Easter Dresses
How can I refuse requests for new dresses from these two?
Quite simply, I can’t!
Yesterday my family came for lunch and my girls where both wearing new dresses. Both dresses were based on the same pattern – the Anywhere Dress by Go To Patterns. It’s a great basic knit dress that, as you’ll see below, can be easily customised.
Miss A’s dress is a size 6 with the length of a 7. I decided against using facings (I’m not a fan) and cut down the front neckline to the depth of the 3T and I added a neckband. Next time I’ll scoop out the back neckline too. In fact, I’ve already altered the pattern piece!
I used a twin needle to top-stitch the neckline. I did have any purple thread, so all the top-stitching was done in hot pink!
To match the floral neckband, I shortened the sleeves by 2 inches and added a floral cuff.
I think you could say Miss A is very pleased with her dress!
Pattern: Go To Pattern’s Anywhere Dress
Size: 6 with the length of a 7
Fabric: Purple knit fabric (which I think is a cotton interlock) and pink floral (Liberty) from Clear It (Alanah Hill) Outlet
Alterations: The front neckline was lowered to the pattern line for a 3T. The neckline was bound, rather than faced. The sleeves were shortened by 2 inches and a cuff added.
For Miss B’s dress I traced a size 5 Anywhere Dress and drew a straight line 4 inches below the bottom of the armhole on both the back and front pieces to create a bodice. I added a gather skirt that was the width of the fabric. I based my measurements, with some growing room, on a Miss B’s birthday dress from last year.
It appears to be the perfect dress for rolling down grassy slopes!
Like Miss A’s dress, the neckline was scooped out (to the 2T pattern line this time) and I finished the neckline with a band rather than a facing.
The fabric was purchased from The Fabric Store last year with girls legging in mind, but it’s the perfect weight for this dress. I’ve forgotten it’s complete composition, but it does include nylon, so it’s light but warm.
Say cheese…
Pattern: Go To Pattern’s Anywhere Dress
Size: 5
Fabric: Purchased at The Fabric Store last year
Alterations: The front & back necklines were lowered to the pattern line for a 2T. The neckline was bound, rather than faced. I created a bodice by cutting the front and back pattern pieces for the dress 4 inches under the armholes and added a gathered skirt.
Love the dresses!
Thank you. I can see they’ll get a lot of wear.
Definitely, and I love that the pattern is so adaptable.
So different. I never think to be so dramatic in my teaking of a pattern. You have two lucky girls. x
*tweaking* obviously!
The more I sew the bolder I become Louise. Especially when it comes to knit fabrics as they are so forgiving.
Yes, think I still need to master more of the basics before I start being brave!
i love your variations on the go anywhere dress! I’ve been hesitant to purchase the pattern as I am not a fan of neck facings. I am always hesitant to alter patterns so please advise me. You stated that you lowered the hemline to a size 2T and then added the neckband. May I ask how wide the fabric was? I’m thinking 2 inches wide and then the same length as the width of the neckline. Is that correct? I appreciate any help;):)
My fabric neckband was 1.5 inches wide 1.5 – 2 inches shorter (depending on the amount of stretch in your fabric) than the neck opening. The method I used is described well here – http://jorth.blogspot.com.au/2011/10/neckline-binding-tutorial.html?m=1 Good luck.