Having submitted my slightly tweaked Roller Skate Dress for Frances Suzanne : Sewing With Sisters' FLIP This Pattern series I was keen to truly "flip" it and make something quite different.
The Roller Skate is definitely a summer dress, and I thought I'd rather make something to be worn now, so here's my southern hemisphere (or as Keating might have said "arse end of the world") winter FLIP
The dress is a straight size 2 in sweater fleece with sleeves added, no lining, and a belt instead of elastic casing. I picked the sleeve style I wanted from another pattern (Sailboat Top) daftly ignoring that that pattern has overlapping shoulder seams hence the armhole depth of the pattern is much greater than required. So of course my sleeves were much smaller than the armhole openings and since I'd already sewn the facing I just cut bigger sleeves and continued merrily along.
I chose the notched V facing as this would give the dress it's recognisable roller skatery-ness.
At the back I popped a tab into the facing/back neck seam and used a press stud for the closure.
I didn't do any elastic casing but put some belt loops in the side seams instead.
So much for a dress for now, it's huge. The neck is quite big, the shoulders a bit wide, the armholes quite deep, the sleeves too long and there's even a bit more length at the hem than is needed. At least I got the sizing wrong all over such that as long as A grows in a co-ordinated fashion it should fit next winter.
But will she wear it? She certainly wouldn't when I first finished the dress. I added the ice skating bear thinking I'd win her over but judging from this morning's response it's a pretty obvious NO.
Do I care? Nyeh
The fabric was salvaged/gifted and it was one of those make it for my sake garments.
As for my little bear's feelings:
Ha! At least it's too big rather than too small, right? Maybe by next year she'll decide that she actually likes it :) I think it's darling.
ReplyDeleteThanks, there's a glimmer of hope that she'll like it as she got even crankier when I suggested giving it away. :)
DeleteDid you embroider that yourself? It is so cute!
ReplyDeleteI did. I added the ice skates to a picture of a walking bear and gave him a speedy tilt. And in the process I learned twisted chain stitch and french knots. Very satisfying.
DeleteI love your winter version {and dread the day our nieces become opinionated on attire made for them}!! Here's hoping the polar bear can befriend someone before next winter rolls around.....
ReplyDeleteMy mother, of course, finds it hilarious that my daughter can be so ferociously opinionated. I'm saving my energy for the battles that matter. :)
DeleteMy son is the problem. My daughter will wear most anything-usually. It's really cute-and you're right good it's big everywhere there is always next season then!
ReplyDeleteTricky little critters aren't they...
DeleteAhhhh this is a great remix! Totally changed the season, it's a roller skate but not really...very thoughtful. And it's cute too!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteThat bear can win my girl! It's lovely.
ReplyDeleteoh, such a clever knock-off!! love the contrast thread top-stitching, the press stud, and of course, the lovely stitched bear! How could you not fall in love with that bear?! Hoping that little A grows in all the proportions you need her to:)
ReplyDeleteoh my goodness - how did i miss this?! adorable!!!
ReplyDelete