I have been working on styling for the older girl version of Miss Alice, this is always so important to me (and my big girl, Molly). Some of you asked for this to go up to larger sizes but I honestly wasn't feeling it at all. I felt like it would look way too young for the older girl, and after talking to Molly about how she felt about it I was thinking that it might not happen. I do so understand the need for modest dresses for our older girls, and well know of the pattern shortage for this age group, and I have also done my very best to provide that.....so, I thought....and thought....and this is what I came up with, a belt! That takes it from baby sister to big sister!
The belt gives the dress a whole new look! It has a "Anne of Avonlea" feel to me. What do you think? Molly was very happy with it, she said that she definitely feels her age in this dress. Being the oldest she seems very sensitive about this issue, looking the part of the oldest sister is very important to her. Of course the belt is completely optional so each little lady could choose for herself.
Now I just need your thoughts on it. You are the people buying my patterns, tell me what you think! Do you like the direction this is going? I will be joining in the discussion in the comments section. Thanks mamas!
PS. That yellow-gold fabric is in the shop ;)
Comments
Great job!
BTW, did you end up with Wasatch?
Kimberly, I merged your idea whith what I already had and came up with this...I'm going to include instructions for sewing the front of the waistband to the front of the dress that way the gathers don't shift around and the front will stay flat.If I did a built in waistband I would have to add a placket and buttons, and I think that would be really pretty, but it would take the dres out of the beginner category. I would have never thought of the "stay put" belt though if you hadn't mentioned that! Great idea! Thank you so much!
Monster Bug,
I see what you mean about the gathers, it may not be to everyones taste, but there has to be a certian amount of ease in the skirt to allow for full range of motion. Think pencil skirts, you know how you can't really take big steps in them? That's what it would do. BUT! It would be easy for the folks that don't care for the amount of gathers to decrease the gathers a little and add a slight A-line to the skirt to solve the range of motion problem. Maybe I could even do a free download on that like I did the with the Miss Madeline sleeve! Thanks so much for your thoghts! It will be great for people to have that little add-on!
Anyone else have any ideas?
xoxo,
Sam
Only suggesting cos you asked.. :)
You are awesome! LOL! You are not going to believe this but when I got your comment I had just sewn up a mini sample with pleats! And it was super cute! That is a really good option, and really easy for mamas to modify without any help. Thanks!
Molly,
Yes, that's another thing that would be easy for most mamas to modify on their own, all you would have to do is wider strap and add a button (you could even put a snap on the inside). Good call1
Linda,
It may make it a little more babyish, but it might look cute for the older girls, and you could certainly slip it under the waistband like in the Miss Madeline. I'd like to see someone try that! Maybe I will do a mini...
Thanks mamas for all of your input! This pattern is really getting done quick so I think it will be ready by the end of the month!
xoxo,
Samantha
Crys
Good job!!