We adore knit dresses.
This season's Kids Clothes Week is all about stories and books. And for me - for our family, there could be no more apt theme. Because, although our "rhythm" (in spite of my most ardent efforts) is one of chaos and our family culture up in the air, we are a family of readers. For some reson, though, this theme has had me stumped due mostly to the fact that my kids need clothes. Staples. So, before I pump a few of those out, I feel like I can't quite attack this season's spectacular theme. But, I try to think of the Kids Clothes Weeks as a seasonal jumping off point where the squeaky wheels get greased. Where creativity is inspired anew. Maybe I'll get to making storybook clothes over the weekend...
With neccessity in mind and fancy temporarily having been set aside, I diligently carved out a couple pair of pants for the little guy, some long sleeve shirts and a Geranium or three for the girl. And I was quite pleased with the path that I had laid, predictable though it was. And then, I spied Sanae's striped Ponderosa Dress at 10pm on Monday and I was smitten. I had to have the pattern. I snatched it up, printed it out, cutit out and stitched on it late into the night. Fueled, in part, by Project Runway and the cold press coffee that I had consumed late in the afternoon - yikes.
For the most part, I dug it. Swingy, comfy AND warm with the double layer on top. I didn't love the fit though. It was just too roomy for me. So, the following night, I set to work shearing length and width off of the pattern and sharpening the distinction between the armpit and the outer layer of the dress. Essentially, I used the Flashback Tee to re-draft the entire pattern top. And I made a fuller skirt by just cutting the fabric from selvage to selvage. And ooh! We like it.
I mean, what a stroke of genius on the part of Elegance and Elephants!!! C'mon, the layered top, the swingy skirt? I die.
The pattern is good. I definitely do not think that most people will need to hack it to the extreme the way that I did. I like the first version very much too and I know that both dresses will get a ton of wear. But I adore the Flashback Tee version ADORE.
