Supplement 279 - Model#239 - 2010
Child's Dress - age range 3 - 6 years
Hello again, I hope your holiday season is getting off to a great start. This Lutterloh pattern is also available in the Children's Special Edition #33 from 2013. If you need more children's patterns than are available to you in your collection the special editions are always a good choice.
Pattern Hints:
Although the Lutterloh symbol for this pattern indicates a dress I would call this more of a tunic length pattern. Most children would need to wear leggings or pants under this to make it an appropriate length. This pattern was easy enough to draw out. Like many pockets of this type I did need to match up the curves on the main dress pattern and pocket lining to make sure they were the same.
Design Changes:
This pattern is actually intended for woven fabric but I knew I wanted a more user friendly style. Because I used a knit I omitted the back zipper and facings altogether. A stretchy knit ribbing allows this to stretch over the head but still lay flat afterward. Since the neck had a ribbing band I decided to add them to the sleeves too just to make it look more intentional.
I was hoping to make this a stand alone dress so I added 1 ½ inches extra length in addition to the hem allowance. Now that it's done I wish I had added about 2 more inches. I feel like the fashion drawing doesn't quite match the length of the actual pattern. The pockets could be a little deeper too since the skirt is longer now.
Fabric Used/Suggested:
For this version I used a pretty purple sweatshirt fleece. It makes it easy and comfortable for everyday play-wear and it's super soft inside. Unfortunately I couldn't pick out all the backing from the embroidered top stitching so it will have to wash out over time.😒
Since this pattern indicates a center back zipper it really lends itself to so many different fabrics. I could see making this up in pretty quilting cottons, chambray, gingham or even a very lightweight denim. Of course since this is a Lutterloh pattern you could even exchange the sleeve for a longer one or perhaps a different style entirely.
Closing Hints:
This dress went together really easily. The decorative stitching was the most time consuming part. A simple top-stitch or double needle stitch would cut that time considerably. My little friend will be delighted with her birthday present and I anticipate making at least one more longer version for her Christmas present.
Here's hoping you get all your holiday sewing done in time. There's only a few weeks left!
Happy sewing everyone,
Ann in Calif.
