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Friday, January 22, 2010

Tiptoe through the Tulips....



I've been wanting to make a little girls dress for the longest time, so I jumped at the chance to test Nikki's new Tulip Dress pattern. Of course there are no little girls in my family, so I decided to make it in a size 5 to give to a friends little girl.

Unfortunately, I don't have any cute dress modelling shots (Frances is far too big, and I don't think I could possibly convince Moo Moo to try it on for a photo).

There are lots of variations to choose from in the pattern. I was originally going to make the sleeveless version, but with a gentle nudge from Tinniegirl, I decided that I should challenge myself and make the version with sleeves instead (I've never 'set in' a proper sleeve before now).



The pattern includes instructions for buttonholes, but I was so happy with the way that the dress turned out that I didn't want to risk ruining it right at the end by attempting buttonholes on my machine (it has a conniption every time I try). I chose to use snaps instead. EDIT: The pattern also suggests to use snaps as an alternative!

As always, the detailed instructions are brilliant. I have hardly any experience in using clothing patterns, but I followed everything step by step, from the pattern layout on the fabric, to the little tips along the way. It really made the construction easy (even for me). 

If you get in really quick, there's a chance to win a copy of the pattern once it is released (very very soon) and some fabric from Nikki's stash. You can find all the details right here!

18 comments:

  1. It is so cute, you did a great job with the sleeves!

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  2. Pretty, pretty :) I'm staying away from patterns at the moment - they scare me!

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  3. Lovely job Cam. Nikki's work is lovely too and easy to follow. I bet your little friend will love it!

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  4. That is really cute - I love the fabric choices. I might have to buy this pattern! Nic

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  5. Beautiful Cam. I'm a bit scared of clothing patterns too (and sleeves, and buttonholes!). Good to hear Nikki's patterns are easy to follow :)

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  6. As well as having fear of the zipper , I also have fear of the sleeve... but it is on my list of things to overcome in 2010.

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  7. Lovely work. Rather like a good tulip skirt design, my eldest would like a fitted version for her formal dress this year, so fitted bodice (only way of keep it up) to waist, then tulip skirt finishing above the knee. So exciting, FORMAL dress for my own child!! Don't be afraid to ask your boys to model, when my son was the only one left at home he often had to pose in skirts, with a frown, but it was helpful for me!! Love Posie

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  8. It looks fantastic Cam.

    I told you there was a problem with your machine!

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  9. It is lovely! And as a parent of a wriggling toddler, button snaps are INFINITELY preferable to buttons anyway!

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  10. Yep - snaps are a super alternative (dare I say... mentioned in the instructions...?).

    Thanks so much for all your help on this Cam.

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  11. It looks really good! Love the fabric choice too.

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  12. It looks beautifully sewn together! Well done!

    I may venture into trying to sew clothes one day..... might be a long time though!

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  13. it was good to hear that you managed the sleeves - I too am not good at clothes - but I know the level of instruction in Nikki's kit are great from experience - so you have given me renewed hope that I might to able to attempt a sleeve as well with Nikki's great instructions!

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  14. Cute dress there and it looks very well finished for an inexperienced seamstress. Love the tulip skirt - it is very cute.

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  15. Wow....this looks lovely. I haven't sewn a clothing item for quite some time. I must get onto that. Have a great weekend. Melinda xo

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  16. You've sewed a super sweet dress there Cam. Delightful.

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  17. Hi, if you've not used a clothing pattern before, then you sound like the ideal 'tester'. Right, I'm off now to look at what Nikki has produced, thank you.

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