This post contains affiliate links that help support my blog.
Late last year my neighbor was getting rid of some fabric, and my eyes landed on some gorgeous floral scuba, gray double brushed poly, and a purple sweater knit (all originally from Sew So English). I thought this combo would be perfect as a dress and cardigan for my two girls! (Grand total for fabric – $14!)
In making these outfits I used almost every last scrap of the fabrics – I literally had my pattern pieces and fabric all over the floor, playing Tetris with them until I’d managed to get every last piece laid out on the fabric!
I thought the double brushed poly would be perfect for a bishop sleeve dress, so I bought the Boo! Designs Portrait Dress for the sleeves. I already had the Boo! Designs Sleeved Skater Dress so I used that for the skirt and bodice. (You can easily mash MANY of the Boo! Designs patterns together, giving endless design choices!) The Portrait Dress is for sizes 2T-14, and as you can see in the line drawings below, comes with multiple sleeve and bodice options. You can use a whole range of knits with it such as Swim, cotton Lycra, French Terry, Rayon Lycra, etc.
I hadn’t made the Stay & Stitch (formerly Sew Straight & Gather) Avenue Duster since testing it a few years ago, and thought that would be perfect with this outfit. The duster pattern comes with pockets, and I did cut them out, but forgot to put them on before getting my girls to model the outfits. Pockets are still on my cutting table and the girls haven’t complained about a lack of pockets so… they might just stay pocket-less. #lazysewist
This pattern is available in size 2T – 14, comes in 3 different lengths, and in 3 different view styles, as shown below. There are plenty of fabrics you could use to make the Avenue, including sweater knits, French Terry, cotton Lycra, ponte, etc.
And because I planned (and mostly got this sewn) back in November, I also bought cream tights to go with them. Sadly, I have NO IDEA where they have gone! I turned my house upside down, but no dice. Sigh. I desperately need to purge around here!
I really love how these outfits turned out! And of course, my girlies are enjoying twirling in them!
