Dress pattern...

[teacherwith2kids]

DD (13) and I were doing some dress-browsing yesterday, and frankly came to the conclusion that making her own might be better (both she and i are fairly handy with the sewing machine).

What she would like is a dress probably best described as a 'longer skater style' - plain, probably sleeveless princess-seamed top, circular skirt that joins smoothly to the bodice rather than being gathered or pleated - that can be made up in a light cotton or similar but (importantly) isn't too short.

Can anyone suggest a good pattern from a tried and tested manufacturer? The ones I've found are very short. She's probably better off in an adult size 8ish rather than a child's pattern, but a teen one would be OK.

[teacherwith2kids]

(Actually, doesn't have to be princess-seamed - bust darts would also be fine. this is closeish, though the skirt is skimpy - you can see that it is above knee but not short short)

[crockydoodle]

My 11 yr old has a dress this shape from primark. She's wearing an age 13 which is a good length. It was cheap too.

[teacherwith2kids]

Ah, I should have explained.

She's got a keen interest in all things textiles, including dressmaking / costume design. (She dances. I make some of her costumes at the moment, but I can see that shifting over the coming few years.) She'd love to get her teeth into dressmaking using a pattern as a step towards this, and this was a style that a) she liked and b) would be interesting in terms of fit, fabric selection etc. We did realise that if we searched long enough, we would find a commercial one that was OK, but the idea of making it for herself really appealed.

[pastmyduedate0208]

This one here depicts a striped pattern but can be made in plain fabric.

[pastmyduedate0208]

Vogue dresses generally are quite good.

[pastmyduedate0208]

Green street and Walthamstow High street in London.

[pastmyduedate0208]

Oooops ignore above post

[lavendersun]

Village Haberdashery have some nice designers, if you search by women and dress there are a few that might suit.


www.thevillagehaberdashery.co.uk/sewing-patchwork/sewing-patterns?pattern_subject=263&pattern_type=261

[KatyN]

Have you looked at lekala? They have loads of styles and they adjust the pattern to fit you. They also have a sale on at the mo.

[ATailofTwoKitties]

One like this 'easy' Vogue pattern?

[Katymac]

That is lovely - really nice options

[teacherwith2kids]

ATail,

That is EXACTLY what we were looking for - perfect! Thank you so much :-)

[ATailofTwoKitties]

You're very welcome!

[EATmum]

The Colette Moneta dress might be a good option - it's straightforward to make. I've made 2, and my DD (14) is making one for herself. She clearly wants to look like me (not at all ...)

[flightywoman]

One other option is the Kitschy Coo Lady Skater - it's a decent length and super easy to make - I've done it 5 times so far!

[teawamutu]

By Hand London's Anna. I'm wearing mine today