One Pattern - Two Dresses

So, I dug up this vintage 1960's Butterick 3056 pattern from my stash & decided to make it for little T - just because:)  I couldn't decided whether to make it in a solid or a big, mod print - so I decided to do both!  I loved seeing how the fabric & trims I chose completely changed the dress!

 

This first dress I made from Riley Blake's Sea Breeze fabric. 

  

I added brown piping around the collar, took out the front tabs called for in the pattern, and instead added brown ric rac up the front and back seamline, & a brown polka dot bow at the top of the pleat, topped with 4 matching vintage buttons.

 

She loved it!

 

Next up, I picked this very mod Gray & Citron daisy print from Michael Miller.

 

I felt like it would be too busy if I did the sleeves in the same fabric, so I instead opted to make them out of Michael Miller's White Cotton Lawn fabric.  I also made the collar out of the cotton lawn.  On the collar and sleeve cuffs, I added a 1/4" yellow ric rac.  I did add the front tabs to this dress, along with some big, white buttons to add to the 60's feel of it.

 

I decided to add a contrasting Citron Polka Dot to the pleat inset as well.  You can see it in the photo below.

In the end I was really happy with both dresses.  The simplicity of the solid with the contrasting ric rac gave the first dress a very youthful, innocent feel.  The second dress has a similar feel, but with a lot more "pop"!  

When choosing fabrics, it's always good to think about how it will look and come across in the finished garment.  In my opinion, children's clothing shouldn't overtake or drown the child in a bevy of colors, ruffles & bows, but rather they should highlight the child's natural beauty and innocence.  With so many beautiful prints out there, it's a good idea to reign ourselves in - use solids to break it up and give the eye a resting place - and keep it simple.  Happy Sewing!