Trying to find a sewing pattern for a plain classic sleeveless dress for my daughter for special occasion

[Slingclutter]

Hello! I am hoping some experienced dressmakers can help me please.

I want to make a classic, sleeveless dress for my nearly 12 yr old daughter for her forthcoming Confirmation.

like this but in a less bright liberty type fabric

But I am finding it surprisingly difficult to find just a plain pattern

My daughter is very thin '(with knobbly shoulders and collar bone!) so she needs wide straps on shoulders, not too wide a neckline, no "v" at back neckline. (I have opted for cotton sleeveless because she will be wearing a cream coloured robe over the dress and I don't want her to overheat!) She is also starting to develop a bit on top so dress will need a few darts on front bodice.

I've looked through Vogue, Butterick, and many others but strangely can't find the pattern I'm after.

Can anyone help please? I was wondering if I should be searching for a vintage pattern? Not confident enough to sew freestyle!

Thanks for any pointers/advice

What about this

www.simplicitynewlook.com/simplicity-patterns/1211/#.VPsFyUL690I

A without the embellishments perhaps plus the belt from C or something like it.

Must add that I have this one and have made it several times for my nearly 9 year old.

www.simplicitynewlook.com/1457/#.VPsGSUL690I

I would expect the larger sizes to accommodate a changing body.

This is my favourite Liberty fabric shop if you want the real thing.

www.shaukat.co.uk/category/all-liberty-fabrics/seasonal-spring-2015-tana-lawn-100-per-cent-cotton#

Lavendersun oh yes, thank you, 'A' looks very close!

(And as for the second pattern, a combo of A and C (without scalloped neck) might do it!)

And I am already a regular on-line customer at Shaukaut!!

Thought I would go for the real thing for once!!

Thank you very much for all your help - much appreciated

Love the (front) shape of this dress too ...

Although it's a bit too stiff for what I want

www.childrensalon.com/girl/dresses/nicki-macfarlane-silver-silk-maggie-dress-36802.html

Pleased it was useful Slingclutter. I think the first pattern would be lovely with a denim bodice and cotton skirt (not for what you want it for mind you). I like your last link too. I don't know about you but I get great pleasure from making 'party' style dresses for a few quid. They cost so much to buy and are worn so infrequently.

The pattern we have is lovely, the only problem being that my daughter likes it in silky fabrics which are a nuisance at times.

We are having a day at home sewing here today, although it is lovely outside. So far I have made two pairs of yoga pants and a skirt (only one pair of yoga pants for me).

Now I just need to do a rolled hem on one of the dresses from the second pattern and I am done until I cut something else out, which will be for me.

Thanks again Lavendersun

What an incredibly productive day you have had - really lovely to ignore everything else and just sew once in while - you are obviously an expert; I'd never be able to get so much done in one day. (I am a very slow sewer and have a horrible habit of starting things and not finishing them.)

Argh at rolled hems too!!

Anyone else?

Any other suggestions please?

Try Oliver + s fairy tale. It goes to age 12.
A lot of their patterns are very classic. That one can be sleeveless.
A friens shop stocks them pm me if you want info. They have that one for £6.95 .

Thank you Trumpton

(And thanks for kind offer!) Will have a look!

I've just made that Oliver+s dress for my DD and it was fun to make, fits her nicely, and looks more or less as it should! Their patterns have great instructions.

Agree with you Unidentified that it is lovely but I would prefer a pattern without a pan collar and also perhaps think I should err on the side of caution as dd is very long in the body and might need older than 12 yrs

Wd normally wing it, but not skilled enough/don't want to on this special occasion. That's why I am trying to find the correct pattern to start with.

Thanks again though Trumpton - it's a lovely website!

Any other ideas anyone?

Burda ?

Thank you again Trumpton

I looked at that one - I like it - but don't think neckline is quite right for dd.

I need it to be more like this in style, as she will be wearing an 'aube' (we live abroad) over it (think monk's habit in cream!)

Have looked through my pattern stash but nothing comes to mind. I will give it some thought. My go-to patterns were always Vogue but , as you say, nothing there.

Really appreciate it Trumpton. It is funny though isn't it, you'd think Vogue would have a classic simple girl's sleeveless dress? Very strange indeed.

Just bumping again for any other ideas?

mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6020-products-10718.php?page_id=486 I know you said you had searched Vogue, but thought this was worth a try. Larger size goes up to age 14.

Thank you Stainlesssteelcat I would prefer a neck that is slightly less square but that is quite close!!!

(Sorry - didn't mean to sound negative - that's top of the list so far - thanks again )

Dislcaimer - I've not tried this, but could you combine 2 patterns, use the neckline from an existing dress, or alter just the neckline of a pattern that is otherwise suitable? Possibly try out some shapes cut out of cheap material and try them on your daughter .... you could then alter the neckline of the pattern so they all match, and make from that. Hope that is clear, I know what I mean, not sure I have explained clearly!

Yes, Stainless that was exactly what was going through my mind when I was posting my thanks to you in actual fact - don't think it would be that difficult -could probably use the neckline of an existing dress that dd has and try and match it up. The back is high so it would hopefully work! Thanks again!!

We have lift off !
That pattern will work.
You will just need to round off the neckline of the dress and lining.
Do come back and let us know how it goes.