Simplicity pattern #9713
My daughter made her sewing debut last year, aged 7, by sewing her first garment – a basic A-line skirt. She enjoyed the experience so much that she soon wanted to try something else and, seeing that she also really enjoys bush-dancing, we decided it would be good for her to make a costume for dancing.
We used the Simplicity pattern #9713, Dress View C, which is a simplistic reproduction of an eighteenth century style gown. I have not reproduced any instructions here, as they are included in the pattern and are easy to understand.
Front detail
This dress has a fitted bodice with a stomacher-like decorative front panel, elbow-length fitted sleeves with large, full cuffs, and a long skirt with polanaise-like sections pleated and gathered on each side. It has a centre back zip and is trimmed with lace and ribbon.
My daughter made the skirt easily enough by herself but, as some of the other parts were more fiddly, it ended up being more of a joint project!
As this is an adult pattern, I did have to make quite a bit of adjustments to the bodice to fit an 8-year-old girl. The only substantial change I made to the pattern was to replace the semi-circular cuffs in the pattern with ones that were more eighteenth century in design – a scalloped and gathered cuff.
The dress has a very deep hem (of 10 inches) so that the length can be altered as she grows taller. I kept the bodice seam allowances quite large (about 1 inch) so that I can adjust the bodice later if it is needed.
Front view
Back view
She is really rapt with her new dress and is counting down to the next dancing evening we can attend together. She even went so far as to wear the outfit around the house for half of the weekend!
I find making kids dress-ups really enjoyable. They are my cup of tea!
Related Posts
Sources and Relevant Links
Simplicity Pattern #9713 – for sale on What-I-Found (or search on ebay or etsy for places to buy this pattern)
That is beautiful…what a lucky girl she is to have you as her Mum!
Thanks! Its so nice that she likes it too!
Awww…She looks just beautiful! I agree—Lucky girl, and it sounds like ou both had such fun!
Mary
http://anhistoricallady.blogspot.com
🙂 We did have fun! (Though the decisions about what sort of lace to pick was AGONISING! Nothing like an 8 year old girl who is finicky about lace!)
Oh so cute! I loved costumes when I was little too. I remember so many sewing projects that my mum helped me with… they are some of my favorite childhood memories.
I have lots of memories from my childhood with my mum and I sewing as well. I am hoping to do the same with my little girl (as long as she enjoys it, that is!).
Wow! That is amazing! Have you considered having a shop on Etsy? (www.etsy.com) You really should – youhave a great talent for costume-making!
Thanks! I haven’t thought much about etsy. I have sewn for friends and acquaintances before, but it does take a lot of time and I am not sure how I feel about it turning a hobby into a job! Having said that, it can be good to sell things that are quick and easy to make… I should check it out one day.
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