I’ve barely had any time for sewing lately, which is such a shame because it’s one of my favorite hobbies. Earlier this year, though, I found myself diving back into it—mainly because it’s nearly impossible to find store-bought dresses that fit my tall and slender 11-year-old daughter properly.
Back in the fall, I bought some stretch velvet fabric with the intention of making a simple gathered-waist t-shirt dress. However, when I saw my sister-in-law wearing a sleeveless knit column dress paired with a turtleneck, I couldn’t help but get inspired. I immediately began imagining something similar for my daughter but with a touch more flair. I decided to give her dress a bit more shape by adding a waist seam and an A-line skirt. I sketched out my design, and she loved the idea—her enthusiasm really pushed me forward.
The next step was creating the pattern. I based it on two resources: the School Bus T-Shirt pattern and our turtleneck drafting tutorial. Using the size chart, I blended the measurements of size 7 and size 12. For instance, I kept the width from size 7 but extended the height of the shoulders (and armholes) to match size 12. I also incorporated the neckline and 3/4-length sleeves from size 12, finishing them off with simple cuffs.
When it came to the bodice length, I measured from my daughter’s shoulder to where I wanted the bodice seam to hit on her torso—this ended up being 15 inches. For the turtleneck, I followed the method from our tutorial, cutting the piece to the size 12 neckband length and 6 ½ inches tall. I tapered it inward by ½ inch on both sides to ensure it sat perfectly at the top. After folding it over and attaching it, I ended up with a 3-inch high turtleneck, which was just the right height.
For the skirt, I measured how long I wanted it to be and cut it at 37 inches (which turned out a bit too long, even after hemming it by ¾ inch). Since I didn’t want any gathers, I matched the waist width to the bottom of the bodice (15 inches per piece) and flared it out as wide as my fabric allowed—around 28 inches in total. I sewed the side seams of the skirt from the top down to 12 inches from the bottom, leaving a 12-inch slit on each side.
Overall, I’m really happy with how it turned out. Although the pattern was straightforward thanks to the School Bus pattern, the final dress feels surprisingly elegant and flowing. If I could go back, I’d probably widen the shoulders by an inch or two. Also, I think a slightly gathered skirt might have added a nice touch.
But most importantly, my daughter absolutely adores it—and isn’t that what really matters? Success in parenting, and in sewing, can often be measured by their smiles.
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Related
Knit Fabrics
There are different types of knitted Fabrics, including jersey, rib, interlock, and cable knit. Each type has its own unique characteristics and uses. Jersey knit fabric, for example, is commonly used for T-shirts and dresses due to its lightweight and breathable nature. Rib knit fabric, on the other hand, has vertical ridges and is often used for cuffs, collars, and waistbands.
Knitted fabric is popular in the fashion industry due to its versatility and comfort. It is commonly used for making clothing items such as sweaters, scarves, socks, and hats. It is also used for making home textiles like blankets and throws.
Overall, knitted fabric is a widely used textile that offers a wide range of benefits, including stretchability, breathability, and softness. It is a popular choice for both clothing and home decor due to its comfort and aesthetic appeal.
light mesh fabric; light Jersey knitted fabric; fleece knitted fabric
Shaoxing Harbour Textile&Garments Co., Ltd , https://www.sxharbour.com