Sewing: Penelope’s Bridesmaid Dress

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Instead of buying a dress, I figured I would make Penelope a dress for my brother-in-law’s wedding. I was already making my own, so I added hers to the docket as well. It was an incredibly quick sew, too. AND SHE LOVES IT. So much so that she’ll wear it while playing with the boys in our neighborhood. It’s adorable to see her hang with the boys in such a girly outfit. That’s my girly tomboy!

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I used the same printing technique with the front of her dress as I did with mine using a rose stamp borrowed from my friend Miriam. I hadn’t quite nailed down the ink consistency with the imprint, so some of the roses are much lighter than others. I figure she’s going to destroy this dress in a matter of a few wears anyway, so I’m choosing not to care a whole lot about it.

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I used the Recess Raglan (blogged here and here) as the base, then added a little extra length to the bodice (which I didn’t really need to) and a pleated skirt. I left the edges on the sleeves and hem raw, they’ve curled up nicely with wash and wear. For the pleats I cut a strip of fabric 2 1/2 times the width of her dress and eyeballed the pleats starting from the center front, working my way out; pinning them in place. Super easy, but some good eyeballing required.

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This girl cracks me up with her sassy posing. She loves being in front of the camera.

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    1. Alysa says:

      She’s so hip! You’re my sewing hero!

    2. phil says:

      very cool !!!!!!!

    3. Heidi Lassila says:

      The drop-waist is adorable!

    4. Melinda says:

      What kind of ink/paint did you use for the printing? Is there a tutorial you could direct me to for that? I love the look of the printed fabric next to the plain, great idea.

      It’s a gorgeous dress and I love yours as well. :-)

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