Monday, May 16, 2011

simple yoke dress and blouse


My search for a simple, adaptable, yoke dress pattern for Aud eventually found its answer in a nightgown pattern, Simplicity 8488. (This sleeve, btw, is not the one in the pattern.) The fabric is a lightweight corduroy I found at JoAnn's. In the winter, we layered it with a brown, long sleeved tee, tights and boots. For spring, this dress and shiny, fuschia Saltwaters make for a easy, cool outfit for church or play. 


I made this version last fall from an Amy Butler Lotus fabric and the skirt from a Denyse Schmidt County Fair dot, which, serendipitously, matched perfectly, and were both in my stash. Love when that happens. 

13 comments:

Larissa Holland said...

Beautiful, beautiful, classic. Love that yoke style, and aren't you clever for customizing it? Love the fabrics you used also. Every time you post anything you've made for the kids I get a huge urge to put down what I've been doing and make a dress for the girls. I may have to get that nightgown pattern, if it is available. Are the long sleeves on the Amy Butler version the sleeves that came with the pattern?

Melissa said...

Oh, how sweet and feminine. Using corduroy was smart too for multi-season. I really like the little extra ruffle at the top of the skirt. That would be darling for a young one still wearing onesies!

Angie from Dear Spring Green said...

I have added this pattern to my list of "wait until they are .99 at Joann's sale"! Adorable! Now, I just need to figure out how to do those sweet fluttery sleeves. Thank you for the inspiration!

Unknown said...

Looks like you and Larissa had fun in Austin! I'm glad! Much needed 'girl time'. :)
I know you have a serger. Could you enlighten me on something? How do you finish off a rolled hem and make it look pretty without a long chain hanging off the end? If you know, I would greatly appreciate the information. :)

Robyn said...

Hey, Jessica! Okay, the way I learned to finish off a serged edge is quite simple. Just use Fray Block (supposedly better than Fray Check, but basically the same deal) to seal the end of the serged fabric (where the tail comes off) and clip it closely when it's dry. Done. (Let me know if that's not clear.) There may be a fancier way, but this was how I was taught and it works for me. I have made napkins with rolled edges finished this way that come through the wash with no problem at all. Hope that helps!

Robyn said...

Thanks, Auntie M! You're right about the onesies - those would be a lot easier to keep tucked in, too! Wonder if they have those in a 6T... :)

Hi, Dear Spring Green - glad you like the dress! I made it a while back, but if I remember correctly, for each sleeve, I cut 2 semicircles, placed them right sides facing and stitched them together on the curved edge. Flipped the piece right side out, pressed it, then gathered the straight edge. I attached the sleeve by basting it right sides facing onto the unfinished shoulder, then finished the arm hole with bias tape, flipped to the inside and top stitched in place. Clear as mud?

If I make another dress like this, I'll try to document how I make the sleeve and write a short post about it.

Unknown said...

Thanks Robyn!!! That helps immensely and now I can finish my project. :)

Robyn said...

Good, Jessica, I'm so glad that helps! What are you making???

And, Larry, not sure if you're still checking in on these comments, but I just realized I never answered your sleeve question. Yes, the long sleeves are the ones in the pattern.

Larissa Holland said...

well, it's about time. hmph. I'll file away the serger tip too, since one day I know I will fire mine up. I just know it.

Larissa Holland said...

can't wait to see the AMH yoke dress!

Anonymous said...

Would love to know where that skirt pattern is from. It looks quite manageable- as Im a beginner sewer, but also so cute. Thanks
Louise

Robyn said...

Hi, Louise. I actually didn't have a pattern for the skirt - it's just a rectangle of fabric folded right sides facing, stitched up one side, then hemmed at the bottom. I made the top ruffle by folding the top edge down an extra inch or so before stitching the elastic casing. Clear as mud? Google "simple skirt tutorial" and I'm sure you can find more guidance on making a simple, elastic waist, girl's skirt. I'm sorry, but I haven't made a tutorial of my own for this! So glad you liked it and happy sewing!

Unknown said...
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