Vintage Style Easter Dress

I made Suzy's Easter dress this year. First time ever! I used this gorgeous fabric my friend Elisabeth gave me for Suzy's fourth birthday. It only took my two years to finally make it into a dress.
I altered the pattern that I used to make this fall dress.




I wanted to make it more appropriate for spring, more 1950's style, and more fitted at the waist. Here's what I ended up with:




I chopped the bell sleeves in half to make ruffles, I left off the high collar and redrew a boat neck. I added in sash ties to draw in the waist, and I scrapped the original skirt altogether for a very gathered dirndl style.




I thought I would make the puffy slip myself, since they sell for upwards of thirty dollars, and I could get all the material for less than seven dollars. It was one of the most frustrating experiences of my life. Gathering all that thin lining and netting, the decorative embroidery that ended in tears...ugh, I still shudder at the memory. Hats off to you, petticoat makers. You earn every penny.




I found the hat and gloves at Target's dollar spot. I removed the shoddy pink ribbon from them and added trim to match the dress. I made little red flowers to get a pop of contrast. The little white bible was sent to Suzy by her great-grandmother, and she just loved it. It was her idea to bring it instead of her children's bible.








It's a short walk to church, about fifteen feet.








It was at this point I realized Suzy left her glasses in her room because she didn't think they matched her outfit! Oh vanity!



I don't want to name names, but there is a certain little girl who is always first through the potluck line. She's not a brunette.



I made a little bow belt to match. It wasn't flattering, but hindsight is 20/20.
Daddy got in the spirit of things and wore a blue tie.
We had a beautiful Easter, and hope you did too!