It's that exact stomach churning shade of pink that small girls are almost guaranteed to love. The fabric was gifted to me by a neighbour of a relative and is a nice cotton drill. Perfect for a test run and as predicted she loves her "Barbie skirt".
As an aside, did you know Barbie has had over 36 careers? The kids have recently discovered Netflix and are now regularly showering me with Barbie facts. She's been an Astronaut, a Veterinarian, a Racing Car Driver... And apparently she invented Pinkacillin which is a cure for Plastic Pox. Of course I couldn't let that one slide and the kids then got a very informative (read: long winded) lecture on Pox viruses and moulds and bacteria and their differences, as well as the discovery of penicillin and the launch of modern antibiotics onto the world. Fascinating mum.
I made a straight size 5 skirt and I love the shape and fit. It's short without being an indecent mini. Just A-line enough for plenty of movement and has cute little slanted pockets.
The waist to hip gradient is not great, and last time I made this skirt she was only one. Trying to get it on over a cloth nappy was almost impossible. Now that she has a slim backside the fit is just adorable.
A little kick pleat at the back makes it even easier to run and jump and twirl about. She'd found a bit of old rope in the back street so I was frantically snapping shots as she put the skirt through all kinds of manoeuvres!
This pattern is Oliver + S old school, dating back to Fall 2008. It's now only available as a digital pattern unless you stumble on a paper version on Ebay. I noticed the evolution of the instructions over the years in going back to the very beginning with this one. Curiously, there was no mention anywhere of finishing the side seams. My advice is to finish them together and press towards the back.
It was exactly the skirt I wanted it to be for the modification I had in mind. That one was made quickly afterwards and met with the oft heard exclamation : "That's NOT pink!"
But I'm happy to say it's much loved and is being worn right now. I'll show you tomorrow...
Yes that truly is a Barbie shade of pink - she must be thrilled! I made this skirt for R once, years ago - it must have been when she was 2 or 3. It's a really cute style and your photos are lovely. I'm looking forward to seeing your modified version.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marisa. Next year is school for this kid so it will be navy five days a week. I guess I can deal with Barbie pink until then!
DeleteYep! That is the exact shade of little girl! I'm so glad I'm not alone.... The misuse of the words venomous and poisonous in children's literature and media is a particular soapbox of mine.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I think I've had that exact same conversation once.
DeleteI also remember a Mr Men book where a leaf was described as "stupid", but the parent had crossed that out and written "silly" instead. Well no, parent a leaf is entirely lacking in intelligence, hence it is stupid and is not capable of being silly. And yes, I explained that to my kids out loud at the cafe that had a little book pile. It's a mother's job to both educate and embarrass her kids, right?!
Hahaha! I share your view of the role of parents. :-)
DeleteWhat's the deal with girls and pink! I bet we can make the mist atrocious things in pink and they will love them? No, I don't think this skirt is atrocious haha in fact I really like it. It is indeed short without being a mini, and it looks very comfy. I have also learned something new about Barbie 😉
ReplyDeleteAs I'm typing she's wearing the most delightful outfit completely ruined by insisting on wearing a pink way oversized ready to wear t-shirt under it all. Sigh.
DeleteIt seems Barbie got a late post feminist makeover. Yay for that I guess......
I say enjoy it while it lasts! My girly pink preschooler now loves the colors black and blue and is "not really a dress person" at the ripe old age of 8. I'm feeling like I didn't capitalize when I had the chance. Though, she doesn't yet know there is an alternative for dressy occasions.
DeleteWhat's with girls and pink! We can make the most atrocious things in pink and they will love them! Oh no I am not saying the skirt is atrocious! In fact, I like it very much! It sure is short enough without being a mini, and it looks very comfy to wear. I also learned something new about Barbie. I used to think she was rather empty headed. Now she sounds a bit indecisive haha
ReplyDeleteSuper cute skirt! And yes, Maggie would love that color too. "Barbie's careers" gag me. Like you could race a car those shoes. LOL. I have such fun times ahead.
ReplyDeleteBarbie could Inder! (said in that petulant insistent small girl voice)
DeleteI still remember seeing a movie with Dolly Parton when I was young and wondering how on earth she could saddle her horse with those fingernails! Blew my mind! :)
Super cute skirt! And yes, Maggie would love that color too. "Barbie's careers" gag me. Like you could race a car those shoes. LOL. I have such fun times ahead.
ReplyDeleteThis is an adorable style and I only wish I could purchase it in paper form. I might have to bite the bullet, though, and obtain it in PDF. I love the fit on your little girl and she looks charming in 'bubble gum pink'.
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen. I've found the small size in paper. Let me know if that size will suit and which side of the world you're on and I'll send you the link.
DeleteVery pink and very cute! Picturing this pattern over a baby diaper made me laugh though. And I'm sewing a swing set top and noticing how the directions have changed, as well.
ReplyDeleteIt was a particularly funny outfit. Kind of a twin set for a 12 month old!
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