Sometimes you see a dress and think it’s so adorable you just want to make it, even if you don’t need it. The Matinee Dress is one of those dresses for me.
When you look at the sweet little watercolors of the Matinee Dress and Peplum Top, you definitely get that urge to create–aren’t they so stinkin’ adorable? When Jenn asked me to be part of her pattern tour, I was thrilled at the chance to put my own spin on it. And to be in the company of so many talented seamstresses!
Now if you’ve been following along here, you’ll know I had a baby due in mid-July so when Jenn asked me (in April) to participate, I was all over it. Then Miss Mabey came nearly two months early, which created a little chaos. And my sewing machine also is broken down right now…let’s just say I was feelin’ a little pressure! But my fabulous Mom is lending me her machine and I was able to squeeze a little sewing time in each day for a few days to finish this dress, and I love how it turned out.
To start with, I used a herringbone woven for the main fabric and a teal taffeta for the accents. It’s probably not a natural fabric choice for a two-year-old, but I think that’s what appealed to me. I like that she looks chic–like she could could be going to the theatre–but it’s not too fancy for wearing to church each week. (Or if you’re one of my girls, it’s everyday wear.) And the fact that it’s not a typical fabric choice makes it stand out more and emphasizes her cute little body.
Probably the most noticeable change I made was to raise the back from below the sash to above it. I maintained the original shape and the feel of the back opening but it’s a little more modest. I also increased the fullness of the skirt for a little more swing and twirl, which Brynley loves.
I also added a ruffled ribbon accent around the bottom of the skirt, added flat piping around the front and back neckline, and a removable pin complete with feathers for a little more fanciness.
This pattern is seriously cute, and the instructions and pattern itself are some of the clearest and most inclusive I’ve ever used–Jenn did an amazing job. Also, you can turn on layers within the pattern and print only the size you need (which makes things so much faster than trying to figure out which lines to follow). I made the 18-24 months size based on measurements, and it fits beautifully. And with this pattern, a good fit is important.
And she loves it. When I told her the dress was for her (Saige gets most of the new dresses around here) she got up from the couch, ran to me and threw her arms around me, and thanked me profusely. It was so cute. And she was so proud that she got to have her own photo shoot, even though it was cold and windy outside. It was so fun and she looks darling in her dress.
If you’d like to get your own copy of the Matinee Dress and Peplum Top, head over to Jenn’s pattern shop for 20% off on the Matinee pattern during the tour with the code “matineetour20“.
And there’s an amazing giveaway along with the pattern tour. If you love to sew, you’ll know how awesome this giveaway is. Check out all the prize sponsors!
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Wow! So pretty! It reminds me of a ballet neckline. And getting this done with a newborn is definitely an accomplishment!
Thank you, Jenn! And yes, it does look like a ballet neckline. She wore her dress to church on Sunday, and (apparently) got lots of compliments. (I was at home with Maya, but my husband told me he got asked about it quite a bit.)
So cute! You have so much talent when it comes to sewing and having an eye for adorable clothing. You seriously need to start your own children's clothing line...you know...in your spare time :)
You are so sweet! All that spare time... ;) Perhaps I'll have to try selling a couple of clothing items one of these days.
Ooh I love the closed lower back portion! It looks so great in those fabrics too. Now I want to make a bunch more of these :)
Thanks, Ajaire! I loved your version as well. knit with snaps? Awesome kids clothes. :)
Beautiful.
Thank you, Janie!
Is it bad that one of the things I look forward to most about having kids is being able to sew for them? This is TOO CUTE!
Nope, not bad at all! :) That's why I started sewing in the first place. There's something about sewing for little ones that is just irresistible.
This is so so darling! I love all the details.
Thank you Jillene!
This is so stinkin' cute!!!! I just love it!
Thank you, Kaysi!
Oh that's so cute, and I love the flower/feather belt!
Thanks, Steph. I love the flower/feather part too. It just adds a little flair.
This is beautiful!! I'm in love!
Thank you so much, Albion!
aahhh! So sweet! I miss selling on etsy-- it was the only chance I got to make cute little girl frocks! So precious, thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Sara! I do enjoy making cute things for my girls. :)