The public charter school that my children attend requires a basic guideline for uniform wear. Solid top with khaki or navy bottoms. So, with my daughter starting Kindergarten this year I decided to incorporate some of the sewing I do for her by making a couple of short-sleeved cotton blouses with skirts. I will make jumpers and probably some long-sleeved blouses later, but our weather stays warm for another couple of months here.
I used a vintage Du Barry pattern with a pima cotton (absolutely the BEST!) that I bought from Bessie Mary . This pattern was a size 4, which was perfect for the width around (she wears a 5/6), but I needed to add three inches to the length for an appropriate fit. I would definitely say this pattern requires some intermediate to advanced skill, not so much for the sewing but for the implication of prior knowledge/experience in the pattern instructions – quite a bit was assumed. Considering that, the blouse itself was rather quick and easy to put together.
Instead of hemming the ‘Trimmings’ (little Ruffles) I just folded over and starch-pressed a 2 inch strip of fabric so I could use my Ruffler Attachment – so easy and fast and I like the look better than a narrow hem anyway. I also added some thin iron-on interfacing for the button plackets.
I would have made the skirt from the vintage pattern, too, but I think the straps would not have coincided with the school’s uniform policy. Instead, I used an Oliver + S pattern for that.
What a great job! You're very talented!
The ruffles are impeccable! Thanks for linking to that attachment–I just bought a featherweight, so it's good to know about. Your daughter looks adorable. 🙂
Adorable!
How incredibly sweet, I'm 25 – certainly not a schoolgirl any more – and would love a top just like that. Your sewing is beautiful, as is your daughter.
Thank you very much for your comment, honey, I hope you have a marvelous week!
♥ Jessica
The blouse is amazing. Well done!
Spot on with the ruffles. The outfit is super cute and your daughter looks so very excited to be starting school!
She looks so adorable in that top.
Beautiful! I love the ruffles. And how can a girl be unhappy with a pink ruffly blouse? 😉
That is the most adorable little blouse ever!
So sweet.
I LOVE the shoes. Where did you get them?
very pretty blouse, love the ruffles. I never knew that there was a ruffles attachment.
how darling! I am sure she is very pleased with it.
Beautifully sewn! The ruffles look lovely. Your daughter is a cutie-pie! 😀
How adorable AND useful! Hopefully someday I'll have a use for all the childrens patterns I collect.
Beautiful ruffles!
that is just adorable, you've done a fantastic job and it looks truly professional! good on you!
That's just beautiful!!!