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.

(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)

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.

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.

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

Vogue dresses generally are quite good.

Green street and Walthamstow High street in London.

Oooops ignore above post

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

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.

One like this 'easy' Vogue pattern?

That is lovely - really nice options

ATail,

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

You're very welcome!

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 ...)

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!

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