I’ve decided that I’m not sewing sleeves anymore.
And I’ve acquired a new addiction: sundresses.
And as you can see, Ms O loves to wear them. I’ve made 5 dresses in 3 days. I think I may continue making one a day until there’s a nice collection.
For the pattern, I used Sandi Henderson’s Portabellopixie Claire pattern.
Okay Sandi, how in the heck are you making any money off these patterns?
For $16, you just about get a book! There’s TWENTY pages in the pattern. There are colored illustrations, photos and pages of instructions She teaches you how to make bias tape & piping, how to shirr and two ways to gather. The pattern back shows 4 dress options, but really that’s just the beginning. You could make umpteen dress combination’s with her awesome instructions.
All that said, I only made the petal knot dress without the apron and knot. I love the proportions of the band width, amount of gather and the simple lined bodice. These dresses fit Ms O perfectly and she looks too darn cute in it.
Each dress takes very little time without those darn sleeves. I’d rather sew on buttons and make buttonholes any day than sew a sleeve. I’m tired of the hemming, gathering and easing in to fit a sleeve. It takes way too long.
Although, I did make this Burda dress again, but you know how much I love this dress. I will make sleeves for something this cute. All in moderation I say.
It was supposed to be for Easter, but you know how that goes.
I would love to buy yards and yards of this Moda Wonderland line, but have to make due with what I have. (Worse case scenario is now the best case for LO schools and I’m sure PP schools are in deeper trouble.) The great thing about these dresses is that you can use different little pieces of fabric so there’s not large single cuts of fabric needed. I need stash busting projects and I’m sure you all could use it too. 
Posted by fini on April 22, 2009 at 12:09 am
LOOOOOOOOOOOVE them all! I have to say the blue story book looking one is my favorite:)
Posted by mommiemarzie on April 22, 2009 at 3:32 pm
The dresses are so cute! Ms. O looks divine in them! I’m going to have to check out that pattern.
-Kathy
Posted by gabrien on April 22, 2009 at 7:36 pm
I have Sandi’s ruffle pants pattern which is also very well written with great pictures. You can borrow if you like. D won’t wear the ruffle pants I’ve made but I’m trying not to give up. Doesn’t the Claire also have an underdress option that is kinda like a peasant top only longer?
Posted by Julie Alvarez on April 23, 2009 at 1:24 am
You are so right about the sleeves!
I love sundresses too. I also made one that’s slightly similar to this one.
Posted by emily on April 24, 2009 at 5:07 am
Thanks for the pattern recommedation and inspiration. What a little cutie-pie!
Posted by Zian on May 14, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Good pattern. I used to make a lot of frocks for my daughter when she was small. Now she is 14 and I miss all those stuff. She doesnt want any frocks … So please enjoy your time!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Lisa Milton on May 18, 2009 at 4:39 pm
She is gorgeous. Simply gorgeous.
Posted by UK lass in US on May 23, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Oh those are cute. I try to keep my daughter out of dresses (she scratches the eczema on her legs too much, even when she barely has any) , but those look so sweet.