Yes, I'm reminded of just how much I dislike sewing clothing. I struggled my way through making these for our wee one and had thought I would make more using the same pattern (it has 4 different sizes included) but nope. I will NOT be making this pattern again. Maybe the hat, but most definitely not the dress. Talk about a PIA!!! The entire instructions were left to be desired and the pictures are so small that it's impossible to figure out what they mean. I know they have size constraints within their printing process but geez. Oh well, it's done now and won't be repeated.
Front....
Back...
- THIS is something that would make a sweet little gift, perhaps tucked into a greeting card or into a special book.
- HERE is another little thing that you could make to show your support for the Ukraine.
- Those of you who sew, might find THIS of interest. (I did not, however, have need of this b'cause said dress used thread loops instead of buttonholes).
- Scrolling through THESE was another awwww moment.
- HERE is another cross stitch designer from the Ukraine that you might want to consider supporting.
Today's quote pretty much sums up my last couple of days....
Adorable dress!
ReplyDeleteThe cut paper art is amazing.
I agree, swearing can be useful.
The dress is cute, but not worth the effort to make again. Thought I picked an easy pattern, but no.
DeleteThat's a lovely dress and hat outfit. Too bad you're not up for making more as she grows.
ReplyDeleteI'll happily make the hat again but that dress will need more fortitude than I possess I think.
DeleteWhen my granddaughter was born I made a few summer dresses. Then I realized that when I added the time it took and the cost of fabric and pattern it wasn't worth it.
ReplyDeleteI agree - buying them is far easier, but I do love making things for the grandies - and little dresses are something I've never had call for before. I'll search for a better pattern!
DeleteVery cute and worthy.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteI find tiny things the hardest to sew. Give me bigger items, or a pair of knitting needles.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I don't 'do' clothing, beyond making sleep pants for our boys (and now our grandsons). They're pretty simple, but the instructions for that dress are not easy.
DeleteCute dress but I know your frustration!
ReplyDeleteYes, it was frustrating, but it's a learning curve too. I think I'll search out a much easier pattern for the next one (perhaps a pillowcase dress)
DeleteMary Anne, can I say thank you for your support for the Ukraine, my heart goes out to them, so I think I shall make a bunting of yellow/blue hearts in fabric, and hang it somewhere prominent.
ReplyDeleteThe little dress and hat are just beautiful MA, you may have had trouble making them, but they are lovely.
Val (UK)
Re the bunting idea (which is a great one!), if you're a knitter there's a link going on my blog tomorrow for something that could be adapted.
DeleteI'll make the hat again - no problems with it. Already have plans....
Despite all your frustrations with the pattern, the finished result is adorable. Such an adorable dress and hat.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kim - I know it will be liked and hopefully get worn for a little while.
DeleteOh, I love to sew garments! Your dress is so cute, but I can see it's a difficult pattern.
ReplyDeleteGarment sewing ended for me in home ec class in high school after a horrific experience. Haven't much wanted to attempt anything complicated ever since. Landscapes are one thing - clothing entirely another.
DeleteI'm sorry the dress was a PIA to sew, but wow is it cute!
ReplyDeleteYes, that dress made up for being a pain by being really cute.
DeleteReally love the pretty little dress but I can feel your frustration with it and I understand why you won't be doing that again! Hugs Christine xx
ReplyDeleteThe hat was pretty easy and I know I'll be repeating it in different sizes. Had planned on making the two larger sizes of the dress too but that won't be happening unless I have a huge mental block later on and forget how much I hated the making!
DeleteThere is a blogger who makes and sells baby/toddler/childrens' clothing and has done reviews of independent patterns available. Some of the issues were obvious even to someone like me who's never attempted to draft a pattern. Uneven jumps between sizes, seam lines that don't match up right, no room for diapers, bad instructions, etc. She'd show how to fix some of the issues. She also had some good thoughts on sewing in general. I wish she'd start posting again.
ReplyDeleteWhat pattern did you use? I *may* be wanting to sew up some baby/toddler clothes myself. OTOH, the baby may be living in onesies and footed pajamas like my DS did. Those are everywhere in stores, so not sure it's worth sewing those items.
Despite the pattern issues you had, the dress and hat came out really cute. I love that fabric!
I don't think there were issues with the pattern so much as there were issues for the sewer herself! I'm NOT a clothing sewist by any means so some of the instructions were a complete puzzlement. The pattern is McCall's 7342. The pattern comes with several sizes included. I know I'll be making the hat in the larger sizes but I doubt the dress will be on my radar again. Mind you, any future efforts might be easier.
DeleteThough you found the dress pattern a pain in the neck, it is beautiful, MA. Your Granddaughter will look fabulous in the outfit.
ReplyDeleteShe's going to have to grow a little before it will fit, but she's well on her way.
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