I have been so busy lately sewing up samples of my new patterns that I decided to take a few quick minutes to sew up a little summer top/dress for Matilda. You would think that with all the sewing I do that my kids wardrobes would be completely handmade. Nope, not the case. A lot of the pieces I create end up being sold or used as display pieces in stores so I tend to create more special occasion pieces for the kids. I have very little time these days with everything that’s been going on, but a major goal of mine is to create more everyday pieces for my own kids.
I made this little top / dress from a denim looking linen. I thought the light-weight fabric would be perfect for summer. The weather can’t seem to make up it’s mind here in Chicago……..one day it’s warm, one day it’s cold, so for now she is wearing this with a long sleeved shirt and leggings. But I envision it with no shirt underneath with little shorts and sandals for the warm summer months.
I added a little piece of pink rickrack trim in the seam towards the top of the dress. And then just added a large piece of ribbon trim towards the bottom. I didn’t want to get too carried away as I wanted this to be a piece she could run around in and play.
This dress took 45 minutes to sew (including cutting). It was so super-quick and very easy. I’m definitely going to make it again in a couple different variations. I think next time I’m going to add a 4″ ruffle at the bottom to make it longer. And I’m thinking I want to do one in a bold, patterned fabric and maybe one in some seersucker.
Lindsay Wilkes is the owner and designer behind The Cottage Mama. She creates timeless, vintage inspired sewing patterns for children’s clothes. She is also a fabric designer for Riley Black Designers / Penny Rose Fabrics, author of the book ‘Sew Classic Clothes for Girls’ and can be seen teaching nationwide and online in her video series ‘Lessons with Lindsay’ sponsored by Baby Lock Sewing and Embroidery machines.
I wish I could sew more than a straight line. that is the cutest darn dress!
I love the hint of pink ric rac, it’s those details that make your clothing so beautiful!
It’s delightful, yes please!
would love a tutorial!! such a cute dress and little girl! 🙂
I love your daughter in this little dress. Yes please I’d love for you to post a pattern and then my 2 girls could be wearing this during the Australian summer. Keep up the good work.
I would LOOOOOOVE a tutorial/pattern for this! That would be so perfect!
Adorable – Matilda and the dress! A tutorial would be awesome – I’d love to make something like this for my niece.
I would love a pattern and tutorial. I am just learning to sew clothes so I am loving anything easy that I can try.
Would love a tute!!! My little g.grand (born last July 6) would love something like this….and tons of variations! Isn’t linen the best??? Your detailing always is so perfect for the little item and you have the most perfect model!! Hugs, Doreen
I would love a tutorial or pattern for this…it is too cute!
So pretty!
I would also love the pattern. My granddaughter is just that size, and she would look so cute in it.
I would certainly enjoy a pattern and tutorial. I love finding pieces like this that make lovely gifts for others with little girls that you can personalize. Plus, I could see making this in a heavier fabric like corduroy, for a winter jumper to throw over a turtleneck. It’s so simple and adorable.
Cute! It is really similar to the dress I made for my daughter that I blogged about today- I just did a big bow on one side, though. I love the ricrac you used, too!
I will jump on that Tutorial for sure !!! free o not !! This is oretty and give so many possibilities to decline it….It is really great !
Matilda looks so cute in her new dress. I would love a tutorial of the dress/top. Keep showing us the great creativity you come up with.
Cute dress and wearer :o)
I would!
Lovely dress & photos. You’re so talented 🙂
Very cute! I would definitely be interested in a tutorial for this! I love the way you’ve just out some simple embellishments on it to make it personal. Your creations are always wonderful.
So cute! Is there a tutorial or pattern?
I just love to come check out the pretty little faces! And the dresses are cute, too!
Blessings,
Susie
I would love a tutorial on this dress. I have some little friends that I sew for quite often and they would love this. You are so talented. I on the other hand have trouble making stuff even with a pattern. Thanks for all the cool stuff you do.
Very cute. A pattern would be great! I could see both my girls in it this summer.
I would love a tutorial, this is a perfect top to adjust to your own style.
This is an adorable outfit, and I would love for you to write a tutorial. The pictures are so cute! Great job inspiring all of us once again!
Absolutly adorable, I would love to make one for my grandbaby!!
As a grandmother to 3 little girls I would love a pattern and tutorial as well ! Thanks 🙂
Yes please!!! this is so adorable!I have many small children in the familly to offer one of these, litle victoria was born last tuesday!
What a cutie you have there! Love the first dandelion pic.
What a beautiful post! Adorable pictures and the dress is just as cute as can be.
Love this adorable & sweet dress & your pictures are adorable too! I figure if you could make it in 45 minutes, maybe I could do it in an afternoon. I would be thrilled if you would publish this pattern – I have a small stash of Sara Jane fabric I have been saving & could imagine it in the pattern – adorable!
Love this top! I would love a tutorial. The ric-rac is such an adorable touch.
Oh yes PLEASE show us how you made this Lindsay. I would love to see if I can make one for my Granddaughter if you give an option for a baby sized one and also a ‘slightly chunky’ 4 yr old girl also.
I just love the one you’ve made.