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Dresses· Girls· Patterns· sewing

A Blessing Dress.

My niece was blessed this last weekend, and unfortunately I couldn’t be there.  We had two other trips planned for February and we just couldn’t swing another one in there, so I called my sister (my twin) and asked if I could make baby Sarah Jane’s blessing dress.  I was hoping it will help me feel like I was there in spirit….
So, at the beginning of last week I set out the make the dress.  I was actually afraid to start the dress too early because I was worried it would be too small by the time her blessing came around, so I ended up in a bit of a rush getting it done.  I had my sister give me her measurements from that very week…and I tried my best to alter the pattern for a good fit.
The other crazy fact of making this dress was that I actually cut out and sewed two dresses at the same time.  I was so worried I would get the whole thing sewn and almost done and then mess up a button hole…..I am just notorious for doing things like that.  And for my own kid, I would probably live with a messed-up button hole…but for her’s I couldn’t bear the thought.  The other dress will probably be in the Etsy shop soon (or email me if you are interested).  It is a 0-3 month size but I can give you exact measurements.
Back to the dress….
I started with this Simplicity pattern for the bodice that I re-worked a bit to get a good fit.  The whole dress is made from white Kona cotton and the two buttons in between the collar were vintage beauties that I had in my stash.

The skirt, I made up.  The original pattern called for a pleated skirt, but I thought that was a bit to fussy for a baby and that the pleats would not hold their pressing very well….so I did a opted for a simple tightly gathered skirt with some more pintucking to mimic the tiny pintucks in the top.

Here’s how I did the 1/2  inch pintucks on the skirt….

 

 

 

 

I did include a white grosgrain ribbon for around the middle, but I didn’t have it when I was picture-taking.
~Elizabeth
Linked Here.
P.S.  This is the second dress that is for sale.  (I haven’t gotten it listed in the shop yet, so if you are interested, just email me.) The pintucks are a little different but the ribbon is now on!

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Comments

  4. Rachel says

    Absolutely gorgeous! I feel like I’m always leaving the exact same comment for you guys, but it’s the truth: I just love how simple and understated your designs always are. The trend seems to be over the top ruffles/flowers/accessories/etc. right now, but it’s always a breath of fresh air to visit your blog and see just lovely, simple, vintage-inspired sewing. Love it, love it. (And the name Sarah Jane is SO sweet!)

  5. Brenna says

    That’s the same pattern my mother used to make my son’s christening romper. She’s also made the dress for some nieces – I love how yours turned out!