Sweet Summer Sewing: The Emmaline Dress

This summer I've decide to sew whatever I want.  If I feel like designing something new, I do.  If I feel like sewing several things from patterns, I go for it.  I don't worry about keeping up with the blog trends, holidays or boosting my page views - I'm sewing for pleasure.  And it feels good!  Sometimes it means sewing several of the same thing in a row because I love it. Like this lovely little ruffle dress:

I actually meant to sew it last summer.  I'd won a pdf pattern giveaway nearly two years ago and one design I'd chosen was the Violette Field Threads Emmaline Dress.  The gorgeous full-length style drew me in, as did the name (my daughter's middle name is Emmeline). Unfortunately, it was in the middle of September, so I had to wait until the next year.  Then last summer I found the perfect peacock print fabric to finally make one, I cut out the pattern...and ran out of time.  Typical, right?  This year I was determined to finally make it.  

Now I'm proud to say my purple peacock version is done:

And, because I loved how it turned out, I did a mermaid one too:

This pattern is ALL about the ruffles.  A ruffly v-neckline:

And layers of ruffles at the hem.  I'd actually miscalculated my yardage, so I only had enough for 2 rows on my peacock version:

But I did the full 3 rows on the mermaid:



It's a halter tie style at the neck with an elasticized back for a nice even fit with no gaping or slipping down:

I'm normally not a big fan of backless styles for little girls, but this dress is really classic & pretty and it covers well at the sides, so I was willing to ignore my exposed back hang-up:

The dress pairs well with this mermaid hair clip I'd made ages ago too:

I'd also bought the mermaid fabric last summer, but missed the window on using that too. Are you seeing the theme with my fabric buying/sewing habits?  I told myself I'd better use it this time around.  I didn't have enough to do the full dress and of course couldn't find the fabric again now that I needed more.  I was lucky and found a water-style print to use for the ruffles that was a perfect match:



Nearly all the versions I'd seen used the same fabric for the main body and ruffles, but I think using a contrast makes the detailing stand out more:

The pattern itself was easy to follow, but there are a lot of steps.  And fabric.  For the size 5 it was over 3 yards.  It took me two afternoons to make the first one, then a single afternoon for the second.  The ruffles themselves take a bit of time, since each requires hemming, and there's a lot of gathering to do.  But I love the effect:

The fit & length was exactly right, which was nice too.  My daughter wore the peacock version to a wedding with a little white cardigan.  It looked dressy enough, but still felt comfortable and casual for her to wear.  I'm so glad I finally got making them and used up those last summer fabrics!