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From: Cedar
Date: 03-15-2004, 06:24 AM (1 of 16)
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Is anyone else thinking about making their daughters easter dresses? I have three little girls, 23 months, 3 1/2 years, and 5 years. I'm not looking for ideas so much as moral support! So far, the only things I have made for them have been very simple. But my husband has been looking longingly at the racks of frilly dresses, and I told him I would try to make their dresses this year... Not quite sure what I was thinking, there! Anyway, I'd love to hear what some of you are thinking of doing, or have done in the past. Thanks, Cedar We do not have to see
To know the wind is here; We do not have to see To know God's love is near. - Unknown |
User: Cedar
Member since: 03-04-2004 Total posts: 7 |
From: woodywoodpecker
Date: 03-15-2004, 08:57 AM (2 of 16)
| JUst don't get in a panic, read the directions over a few times until you understand what they are telling you. You are likely alot better than you give your self credit for. The first time I made Daisy Kingdom dresses it was a bit scary some times, but just take it slow and easy and you will be fine. When you are doing something you haven't done before "the first time is the worst time", after that is gets alot easier as you basically know what your doing. |
User: woodywoodpecker
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 242 |
From: chiloGod
Date: 03-15-2004, 10:41 AM (3 of 16)
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I plan on making my daughter's (3) dresses too. They are 14 months, 3 years, and 4 years old. I will do it if I have the time between trying to move and settling in. I'm not an expert, actually I still consider myself a beginner. I agree with the previous post about reading the directions over before getting started, it lets me know what I'm getting into before I get started. And you want to give yourself enough time to get them done also. |
User: chiloGod
Member since: 08-19-2003 Total posts: 65 
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From: Mom of Six
Date: 03-15-2004, 01:05 PM (4 of 16)
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You are making me jealous. I always made my girls new dresses when they were younger I also made the boys new outfits. Now the girl are 12, 20,23,& 25. They don't wear dresses as much & the boys are 17 & 15& They wear jeans & t-shirts most of the time. I am making 12 YO a jacket w/ a bowling applique on the back for a tournament she is in the week before Easter & I may make her a new blouse & skirt or slacks for Easter if I can find my sewing room. I do get to sew for my 2 DGS occasionally but they have so many clothes they don't get worn much except pajamas.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
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From: PeytonandWyett
Date: 03-15-2004, 02:41 PM (5 of 16)
There are many little dress patterns out there that aren't too difficult. Try to find one that says, "Easy" on the front. Many times, you can take a really simple design and add to it to make it look more frilly. I definitely agree that it can be a little intimidating, but if you take it slow and read the directions carefully, then you'll be fine. Since having my daughter, I've learned that the best thing to do is to just jump right in. And if you make a mistake, then you'll know what not to do next time. Sewing for my daughter is one of the more fun things I've found to sew! Just remember, your daughters won't be as critical as you are. They'll most likely love anything you make them-especially if they have a say in the fabric. Just have fun and don't stress out over it.
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User: PeytonandWyett
Member since: 02-02-2004 Total posts: 9 |
From: MarysRose
Date: 03-15-2004, 06:42 PM (6 of 16)
I also am making 3 dresses this year for the 3 closest granddaughters. That is IF I get the 12" square finished for the scavenger hunt! Sizes 5, 5, and 2 or close to those sizes  The girls always just love what I sew for them; and really, they do turn out lovely! Laura
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User: MarysRose
Member since: 06-19-2003 Total posts: 37 
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From: Shellymoon
Date: 03-15-2004, 09:44 PM (7 of 16)
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I make my daughter's easter dress almost every year. I agree that it's best to choose a simple pattern--a sheath dress with a jacket or a simple sundress (depending on the weather where you live) is a nice palette for some of the pretty stuff. I would also recommend not being too hard on yourself. There are yards and yards of beautiful ruffles and trims out there. Don't try to make them yourself. Especially with making three dresses. If you buy it, all you have to do is attach it. I'm thinking about a sheath dress with a sheer organza jacket for my daughter this year. She's 11 and doesn't like "frilly, frou, frou stuff" as she says. She still wants to be a girl though--just a girl more like Lizzie McGuire! She's been Jonesing for an organza jacket for a while now--and has started taking an unnatural interest in polyester. Shelly Moon
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User: Shellymoon
Member since: 05-27-2001 Total posts: 240 |
From: mary6
Date: 03-19-2004, 08:22 PM (8 of 16)
 Hi! I also make my daughters Easter dress. She is 3-the only girl-5 boys-11,10,8 1/2,6 1/2, & 5. The boys I make alot of other things-caps,t's,boxers etc. My daughter LOVES that mom makes her clothes-so do I! Mary Lou
mary6
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User: mary6
Member since: 11-09-2002 Total posts: 19 
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From: goochgirl
Date: 03-25-2004, 10:48 AM (9 of 16)
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If you are a beginner, I'd recommend a simple a-line button on the shoulder jumper with a ready to wear shirt underneath. The beauty of this type of dress is that it can be dressed up or down, and can be embellished with anything. applique, fringe, simple iron on monograms can make it look like you paid a fortune! Choice of buttons can also add to the look. Good luck and let us know how you did!
