A few months ago, I found this adorable dress on Pinterest.
As you know, there are no girl babies in this house, but I HAD.TO. MAKE. THIS. DRESS! So I pinned it away for the future, and then suddenly Janssen’s baby girl, Ella’s, birthday was coming up and I needed a gift. It was perfect.
I rummaged through my fabric box and found the leftover table runner fabric from Landen’s French bridal shower, and a large scrap of yellow cotton that I stole from my mom’s fabric box at some point.
[If you are interested in making your own dress like this, here are a few of my tips. If you don’t care, you can skip the following paragraph :)]
Since there was no pattern, and I didn’t have Ella’s measurements (it would have given away the secret if I’d asked Janssen for them!), I just made it up as a went along. The top of the dress is similar to the polka dot blouse I’m wearing in these photos, so I used that as a reference, which ended up being really helpful. Then for the skirt, I cut a full circle with a hole in the middle, then two more thin circles in black and yellow for the black band and the bottom of the skirt. I ironed the pleats and then carefully pinned them while I sewed, then re-ironed them after the dress was done. I put hidden snaps under the buttons on the blouse so it would be easier to put on a baby, and then the back of the skirt has velcro. I also added little sleeves, which were just little ruched half-circles.
I was in a time crunch toward the end, so as soon as the dress was finished I rushed it over to the post office without taking a final photo. Luckily, Ella was kind enough to model it after church one day and I was sent a few photos.
[looks like those nicely ironed pleats didn’t last long! :)]
There are quite a few elementary mistakes, but overall I’m thrilled with how it came out. And even more thrilled that it actually fit Ella.
Happy belated birthday, baby girl. And happy ACTUAL birthday to Janssen today!
p.s. Don’t forget about my giveaway! If you haven’t entered, go here for a chance to win one of two paintings!
wow, it's gorgeous! I really need to learn how to sew.
Hey! I never saw these pictures. My baby is VERY cute. Also, your sewing is amazing – Ralphie commented on the dress the MOMENT we arrived at dinner.
Holy cow, it came out so awesome! Good job, Merrick!
That is adorable. I'm becoming more and more convinced that I need to learn to sew.
Holy moly. I cannot get over how amazing this is. I pinned this dress ages ago and have contemplated trying to make a me-sized version (that is, if I become some sort of Very Awesome seamstress). I like the baby-sized one so much!
*Note to self: Must adopt Merrick as sister.*
Okay, that is darling. I may have to make my own little tiny dress. You are amazing!
My friend has a little girl I want to make this for! I love that you are tiny enough to use your own shirt as your pattern!!
Shut right up!! That is so stinking cute. I wish I wasn't scared of my sewing machine.
I'm so glad to finally see these photos! I can't believe you can sew like this without a pattern!!!! Darling.
Oh, cuteness.
You are so talented! So adorable Merrick! I need to hire you to make my clothes. 🙂
To make the blouse part without a pattern is amazing! The dress is so darling.
That dress is simply too cute! I need a girl!
That is AMAZING! You are so so very talented! Can't wait until you have a girl!!!
um yes. you are brilliant. i'll take two of those dresses please. 😉
SO cute!!
Oh my oh my oh my – so darling!!
Holy man – that is just darling!!!
I saw that dress, too, and asked my daughter if I could recreate it and she gave me "the look". Meaning, "no way, mom."
This is amazing. Love your style and excellent sewing skills. Glad I stumbled upon your blog. 🙂