Clare was keen to do some sewing on the weekend, so after some practice using my machine (with the foot pedal raised nice and high on a box) and making a simple bag, we decided to attempt a simple summer dress together.  Out came trusty New Look 6690 – previously made here and here.  Clare chose the fabric, laid the pattern out on it, pinned it on and cut it all out.  Then she decided that I could do the rest.  Oh well, maybe next time she’ll do the sewing!

This is a fantastic quick dress pattern.  We cut the facings from contrast fabric, added three appliqued flowers with vintage button centres to the front, and added a contrast hem facing trimmed with vintage ribbon.

I made the size 4 for Clare, and lengthened the pattern by around six inches.  Seems to be a little absurd making size 4 for a six and a half year old, but Clare is definitely small, and the dress is generously sized.  The shoulder ties make it extremely adjustable.  It’s always worth checking the actual pattern measurements before deciding what size to make!

The fabric is one of the $2 per metre cottons I bought from Spotlight recently.  In the above photo you can just see the seam where I had to rejoin the facing pieces after Clare cut through the fold.  Making mistakes is always a good way to learn!  Now we just need it to be summer so that Clare can wear it.