Pretty Pleats

I can't believe it's been a month since I've had a chance to write a post. Hopefully, I haven't had anyone on the edge of their seat (I doubt it, but, hey, who knows!). In the time I haven't posted, I've been practicing my pattern making skills and crafting toddler clothes patterns from basic sloper patterns. Of course, I've had a little help from a couple of fantastically insightful books (thanks to the public library!):

1: Make your own patterns : a primer in patternmaking for those who like to sew by Adele Margolis
2: The complete guide to pattern-making by Barbara K. Nordquist

Both the books have step by step instructions on how to change and draft pattern pieces from basic sloper pieces in order to create a whole piece. After three or four days of working with a child-size bodice sloper, I finally drafted a pattern to make a precious little pleated dress for Miss Katie.

This little girl LOVES to wear dresses - a lot more than I did when I was a kid - so she really enjoys modeling the clothes I make. But I only have a good time taking pictures if I can get her to hold still for a few minutes, haha. I usually have to bribe her with candy or juice.

You may recognize the fabric from an earlier post. I had some leftover cotton, so I thought I'd go ahead and use it to test my pattern. 

The pleated dress turned out pretty good, except that it's probably a little too short, which just means I'll have to make some bloomers (Ah, darn. Yet another sewing project to tackle.) to cover K's little panties when she reaches up or bends over. I also had to add that little yellow faux button panel in the center of the dress since I added an invisible zipper in the center back. This was the first time I've worked with pleats, so it was a whole new experience and a lot of fun. This was also the first invisible zipper I've installed - and it went in flawlessly. 

If you're interested in making your patterns, I definitely suggest picking up or borrowing a copy of these books I mentioned. Good luck in all your sewing endeavors and don't forget to check out my Etsy site for new items!