It's Penny's turn to show off her Easter dress today. It is also a Butterick 3762, like her big sister's dress and is made up in the same City Weekend fabric. This time, I opted for a different view since she isn't old enough to insist on the fiddly ruffles. I am also fond of scallops so I used the scalloped collar from view E but otherwise, made view A.
Here's the back. The detail that really makes this pattern for me is the the pleated waist. It's also the trickiest part. I followed the directions while making Lily's dress. I first sewed the side seams and the shoulder seams of the bodice and then the pleats. When I went to put in the zipper, the pleats did not line up and I had to spend some time ripping stitches and realigning them. This time, I did not sew the shoulder seams, only the side seams. Then I made the pleats while carefully measuring each step of the way to make sure that the pleats at the back on one side were the same height as they were on the other.
I am happy to report that it worked like a charm! It would have been ridiculously difficult to make the pleats on a small dress like this, with the shoulder seams sewn. It's much easier to be able to lay the piece flat.
I am so happy to have these two dresses done! I need to make a little coat for Penny next and then I am on to a couple more pillows!
Another beauty! I was admiring how your pleats line up even before I read your comments about it. :)
ReplyDeleteI think that Penny looks older every time you post a picture of her!
Very cute dresses and your girls are adorable!!. I love to English smock so when my DD was little, I made her tons of dresses......but no zippers. All the patterns I used had buttons.
ReplyDeleteI don't know who is cuter, her or the dress!! Totally adorable! You matched that perfect.
ReplyDeleteThese dresses are adorable. As are the little models :-)
ReplyDeleteSo adorable! I like the pleats too. How old is Penny? My youngest is almost 2, though I don't think he'd appreciate a cute dress! :-)
ReplyDeletewhat an adorable dress!!! well done! she sure looks like she just loves it!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure who is prettier, the model or her frock!
ReplyDeleteThey are both so adorable, the dresses and the girls. What fun!
ReplyDeleteTell her that she is gorgeous in her new dress!!
ReplyDeleteWow, can't believe what a little lady Penny is becoming... She's such a little doll in the dress, too! So pretty Amy. You'll have to post pics of the two of them together for us to see, ok?
ReplyDeletepenny's dress is sweet, too! those pleats and scallops are gorgeous and girly. your family is going to be the best-dressed come easter sunday.
ReplyDeleteYes, Penny's dress is adorable but what I first notice in that upper photo is Big Bro holding little Sis' hand....he is going to grow up to be a great guy!!:)
ReplyDeleteOh sweet. My mom always made my sister and I clothes when we were little girls. It is a wonderful memory. Your little girls are lucky!
ReplyDeleteSorry to be so late to join this love fest....WELL DESERVED love fest that is!!! Perfect, Amy! She is so lovely and the dress is definitely envy-worthy...now I'm going to gush all over the little matching coat!!! xo
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