The Geranium Dress(es)!

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Those who follow me on Instagram probably saw that I've been busy with the sewing machine lately. I have caught the sewing bug and I can't stop! Growing up, my mom was always making dresses and clothes for my sister and me. She made Easter, Christmas, everyday dresses, as well as all of my formal dresses for dances in High School. She truly is an amazing seamstress, and I have always had a goal to be better with the sewing machine. I needed some motivation... Enter Clara!


I found an amazing pattern from Made By Rae for a dress that I could modify a million ways and that would last until size 5T! The Geranium Dress pattern was totally worth $10. It comes with the pattern pieces and step-by-step tutorial (with pictures!). As long as you can work a sewing machine and generally understand how things are put together, this is the pattern for you. The pink and mint dress was my first attempt (definitely a first trial-run dress - don't look too close :)), the denim tunic was next, and then I finally felt like I had it "down" and made the perfect little gold polka dot dress. I'm in love with it.


As I mentioned about the Geranium Dress pattern, you can have a lot of variations. I tried out the sleeveless dress, flutter sleeves, cap sleeves, scoop neckline, knotched neckline, gathered skirt and pleated skirt. And like I said, I made 3 dresses and 1 top. All from one pattern! I think I also concluded that I like pleats more than gathers - gathers are tricky to get perfectly even and looking nice!

Flutter sleeves!

Gold buttons galore! For some reason I love gold buttons. Although button holes and I are still not friends. I will get better.

 

I finished this dress this morning. That pom-pom trim took a little longer than I was expecting, but I just love the result! Clara is wearing it today and it is just way too cute. 


If you are still reading (ha ha), hopefully this post has encouraged you to try creating something with the sewing machine! For some reason it seems so intimidating, but I quickly learned that nothing is permanent (except perhaps scissors... :)). I have had to tear out a lot of seams and stitches, but eventually I get it right. And also, it doesn't need to be perfect! There is so much satisfaction in putting something I created from just fabric onto my little girl.


I think she likes the gold polka-dot dress! :) 

Now... to find a pattern for little boys. I can't wait to make some thing for Mr. Max!

6 comments:

Unknown said...

nice snowballs

Jourdan Strain said...

DYING. Adorable. I can't even handle the little pom-poms.

rach said...

I love how her hair is coming in! She's a mini you Camille!

Angela Joy said...

You've done such a great job on these dresses. Thanks for the kind words. It's always fun sewing for beautiful babies! Clara is simply lovely in these pictures--She's the cutest granddaughter I have :)

Paula said...

You have inspired me for future gma sewing! Love your talent! Thanks for sharing. I'm jotting down this pattern and ideas for future use.

Unknown said...

Hi! I was wondering if you could give me any advice on how to do the shirt version of the geranium dress. I cut the pattern where it said "cut here for top" but there are no dots for marking with chalk. Did you just guess where you marked?