Smocked Garden Party Toddler Dress for Project Run & Play Season 6

My "Signature Look"

As always, click on the photos to enlarge them.

 I had such fun creating this little smocked frock for Week #6 of Project Run & Play.  This week's challenge was to design a child's outfit that would showcase one's 'Signature Look'.  This wee outfit incorporates all of my favorite sewing features.

• Vintage styling
• Fine fabrics
• Quality trimmings
• Smocking
• Embroidery
• Lace-work 
• Detailing
• Re-purposing another needle artist's work
• Baby/toddler fashions

 The dress is made of fine pink micro-check and white batiste using a 1985 pattern called Medora's Sundress & Jumper in a size 2.  I used a lovely cotton batiste battenburg and hand appliqued curtain as the overlay  on the skirt and ran both fabrics through the pleater together.  It was a dream to pleat and I am delighted to say that I have three more of these curtains in different lengths.

Photo of the curtain before I took the casing out of the top.  

The skirt has a single one inch growth tuck within the three inch hem.

 The back of the dress shows how I had the overlay continue around the back of the dress like a little pinafore would.  The Swiss edging was attached to the top of the bodice back to add a little sweetness.

 The smocking design is one I fell in love with several years ago in Creative Needle Magazine.  (I was so saddened that the magazine folded in the downturn of the economy.)  I have added a scan of the magazine page showing the design on an infant bubble.  (I do hope that this is alright.  I have credited the magazine on the photograph.)  I think it is one of the most delightful little floral and insect designs.

 As you can see, I made some minor changes like changing the colors and adding more insects.

 Love the bullion bows on this design!

 The pink Swiss edging and the white Swiss insertion were on a dress I made my daughter when she was in first grade.  It was a well-loved little dress and was literally worn out!  I salvaged these little trimmings from the sleeves for this dress.  I smile every time I look at them!

 The panties were made with Imperial broadcloth and some pink Swiss edging from my stash.

 I know that these little panties/bloomers will be on display on a two or three year old so I made them extra fancy with the little heart applique on the tushie trimmed with more Swiss edging salvaged from my daughter's dress and a little bow.

 I like this little ensemble so much that it is going into my "Grandmother's Hope Chest".  I hope one day to see a sweet little granddaughter twirling around in it!

Don't forget to stop over at Project Run and Play to see more inspiring looks for children!