A little fashion show of summer dresses for little ones

Hello, everyone, 

Summer always makes me want to sew summer dresses for my granddaughter (age 4) because the ones from last summer no longer fit. This year is no exception. I try out a new pattern every now and then—sometimes I like it, sometimes I don’t. 

Here are the three dresses I’ve made over the last few days—before the real heat set in.

Model 1

Ice cream is always a hit! This is probably going to be her favorite dress, at least as far as the design goes. What makes this cotton jersey dress special are the in-seam pockets. I hardly ever sew a dress without them anymore—they’re really appreciated here. 

Model 2

Another cotton jersey dress. Here I combined fabric scraps. And of course, the dress has pockets. I really like the flutter sleeves. Since the fabric isn’t too thick, they drape nicely when you wear the dress.
 

Model 3

A little dress made of sage-colored muslin with glittery dots. It has tie closures at the top. I’m not entirely satisfied with the pattern, but now it’s sewn and I’ve used up the fabric. I sewed it with facings, but I still find the fabric edges a bit wavy. Since I have some other muslin fabric left, I’m going to try out a different pattern with it. I actually think the fabric itself is very pretty, but it has its quirks. I still need to practice working with it.

Best regards, Ina

Good morning, Ina,

Your little dresses turned out beautifully. It immediately reminds me of the time when I used to sew for my daughter. It’s so nice that little ones still love to wear dresses today. 

Personally, I like Dress 3 best. The waviness doesn’t bother me at all. I think it suits the fabric. Glitter—your granddaughter will surely love it. I also think the design is great, and maybe the knots will let it grow with her a bit. 

Warm regards, Petra 

You’ve sewn some very pretty little dresses—and to be honest, I envy anyone who can sew like that—because I can’t ;-).

Thanks, rusalki01 (too bad I don’t know your first name), for your kind words. I only started sewing four years ago (at age 58)—so anything is still possible for you, too ;-) 

Best regards, Ina

Dear Ina, it’s soooo great to see your progress with sewing. And when you have a little girl like that, whom you can make happy with dresses, it’s just wonderful.

Your impeccable taste in fabrics, colors, and combinations also consistently helps make your sewn pieces real eye-catchers.

Dear Ina, when I see your pretty little dresses, it makes me want to sew again—especially since my granddaughter, who’s almost five, has suddenly decided that little dresses are just the thing! And the little one (age two) loves to play princess, too! Unfortunately, I can only dream of sewing right now: The house just won’t get any emptier, and in three weeks my daughter and her family are moving in (yes, exactly—with the two girls who are going to cause quite a stir).

Warm regards, Christina

Dear Petra, thank you so much for your praise. It really warms my heart. It’s wonderful that you, too, have an eye for detail and harmony—that’s what connects us. 

Dear Christina, yes, I can totally understand that. But I’m quite sure the hustle and bustle will settle down after a while. You’ve already done most of the work—and the best times, together with your daughter and family, are still ahead. Yes, it’s going to be hectic. But things will fall into place over time. 

You, too, will find ways to create your own sanctuary and “quiet moments” just for yourself. And that’s when there’ll be room for new creative ideas—like the little dresses for your granddaughters. Once you’ve sewn just one, they’ll want many more! Your girls will love you for it. 

Warm regards, Ina