New Look 6018 - Dress in Red and Stripes

When I started thinking about spring dresses for my girls, I wanted to buy new fabric. I had seen some inspiring pictures online and in catalogs and I wanted to copy some of those ideas. But, I'm trying to sew from stash as much as possible and truthfully, sometimes limiting the choices makes the process more creative and satisfying.

So, for my firstborn, here's what I came up with:

Maybe you recognize the stripes from the T-shirt photo? This used up the last of it (and I'm glad to see it gone!). The red twill was given to me by someone else who was destashing. Same with the navy used for the piping and the red (metal!) invisible zipper. Very economical!

I did purchase the pattern - New Look 6018. The measurements given on the pattern envelope and tissue are dependable, but I'm not as pleased with the fit/shape as I was with my other daughter's dress. Of course, it's a very different style, so comparing them maybe isn't so fair.

Have I ever mentioned that I love piping? Probably. I don't think I'd be exaggerating to say that I consider adding piping to about 80% of what I make. I like how it defines design lines. It can add color. I think it falls in the detail/embellishing territory without being flashy, ruffly, poufy, sparkly or other adjectives that don't really describe my style. There were lots of opportunities for piping on this dress.

Since I wanted the square neckline to still be square after it was piped, I did it in two pieces. It took me a couple of tries to get this right and I'd have a hard time explaining it now. I do know that it is important to clip to the corner before doing the horizontal piece (the vertical pieces come first). The finished result isn't perfect, thanks to my messing around but it was good to try a new technique.

The waistband and pocket flaps are also piped. This flap looks awfully crooked in the photo. It's straighter in real life. I was tempted to buy some new buttons, ideally with a nautical theme, but went with stash instead.

Overall, I don't think this is the cutest dress I've ever made. I think the idea of it is good, but the fabrics aren't very high quality and it maybe isn't the best shape for my daughter. However, I do like the fact that it is different - a change from the pink or aqua floral full-skirted dresses that she usually loves to have. And, I'm pleased that she likes it as much as she does.

Now, of course, this post wouldn't be complete without the requisite silly shot...