{ Matilda’s Birthday Dress – Tea For 2 Party }

In about three weeks, Miss Matilda Jane will be turning 2!  I can’t believe it – how did my little baby grow-up that fast?  My mom has always said that every year goes by quicker and quicker and every year I believe her more and more.

Matilda loves to play tea party, so there was no doubt that “Tea for 2” would be the perfect theme for her party.  I still have lots of details to plan such as the food, beverages and decor, but there is one area where I am ahead of the game – The Dress! 

Last year I based “Matilda’s Summer Garden” 1st birthday party completely around the fabric used in her birthday outfit, so this year will probably be no exception (click HERE to view her 1st birthday party).  I find it so much easier to have a color palette to work with and gorgeous fabric makes it even easier.

I am in love with Anna Griffin’s “Carmen” line.  I have about 7 bolts of this fabric sitting on my shelves right now.  The fabric is feminine and girly, yet not too juvenile.  I also love all the different scales of prints in the line.  There are large scale, medium, small and super-small – which is perfect for mixing and matching a multi-fabric printed dress.

I have had this teapot applique in my head for quite some time, so I’m glad to finally get it out and sewn onto something.  The applique is hand-cut and a mix of all the different fabrics used in the dress.  To add extra detail (which you know I love), I added some ric-rac where I hand-embroidered some stitching.  I also added a little button on top of the pot. 

I have a few onesies and ruffle bottom pants listed in the shop right now using this teapot applique (size 3-6 month and 12-month).  I went a little nuts appliqueing one night because I just thought the design was SO cute!

I added some girly-ness to the apron with the little ruffle around the edge.  I thought about using bias-tape (which would be cute too), but I think the ruffle adds that special something.

The apron also has coordinating fabric trimming the bottom with the curvy edge of the ric-rac sticking out.  I just love ric-rac.  I know some people aren’t wild about it, but I think it just adds that little bit of vintage charm.