10 January 2012

For my nieces

My brothers and I do a gift exchange each Christmas, and we always give to each other's children. It's easy on my side of the family...I only have two nieces (so far)! My darling sister-in-law gave me a few suggestions: a winter dress for the youngest and a dolly and me outfit for her older girl.


For my darling two year old niece, I used this fun striped pinwhale corduroy fabric.  I'd purchased it to make a dress for Dolly, then realized she didn't need another winter dress.  


I used a vintage sewing pattern from my mom as a starting point.


I loved the bodice of the dress, and just shortened the long version of the skirt, along with shortening the ruffle at the bottom.  The sleeves were a bit too puffy, so I made the sleeves slimmer, using an Oliver + S pattern to guide me.


The little placket I designed myself.  The pompom trim is vintage from my great-grandmother's belongings, and I also used some for Dolly's birthday dress.  I sewed it to the dress before I sewed the dress lining on.


I also use a different pocket design, following Dana's Market Skirt pattern as a guide.  I fully lined it like I did with my daughter's skirts that I made a while back.  

For my kindergarten age niece, I made a pillowcase nightgown with long sleeves.  I used a size five long sleeve shirt as a guide to cutting the sleeve length, and used the same pattern for the top of the sleeve.  This was my first time actually making the pillowcase nightgown in this size, and I was relieved it fit...although it was a bit big in the waist.  The fact both garments are striped was pure coincidence.


The jumbo ricrac was the perfect touch.  I just basted it in place before I finished sewing the bias tape over the waist seam.


I used the smaller scale fabric for the bias tape because I also made a tiny doll size nightgown!


Didn't it turn out cute?  Don't ask me for a pattern on this one.  I custom made it for a doll my niece was getting for Christmas...and it was a hodge podge of 3 different patterns.  I'm just grateful it fit the doll!


I'm still amazed I got these finished before Christmas.  More than anything I'm so glad the girls (and their parents) were happy with their gifts.


Sharing with Sew Much Ado.

16 comments:

  1. So pretty - I particularly find the first gown sweet.

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  2. How gorgeous! The doll dress is so sweet! And I love the strip with the stripes going horizontal. I also think I picked up the same pattern when thrifting recently (but I'm too lazy to get off my chair to go check). I'm sure the dresses are loved!

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  3. Excellent work Chris. I really love the combinations that you put together, floral bias tape addition, it works so well. Such lovely dresses, your nieces must look so cute in them.

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  4. the dress and nightgown are just lovely Chris. That jumbo ricrac is an awesome touch on the nightgown and the matching dolly one is SOOO cute!

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  5. You are such a clever-clogs. Your sewing is outstanding. What a gorgeous present!

    Sarahx

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  6. Both gifts are beautiful, Chris. How stinkin' sweet is the little matching doll nighty?! I love it! I love the orange pin you used to attach it the other with. Clever and cute! Lovin' the jumbo ric rac too.

    Hmmm. That's a lot of loves!

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  7. So darling!!! I LOVE them both. You are one good Aunt!

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  8. beautiful dresses! your niece will look so cute in them!

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  9. Chris, you are AMAZING! I love all 3 dresses, Ellie wears the nightgown every night! Seriously, I'm lucky if I get to wash it:) And the dolly one is pure talent! Thank you for sharing your thoughtfulness and amazing skills with our little ones.
    The dress for little bit is SO darling! I especially love that it's Corduroy and has the bib with the pom poms <3
    Love you Sis!

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  10. Chris, you are AMAZING! I love all 3 dresses, Ellie wears the nightgown every night! Seriously, I'm lucky if I get to wash it:) And the dolly one is pure talent! Thank you for sharing your thoughtfulness and amazing skills with our little ones.
    The dress for little bit is SO darling! I especially love that it's Corduroy and has the bib with the pom poms <3
    Love you Sis!

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  11. Chris, you are AMAZING! I love all 3 dresses, Ellie wears the nightgown every night! Seriously, I'm lucky if I get to wash it:) And the dolly one is pure talent! Thank you for sharing your thoughtfulness and amazing skills with our little ones.
    The dress for little bit is SO darling! I especially love that it's Corduroy and has the bib with the pom poms <3
    Love you Sis!

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  12. Chris, you are AMAZING! I love all 3 dresses, Ellie wears the nightgown every night! Seriously, I'm lucky if I get to wash it:) And the dolly one is pure talent! Thank you for sharing your thoughtfulness and amazing skills with our little ones.
    The dress for little bit is SO darling! I especially love that it's Corduroy and has the bib with the pom poms <3
    Love you Sis!

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  13. This is soooo cute my sweet Chris!!!!!!
    xo
    clau

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  14. What adorable gifts, Chris! Great work :) I love the trim on the dress, and that it was your great-grandmother's. I like the pockets, too. The dolly and me outfits are so sweet... the ric rac was a great choice.

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How sweet of you to stop by. Kind words are always welcome.