kids clothes week challenge

It's done, as if I needed an excuse to make some childrens' clothing, and it's been great fun. The pattern, which I've been eyeing up for over a year now, is from this book. One of the best, in my opinion, and used for this dress too.

After much deliberation over the fabric choice, I suddenly realised that tana lawn would be a better choice for now over the wool given the fact it's still reasonably mild. Remember the two-day Indian Summer earlier this week, cough cough. Tana is beautiful to sew, the wool will come!

Nevertheless, because tana is lightweight coupled with the turning of the season I lined both bodice and skirt, but not the arms. I gave that a lot of thought too and even rummaged through some existing dresses to check what the manufacturers themselves had done (a very mixed result). If the dress was for me (and boy do I wish it was) I think I would line the sleeves as well. I'm constantly cold but the children never cease to surprise with their ability to survive in a tee shirt whilst I shiver in a jumper; or sleep with a simple sheet and thin quilt whilst I'm in the next room with sheet, two blankets, a couple of quilts and an eiderdown! So there you have it, no sleeve lining.

I used two different linings, the bodice has voile for its breathability and comfort, the skirt a slippery polyester so it won't ride up her tights.

The fabric is capel from Liberty. The colour I can only describe as a reasonably good match for Farrow & Ball's Saxon Green. What do you mean you don't have your colour chart to hand?! Anyway, and more importantly, I'm hoping it may be an antidote to all the pinks and purples currently hanging in the wardrobe. The wide crocheted lace, Victorian, came from the depths of the stash.

Oh and here's the bribe..

By the way, what a difference a day makes. Following my Japanese hiatus I went back to the pattern on Day 2 and everything fell into place. No surprises there then! (But thank you for your suggestions x)

Wishing you a lovely weekend x