#111 Dress :: One Thimble Issue 12

I was able to get some photos today of the #111 Dress (and top) that I made from Issue 12 of One Thimble* (affiliate link).  We live practically throwing distance from an amazing park that is a like a mini Central Park.

I made both a dress and a shortened version that’s tunic length, both in size 6 and Arden and Hadley both measure at a 24″ chest.  I pretty much knew from the get-go that Hadley would claim the dress for herself, and Arden is more than happy with the top version since it has more of the cute girls print.

The #111 Dress is by Thread Faction, and is the first of Liz’s patterns I’ve made.  Quoting from the pattern “#111 is a pattern for a girl’s scoop neck, slightly racerback sleeveless dress with a fully faced bodice. #111 is drafted for knit fabrics, and uses elastic to gather and stabilise the slightly A-line skirt portion, producing even gathers that will not stretch out over time.”  It’s sized for girls 2 – 10.

I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with elastic gathering.  I agree that it produces a nice gather on knits, but sewing them is not my favorite.  There’s always the bit at the beginning and end that isn’t quite evenly gathered, and trying to stretch and hold and sew (especially on a curve) makes me wish for a third arm.

The fabrics I used are Fashion Girls from Jumping June Textiles, and two coordinating fabrics from my stash – I think the black and white stripe is from Girl Charlee, and the pink is from Jo-Ann Fabrics.

I spent practically more time cutting and trying to get the girls aligned well (notice the girl centered on the front bodice without a severed head) on the bodice and the stripes to match than sewing!  I was quite successful getting the girls placed well, but apparently I sacrificed symmetry at the back waistline in favor of making sure the hem and sides matched.

The pattern uses illustrations which is my preference, and they’re done well.  The bodice uses my favorite burrito technique for enclosing the armscye, and the lined bodice encloses that waist seam and elastic for a comfy inside.  That lining also means no bands or binding, which makes it a much faster sew.

To make the tunic version, I simply grabbed a tank top of Arden’s and followed the size 2 cutting line that put it right about the correct length.

So dance on over to One Thimble and pick up your copy of Issue 12* (affiliate link).  I know you’ll love all the patterns and it’s a steal at less than $2 per pattern.

Outfit Details:
Pattern: #111 Dress by Thread Faction
Fabric: Fashion Girls from Jumping June Textiles
Shoes: Saltwater and Native