The Pink Birthday Dress

The Pink Birthday Dress was a big hit. I couldn't get it off of her for two days. Well, it was a hit except for the fact that certain parties thought the white eyelet on the bodice should have been a pocket... e'hem But she was nice about it.

This fabric has the cutest story attached. If I didn't have to be frugal, I would buy lots (and lots) of amazing fabric and price wouldn't be an issue. So when I stumble upon a 50% off sale for the clearance fabric, I really need restraint.

Rich, the kids and I were out running errands on a Saturday afternoon early last summer and by a freak change in plans, ended up at Joann Fabric. Joann's happened to have a major 50% off almost everything sale going on. I was tickled and started digging through the clearance racks with Ana close on my heels pushing the cart.

With my head gleefully buried in a pile of $1.50 a yard denim, I heard, "Oh Mommy! Look at this pretty fabric! Can I get it? Pleeeeeze??" Knowing that Rich would want to shoot me for everything I already had in the cart - even though they were screamin' deals, of course - I told Ariana to "ask Daddy." Off she trotted with a big bolt of pink fabric under her arm. Seeing a 4 year old wrestle a full bolt of fabric under her arm was a picture in and of itself...

"Oh Daddy, can I pleeeze get this fabric?" she says with up turned eyes and the most innocent smile. She melted ol'Dad's heart with the request and got 3 yards at 75¢ a yard. I guess you just had to be there... It's 100% cotton with little chenille polka dots.

This is the third time I've used Simplicity 4337. It was requested. Ariana likes the lace panel added to the front. (This dress is the same pattern.) I only have it up to size 6, so I increased it to a size 8 or so. It's big in the shoulders, so I might go back and add a couple tucks and some elastic in the back. I prepped ties, but completely forgot to add them when I was getting giddy over the French seams in the bodice...

I lengthened the bodice by an inch or so, put the invisible zipper in backwards (??) then tore it out to redo it correctly and tried to create a hem like the one Kara made for her little girls. The pink fabric was too thin and I accidentally cut the eyelet too long. I had to put in a 3 inch growth tuck. That said, I think the hemline is beautiful as is. Not that I'm bias or anything...

The eyelet was nabbed at a different 50% off Joann clearance sale for around $1 a yard. When I went to cut it out, I realized that it has sequins. I managed to get a row at the bottom edge of the hem. Not only does it have a great twirly skirt, it sparkles in the sunlight too.

The best part? The wrinkles of love.