

The Lotta Dress

This past week, I had the opportunity to make the Lotta dress, the newest pattern by Marte of Compagnie M (available here). 

the lotta dress

It's such a great pattern.  I love the clean lines and modern feel of this dress.
 
the lotta dress

 The Lotta dress has so many options.  There are innumerable ways to mix and match.

the lotta dress

I was having a hard time deciding which options to chose, so I asked Dan to weigh in.  When I showed him this version, he gasped - in the most masculine way possible, of course  ;) and said something like, "Those pockets are so cool!"  He was genuinely impressed.  :)

the lotta dress pocket

I really love this pocket option as well.

I chose Palos Verdes voile in La Venta for the bodice.  I think that entire collection is perfection.

the lotta dress

I lined the bodice and pockets with a light grey solid I had on hand.

lotta dress bodice

The skirt is Kaufman Carolina Chambray.

lotta dress

I went with the button closure for the back.  There is another option for an invisible zipper closure.   As I was sewing on this dress' nine buttons, I wondered if I should have gone with the zip closure.  But I do like this look very much and really don't think you can go wrong either way.

lotta dress back

Tia just turned 5 and is petite and on the short(ish) side.  Based on her measurements, I sewed the size 4.  I had to finish the skirt with a very narrow hem to get the length I prefer on my girls (knee length).  They grow like weeds and I'd like their dresses to fit for as long as possible.  When I make this dress again, I'll probably add an inch or two to the length of the skirt.

lotta dress

Tarikua loved this dress so much that she did not want to take it off to change into her pajamas this evening.  I live by the motto: pick your battles.  Last week I let Iris go to the park wearing a panda pajama shirt, horse pajama pants and two different shoes.  She chose the outfit herself and Ms. I Do It did not want to have it any other way.  Compared to that incident, letting Tia sleep in her new Lotta dress seemed like a small concession. :)

lotta dress

25 comments:

  1. This is so lovely! Beautiful combination of fabric & pattern. And I think wanting to sleep in a new dress is the ultimate vote of approval :)

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  2. What a lovely dress and blogpost. I just love everything about it!! Thanks a lot for participating!

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    1. Thanks for inviting me, Marte! And for creating such a great pattern! <3

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  3. Such a gorgeous dress, Rachel! That Cloud 9 fabric is just adorable, and Tia shines as always. I'll be posting my own Lotta later this week. :-)

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  4. Gorgeous! I love it. I agree - I like to make the skirts a little bit longer to get the wear. Very nice pocket details.

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    1. I think with the narrow hem this worked great, but having a little more length would give more flexibility with the hem. I can't believe how most of the dresses I made for Indigo last fall look like tunics on her now! I'm glad I can pass them along to Tia!

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  5. What a super dress, I really love the extra modern feel you gave it by choosing these fabrics. Wonderful!

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  6. I am so so in love with your take on this pattern!

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  7. While mine turned out to be a very romantic version, this one is so modern and playful. Really really love it!

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    1. I love what you did with your version. The hem topstitching! The back button placket! It was all so great!

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  8. your pattern matching is FABULOUS on the back. also that dress is just plain awesome. but let us talk about those SHOES. i think i may have pinned something similar to them...the are such perfect shoes for any stylish little girl. i love everything you make--and i'm glad your husband is impressed :)

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    1. Thanks for noticing, Sarah! :) You know, I found those shoes through Pinterest, too. I bought them on Zulilly for only $10 and they have held up great! One of the best purchases I've ever made! :)

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  9. oh so pretty! what a lovely pattern, and such a great fabric combination. well done, rachel!

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  10. Dan said it best. Gasp.
    Love everything about this. The dress pattern itself but especially your fabric choices and beautiful model.

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  11. This is just gorgeous! I love your fabric choices - it gives the dress such a different look! Iris Ms. I Do It cracked me up. :-) I have one of those Ms. I Do Its too! But my version currently wants to be naked all the time! That is, unfortunately, generally not acceptable out in public, so it's a battle I have to fight on an almost daily basis. I've taken to saying "if you want to leave the house, YOU MUST WEAR CLOTHES!" because she certainly loves to go places, she just doesn't see the need to cover her cute chubby bod.

    On the bright side, I get to pinch her nakey bottom all the time, so that's fun.

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  12. Your fabric combination is lovely! And what fun little features with the neckline and pockets. So sweet!

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  13. Gorgeous! I love the fabric too:)

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  14. Oh Rachel, you nail it every. time. Amazing. And Tarikua is just the most beautiful girl ever (of course, all your children are beautiful, but T holds a special spot somehow).

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    1. Thank you so much, Sanae. She is a very special girl! :)

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