Our discussion on the Project Run and Play’s Fall Holiday Wear Challenge went through the following phases:
1. We’ll just skip this one.
2. Could we make something from our fall sewing list and count it as this challenge?
3. Surely we can think of something to do.
4. Let’s do it!

You see, our city was built on a rich, German heritage, steeped in tradition and pride for its’ meager beginnings. One that is celebrated strongly {note: our “Founding Father” breaking out the moves}…specifically, in the month of October….in our community.

Photo by: Blake Britton

OKTOBERFEST: It was a sealed deal! We would make EA a loosely interpreted dirndl to wear to the city’s Oktoberfest Festivities. 

We opted to sew a self-drafted removable apron overlay, so that when removed, she would have a sweet vintage dress to wear elsewhere.

Others may beg to differ that this outfit would qualify as a dirndl, but we went for a vintage, European / German ‘feel’ to the outfit…and hope we succeeded.

We began with Craftiness is Not Optional’s free pattern/tutorial for the Anna Dress. Then, we combined that tutorial, the Craftiness is Not Optional’s Emma Dress 18-24 month bodice, and the Children’s Corner Carol pattern (for the angle of the bodice and sleeves) to create the upper portion of the dress. After taking our niece’s measurements, we added a skirt to the waistband so that it fell slightly below the knee.

Since piping is a requirement necessity for our garments made, we added two bands of it – separating each by .75 inches near the base of the skirt. The main fabric was used to complete the dress at the hem line, and then turned to make a hem facing as well.

It was near completion when we met up with our sister (and niece) to double-check sizing, etc.  Ummm….the dress looked great once we finally got it on her….and getting it off was even harder. So, we disassembled the bodice, waist, and skirt portions back into 3 separate pieces and made a new waistband to allow for a little more wiggle room.

The apron should have been simple: one large rectangular skirt portion, waistband, two straps that would cross in the back, and a floral trim accent at the base. When will we learn nothing is ever simple with us?!?! It wasn’t a major issue, and we were able to work through it with minimal frustrations.

We took to the streets to celebrate our city’s German heritage, and it was absolutely frigid! Along the way, EA stopped to chat with the ‘locals.’

Our niece was thrilled when the band began to play the “Chicken Dance,” and was a good sport through the photo session until…..

This challenge made us appreciate our city’s heritage even more! We may be a bit biased about our community, but can’t help but think, “Hier ist das Leben gut!” Until next time, AUF WIEDERSEHEN…

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