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!
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
Sivje
Marlya xx
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.
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
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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.
Mara
~Nissi
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
jenn
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