Summery Dresses for Daycare

Hello, dear friends,

after recently sewing the ruffle dresses , it was now time for the simple everyday dresses for daycare. Quick to put on, quick to take off, quick to wash, quick to dry ... and of course they should be summery, airy, and light. That was my plan.

Do you remember the dress with the red ruffles? I liked the fabric with the cute little fruits so much that I made a quick-and-easy summer dress from it.


This dress was made using a pattern on CP (see Ratz-Fatz Dress; unfortunately I’m not allowed to insert the link). I followed the pattern very obediently. But in the end there were still 2 things I didn’t like, which I changed on the next dress.

Specifically, because jersey stitches can’t unravel, you were supposed to simply cut off the lower hem edge. But I didn’t like that so much, because the edge does tend to curl and the whole thing somehow looked unfinished too. So on the next dress I hemmed the hem edge with a zigzag stitch before sewing it on. This makes the edge more stable and it doesn’t curl.



The second change had to do with sewing in the cuffs. You were supposed to close the side edges first and then sew in the sleeve cuffs. But with a dress size 98, that’s already very tight and fiddly, especially since you also have to stretch the jersey cuff at the same time while sewing it in. That’s why I first sewed the cuffs on while they were still open and then closed the side seams of the dress.



When closing the sides, I sewed across the cuffs in such a way that after trimming the seam allowance, I practically cut off the tip as well. This creates a nice straight edge and a straight transition to the rest of the side seam. I like it much better this way. The seam then doesn’t stick out so much under the armpit. Yes, the start of the seam could have been more accurate, but oh well, it was the first try of this kind. I’ll show you anyway ...





So, enough theory. Here is the second summer dress for daycare. Please be sure to take a look at the enchanting print too. If that isn’t summer, I don’t know what is.



Next I’ll be working on a little bolero for the two summer dresses. If it gets cooler, you need something quick to throw on. See you again ;-)

Best wishes, Ina

These are really cute little dresses!

Ina, the dresses turned out beautifully, and you’ve combined some great fabrics. I think it’s good that you didn’t leave the hem at the bottom the way it was in the pattern, because it always looks like it was done on purpose but didn’t quite work out when it curls up like that. It’s better to make a rolled hem, just like you did with the ruffles on the other dresses. It definitely looks better than just cutting it off like that.

Hugs, Inge

Thank you both for the compliments.

Dear Inge, you’re right. Just cutting it off like that does look unfinished. Since I really wanted to follow the patterns exactly, I cut it that way and then kept checking back later to see when I was supposed to hem the flounce. But then it said we shouldn’t hem it because it doesn’t fray. But since the designer titled the dress “Ruck Zuck,” she probably wanted to finish it in a flash and left out everything that wasn’t absolutely necessary.

Love, Ina

Ina, I’m amazed! You’ve done a wonderful job with these little dresses too—I’ve already admired them in the gallery. Your fantastic results are such a huge inspiration. As soon as I have more time, I’ll sit down at the sewing machine myself. I already have the patterns and quite a bit of fabric as well.

I can totally understand why this hobby has you hooked, especially since you see results so quickly. What could be better than sewing for kids?

Love, Monika

That’s probably true, Monika. You don’t need much fabric for kids, and they’re easier to please. With adults, everything has to fit perfectly before they’ll wear a homemade garment. But sewing for kids also has its own special challenges because of the small measurements. Everything is tiny—for example, the armholes. You have to work very precisely. But you’re right—it’s a lot of fun. Thank you for your kind words.

Best regards, Ina

Ina, I remember that well from when my son was little. Back then, I sewed a lot for him and my daycare child (a girl). It was so much fun. He had a suit with a corduroy jacket and trousers and a checked shirt - all sewn by me. It looked absolutely great. And I even sewed a two-piece dress with ruffles for myself. So it should be just like when I start knitting for myself again. I spent quite a bit of time watching videos online to get back into it properly, and then I actually knew more than before.

At some point, the urge will strike and then I’ll get started. I also bought something from the designer whose little dress pattern you have: little skirts that are really easy to sew. I’ll probably start with those and surprise my two granddaughters in May.

By the way, almost all the fabrics I have lying around come from the swap exchange. You’ve really inspired me, Ina. :)

You’ve really inspired me, Ina. :) ... I’m so glad to hear that, dear Monika. But don’t put pressure on yourself because of me. Everything has its time and will come to you when you’re ready for it.

Love, Ina

Yes, I know, dear Ina. I take my time with that, too. And yet… your inspiration resonates with me… somehow. It really reminds me of my time as a young mother. :) Back then, I was finally able to truly understand my mother and her incredible passion for sewing. Oh, where has the time gone… it’s been almost 50 years. Unbelievable!