Goochgirl
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User: goochgirl
Member since: 03-25-2004 Total posts: 5
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From: bsisemore
Date: 03-25-2004, 07:56 PM (10 of 16)
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frilly dress expert here, if you need help just ask. More than willing to share those frilly and ruffling secrets. Think about this before you buy a pattern, even a plain dress will look fancy in a fancy material. for instance: plain princess style cute is really cute and easy to sew in cotton. now think about the same dress with a lace overlay http://i16.ebayimg.com/01/i/01/70/d6/5b_2.JPG |
User: bsisemore
Member since: 03-09-2004 Total posts: 26 
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From: Cedar
Date: 03-26-2004, 06:09 AM (11 of 16)
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Thank you all for your encouragement. The girls and I went through my patterns and picked out what they wanted. I did steer them away from the "Daisy" dresses that were in there.( I didn't buy them, so they must be from my Mom's stash!). Next step is to pull out my stash and let them pick out their fabric. We have been so busy this last week I have been barely keeping up in the house - no time to sew. Hopefully Saturday after I get my husband off to his shows the girls and I can do some fun stuff together! Now, my eldest has expressed a desire to have some dark purple shiny stuff (I am clueless when it comes to materials - this stuff is really stiff and rustly, kind of like taffeta) as part of her dress.... we'll see. *sigh* this is the child who picked a bright orange fabric for one of her last jumpers. We do not have to see
To know the wind is here; We do not have to see To know God's love is near. - Unknown |
User: Cedar
Member since: 03-04-2004 Total posts: 7 |
From: bsisemore
Date: 03-26-2004, 09:54 AM (12 of 16)
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Next time you are looking at a frilly dress, look at it with out the frills and see what stly you are looking at. Frilla are not hard to add, a few beads, some lace etc... and if you have the time to shop on ebay I highly recomend it. I try ebay first before I sew anything. alot of the smaller sizes you can get for almost nothing. I use to pick up dresses all the time in a sz 6-12 months and up to 24 months for a dollar. plus shipping, so sometimes you can get a nice dress for 3.00 or 4.00. I never make it if I can buy it cheaper. Cedar, email me you 3 1/2 year old's size My daughter is 4 and I haven't sold her dress from last year in peach sz 4t if you are interested. <email address removed for privacy> |
User: bsisemore
Member since: 03-09-2004 Total posts: 26
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From: adrianalali
Date: 03-27-2004, 12:45 PM (13 of 16)
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Hello all! My 6 yr old DD loves all the dresses I make for her. I have primarily used daisy kingdom which I love!! The steps can sometimes be overwhelming but when I start feeling a little frustrated I just put everything down, take a 20 min break or sometimes just leave it for the next day. The first couple of dresses I made I had to unpick the sleeve about 3 times untill I got it right  . Now depending on the dress I can usually just cut out the pattern and go without reading the basic directions. I still haven't started her Easter dress but will be at the fabric shop this weekend to get started. I just love making childrens clothing period. And I love the rewards (hugs, kisses, smiles) I get from DD when she gets to dress up in the latest "my mommie made this" outfit. I have only DD she is getting to be a "big girl" and I personally rather make her outfits that are more age appropriate than what is usually on the racks of RTW retailers. I wish she could be my  forever... sigh....Good luck to everyone making special outfits this time of year and if you can share your pics! Its wonderful to share sewing projects! |
User: adrianalali
Member since: 03-27-2004 Total posts: 14 |
From: tracheotomy
Date: 04-06-2004, 11:42 AM (14 of 16)
| i guess i'm lucky because i like plain and simple. you can embellish anything with trims and such to make it fancier. i just got my dd's pattern and material yesterday. it's a simplicity...gotta love 'em! a plain dress with a pretty print and a matching purse too. |
User: tracheotomy
Member since: 04-06-2004 Total posts: 3 |
From: MaryW
Date: 04-06-2004, 12:23 PM (15 of 16)
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Hi tracheotomy and adrianalali, welcome to Sew Whats New.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: tracheotomy
Date: 04-06-2004, 03:04 PM (16 of 16)
| thank you for the warm and friendly welcome! |
User: tracheotomy
Member since: 04-06-2004 Total posts: 3 |
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