As we continued to familiarize ourselves with the Children’s Corner, Lillian, we found ourselves wanting to experiment a bit!!  So, we did just that . . .the Oliver + S, Building Block Dress has given us a “tool set” to begin dappling in pattern modifications.

This time, we sewed a size 7, but modified it to include long sleeves {based on the Children’s Corner, Adelaide} and an inverted pleats {based on the Children’s Corner, Carol}.

We didn’t line the dress, as the original pattern suggested. Instead, we added a placket along the back, bias band around the neck, and hemmed the dress. We eliminated the side vents and bows as well.

It ended up a little shorter than we intended {understatement of the year!!}, and the sleeves could have used a little more length {note to selves: never underestimate EA’s arm length}!

Perhaps the flowiness seemed to accentuate the shortness of the garment. Or, maybe we are in denial that the oldest niece is growing up . . . and needs more length.

This project was a “learning curve” for us. We continue to try our hands at modifying existing patterns to fit an imagined design. And while it is so much easier to read and follow a pattern from beginning to end, there is a sense of gratification in expanding our knowledge base.

Sister momma had gotten this fabric at a sale, and we thought it would make a great Christmas or Valentines dress.  Christmas came and went . . . and we barely made the Valentines Day deadline.

Fortunately, there are two sisters waiting in the wings to wear this dress. And for them, there will be Christmas AND Valentines Day activities to enjoy in this creation.

Tweet