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Miss Mary

As Molly gets older I find myself thinking more and more about modest, feminine, dresses for older girls. I try to come up with designs that will keep her interested in "mama-made", something that can grow with her, and a timeless design that isn't going to be out of fashion by the time Maddie gets to wear it. Sewing for older maidens (girls) can be tricky sometimes! With the increase in household duties and responsibilities I feel like it would be embarrassing for Molly to wear dresses that made her feel like a baby. I want to design dresses that are appropriate for her age and something that she is comfortable in. BINGO! That's how Miss Mary came to be.....
I'm sure by now you have guessed it, Miss Mary will be my next pattern. I don't have the particulars nailed down yet, but this is the first draft and my little maiden definitely approves! I will do my best to offer this dress up to a size 16.
Miss Mary is a lined, square neck, yoke dress with the slightest hint of a cap sleeve and with a flared circular style skirt.
The dress buttons up the back yoke. I used snaps for this sample because I loved the vintage look of the fabric with these pearl snaps, it reminds me of a house dress from the 40's. With such a basic dress there are so many different ways this it could be made to fit different tastes. Some of the possibilities are: a big sash, bias binding on the hem, a ruffle hem, trendy fabrics, embroidery, applique, different yoke and skirt fabrics, a gathered skirt on the same bodice....
The basic bodice will stay the same and I'm thinking of adding an option for a regular gathered skirt to the instructions. So what do you think? I have lots more samples to try so if you have any ideas, now is the time to throw them in the pot!

Comments

Goosegirl said…
Samantha, this is beautiful. I could totally see it with a matching covered belt and buckle. A pleated skirt would look cute with this too, kind of "Doris Day', ya know? It would also look darling with a contrast piping at the neckline, cap sleeve, and waist. Ok, I love this dress. Nicely done.

Sivje
Rose and Ivy said…
It's beautiful! I always look forward to seeing what your next pattern will be!

Marlya xx
RAZZIESPLACE said…
I like it and I like the idea behind it. I like something modest and simple for an older girl. When can we buy the pattern?
Madaline Jane said…
Very nice Samantha. :)
Jean said…
Yeah, my oldest girl is 8 and finding cute, modest clothes is a trial! I'm having to look long and hard for patterns that are suitable for her and that won't make her look like "my mom insists on sewing for me and making me look like a baby!"

I really like this pattern, and I have a particular request for it if you'd be willing--would it be possible to design an option with a little bit more sleeve to it? In our church, you need something resembling a sleeve to hit the modesty mark. I know that's not how it works for other folks, but that's how it is for us. I can't really see trying to turn this dress into a jumper--I love square necklines and it just wouldn't be the same with a t-shirt under it, would it?

If you can't (or won't) do it I understand, just a suggestion! I do love the dress.
Anonymous said…
I love it. And being a cat lover, I especially love the kitty cat. I bet she is Molly's best friend.
Samantha Caffee said…
******************************
Jean,

Believe it or not, that was the main thing I wanted different on the next draft! LOL! I meant for the sleeve to show up a bit more than it turned out this time, so next time I'm going to add a little more and see how it turns out. I'll let you know how it goes!

xoxo,
Samantha

***********************************************
maribeth said…
what a sweet picture with the vintage books and kitten! i love it!

i think a it would be cute with a 4 or 5 inch looser ruffle. i hope that makes sense- my self taught sewing skills don't give me the proper terminology to explain.
Anonymous said…
It is beautiful and I am so excited it will be available up to size 16!
April said…
I love Miss Mary! Your work is always wonderful, Samantha - God has certainly Blessed you!
Jean said…
Yay, thanks! I think my girl would look darling in this...
maramae said…
I agree with you 100% My daughter is nine and the frilly dresses just arn't as appealing to her anymore yet, I want a modest and stylish dress. I can't wait until you have this pattern available...it fits the bill perfectly :)
Mara
Anonymous said…
Just fantastic! I love your patterns and style :)

~Nissi
lissilulu said…
I love it Samantha. If you get a bit more of a capped sleeve to show the next go round like you said above I think it will even show its style more too. :o)
Amazingly, I have a sketch on my sewing wall of a similar dress I have been needing to make for my little Sophie. Kinda same, but younger. Hers has the ruffled skirt and a scooped neckline and is a halter. The same feel but younger.
Love yours classy feel....definitely a great dress for older modest girls. :o)
Lori
Molly said…
Love the classy lines! That is what my older two girls prefer. At 11 and 8, they are not at all interested in the ruffles and frills of the past. I showed the dress to my girls and asked their opinions. Lili, 11, wants to know if you could do a round neck option and either add more of a sleeve or make the shoulder part narrow enough to make it a jumper. As you can see, she is pretty particular about her clothes. :) I love what you had to say about the reasoning behind it all and I say, "Amen, sister!" We really struggle with finding modest, yet fashionable clothes for our 3 girls. Thanks for making this one go to size 16. Can't wait for it to come out!
Christy said…
LOVE IT! My almost 8 year old daughter would love this dress. Can't wait for the pattern!
Unknown said…
Love it Samantha! My girl is too big for it now...I wish she were little again!
jenn said…
What a great dress! I see lots of possiblities!
jenn
mary said…
I love this dress. I have a 7 yo and she still likes the younger dresses, but is really wanting to be a big girl and I know she would love this dress. I hope you will include the flower in your pattern.
Paulette said…
Does the kitten come with the pattern?! :D
Feather Webb said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Feather Webb said…
love this dress. My daughter is 6 and entering the stage of hard to find clothing. *sigh* I really struggle. Luckily she is not fighting me on everything yet. Now I just need to find a swimsuit! Is it wrong to not want a triangle string bikini and don't get me started on shoes...How I wishI could squeeze her feet into the toddler shoes still.
love it, wish we big ones could wear it!
Beth Kreider said…
I like it! I can't wait for you to get the pattern done so that I can try it out. Your directions are always so easy to follow.
Vintage Rose said…
Hi Samantha,
What a beautiful dress. My daughter loves wearing her Miss Madeline dress, and as a beginner sewer I found it easy to do. I have downloaded the long sleeve tutorial as the weather here Down Under has turned cool.
Can't wait for this new pattern to be available. You are soooo talented Samantha!!!
Take care & God bless
Melissa
RavenM said…
Beautiful! I LOVE that dress :)

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