I have been deep into sewing lately – and it turned out amazing if I do say so myself! It is my daughter’s baptism dress – see:
I used the tutorial over at Brown Paper Packages:
I was really happy with the way it turned out. It probably the most “professional” thing I’ve sewn – there aren’t even any seams on the inside – it’s all hidden. The dress is pretty heavy – like a wedding dress. That makes it feel even more fancy.
I used it with white material (casa satin) like shown, but I think it would make a really cute flower girl or Easter dress and the color options are endless. My daughter is a little on the small size for 8 – she wears more of a size 7 – so the dress was a little long and I took in the side seams on the bodice just a little.
Just follow the directions step by step. I had to read them slowly so I would catch everything. I do think there should have been a warning “Only Attempt this if you are Insane” – I still would have made it, but I would have been warned. There are 3 tiers of ruffles, and they are full and gathered tons. Plus gathering the lining, etc – it’s a lot of work. I was so excited to get the bottom tier done I took a picture:
And then as you sew the other tiers you sandwich the seam inside the tiers and build up.
The back has a row of buttons, which I love the look of:
She enjoyed having the pops of pink tulle, but I also made the traditional all-white version. I made a sash with the tutorial suggested. All this time I thought a sash was just a long tube, but this one had a big fat area for the bow – think of an untied bow tie, but longer. That made the bow loops so much nicer. Here’s the all white version:
It was fun to take a few pictures of her, but we had to do it in the middle of the day so the light was pretty harsh – – still cute though:
And random, family shot before her baptism. She actually got baptized in my dress from when I was her age, and then she wore her dress afterwards and to church that day.
Wow amazing job Mandy!
All that work was well worth it. Beautiful dress for a beautiful young girl for a beautiful occasion.
A beautiful dress! I love it, you did a great job!
Great job – it turned out adorable!
Hi I am a new follower and I must admit I admire your work. You did a great job on the baptism dress. I love the splash of pink that has completely changed the look. I enjoyed reading you blog and would love for you to follow me back.
Jillian
https://puzzlemecomplete.blogspot.com/
WOW Mandy, you have been busy…..it turned out darling!
both dresses are gorgeous! Congratulations to your little girl!
It’s gorgeous! When I got baptized my mom sewed my “after” dress, which I loved. I still remember it to this day. I’m sure you created a lovely memory for her on that special day!
It’s really pretty Mandy 🙂
I am very good at sewing, but I’m not even sure I would’ve attempted that one!
Mandy,
What an AMAZING dress… or dresses as the case is! I love them all.. how sentimental for her to wear the dress she did for the actual baptism. Thanks for sharing so personally ! Kathi
It turned out great! I admire you for taking on such a big project. And is that the Kansas City Temple I spy in the background? I live in Overland Park!
Yep! we live about 10 minutes from the Temple – it’s awesome
The dress is beautiful!!! And happy birthday to a pretty girl!
That dress is gorgeous. You did an absolutely amazing job. I am sure she was thrilled to have such a special dress handmade for her by her super talented mom.
You have such a beautiful family. What a joy for a young couple. Have to give you heart felt congrats on the dress making, you are very talented and must be very patient. Love pics of daughter in dress, especially last pic with the funny face. So cute and sweet. I envy you your adorable kids, having those years before you to raise them. Hubs is pretty cute too. Enjoy your life. Happy weekend.
Oh my goodness, Mandy! This is gorgeous and amazing! I absolutely love it! What a wonderful time for your family, too. Congratulations!
Absolutely GORGEOUS!! That was the pattern I was thinking of using also but then my mom volunteered to make one for her. Marie-Eve decided on a surprise so we have no idea what it’s going to look like. Maybe I’ll have to try making here one for Christmas. AMAZING job!!
What a gorgeous dress!