One of the places I like to look at for inspiration is Chasing Fireflies. They have really cute and original clothes. I saw this dress and thought it was pretty cute. Here is my attempt at duplicating it.
I elongated and a-lined a basic long-sleeved t-shirt pattern. Then I cut a few tiers into the pattern and added seam allowances. I only did the tiers on the front, but I should have done both the front and the back. Yet again I made it too wide, so I added shirring to the back. This dress is a bit heavy with all the ruffles, so if I were to do it again I wouldn’t ruffle so much. I also added puff sleeves, and a cute little ruffle placket with ribbon on it. I’m pretty happy with how it turned out and it should definitely fit her two years in a row.
Now, the not so copycat…
This outfit is an attempt to use up bits of minkee that weren’t enough for a single use. It’s the same crossfront dress and leggings from my post before. I just made the leggings a little wider as the minkee doesn’t have as much stretch as a knit. The floral fabric is a printed sweatshirt fabric. I thought it was a fun print, but was having a time coming up with something to make out of it. I did this design a bit different with the colors, but I think it’s cute.
This next outfit is a tube-style dress which channels the 1980’s era. I’m pretty sure I wore something like this at one point. Anya tried it on and was doing the best poses in it. Note to self: make sure she wears leggings when she wears this outside of the home! This was pretty simple construction. I just elongated a long-sleeve t-shirt pattern and added cuffs, a bigger collar than normal and a band at the bottom. The main fabric is french terry and the pink fabric is rib knit.
This outfit was another creation. I made the arms and legs extra long since I wanted to have gathers. Next, before closing up the side seams, I put a few rows of shirring on the outside edges. Then I covered the shirring with ribbon. Voila – fun gathers! The ribbon is also used at each tier on the skirt part of the dress. You may recognize the fabric from a summer dress I made for myself. The knits aren’t incredibly heavy so this won’t be a dead of winter outfit. Not quite warm enough for the negative degrees!
Then I made two of these rugs. Yes, it one of the fringe benefits of having a taxidermist as a father. I get “asked” to sew up the rug that goes underneath his critters. Lucky, lucky me. I gave my old sewing machine to my mom so I didn’t have to do them anymore. **hint, hint, Mom** 😀
Very cute outfits for Anya, they are all darling. I like all your details, she will be a very fashionable young lady.
A veritable smorgasbord of crafty creations! I particularly like the floral fabric on the cross over front dress. It will be interesting to see these ‘modelled’ by their intended wearer.
I wish I was as confident as you about ‘making up’ patterns.
But I am intrigued about that last shot. Is it a ‘real’ critter?
Ah, the rug. I am so used to these things that I forgot not everyone has seen as many dead animals as me! The rug is actually felt, with a felt ruffle. The tanned (cured) hide is then placed on top of it, it’s glued on and hangers put on it. These are intended to go on the wall of the hunter’s home who has a very understanding wife. 😉 This particular rug was for a coyote.
I love the pink and brown together. You have been busy and it all looks so awesome!
I love how the ruffle dress turned out. Anya is going to be one well dressed little girl this winter.
Hello again! just to let you know I’ve posted a Crafty Tuesday with all the costumes now….thought you might be interested.
I wish I was adventurous in “creating” stuff as you are too! I don’t like the actual “pattern” process…but I rarely feel confident enough to just go out and try something. The apron skirt was as adventurous as I get.
Anya is going to be stylin’ all winter long!
Ok, and the “rug”…ew. I hope your mom takes you up on that, cuz…ew!
Can I just copy and paste my comments from last week’s Crafty Tuesday post? Once again, darling dresses and wowie at your creativity! I love the asymmetrical ruffle dress, and the little tube dress.
sighh….all you crafty tuesday people just make me look bad! Cute stuff!