One of the things I like best about the new Fairy Tale Dress pattern is that you can take it in so, so many directions.
If you’re going to sew this dress for a special little girl, chances are that you’re going to want to start by doing what we’ve done with our samples–take it to full-on, fancy party mode. We figured we had to do this because we called it the Fairy Tale Dress and every little girl I know wants to be a fairy tale princess. But you can also simplify this dress and make it for everyday wear. It could even take on a vintage look if you use printed cottons. I’m thinking 1930’s feedsacks, or 1950’s retro prints, yes?
But before we head in that direction, let’s have some fun by getting all fancy with it.
This is our ultimate dress. We designed it specifically for special occasions with two different views included in the pattern. View A is sleeveless and features a squared-off Peter Pan color and a big bow at the back.
View B is a tulip-sleeve version with a classic Peter Pan collar and a dainty waist and bow detail.
The tulip sleeve is one of our favorite details in this view.
Both versions are fully lined, include an invisible zipper, and even have a crinoline skirt to give the skirt a little extra fullness. Of course, you can eliminate the crinoline if you’re making this dress for everyday use, but if you choose to include it we’ve slipped it in between the dress fabric and the lining so it won’t irritate or scratch the way crinolines sometimes do. Of course we’ll guide you through the invisible zipper and even show you exactly what to do at the top and bottom of the zipper so you get a really professional result. Sometimes it’s those little finishing details that make all the difference in the end, and it’s nice when you don’t have to guess at these steps, isn’t it?
This dress is designed for anything from basic quilting cottons to super-fancy fabrics like silks. You’ll want something very lightweight like voile or lawn for the lining, and if you’re making the crinoline you’ll also need a little tulle. For S’s version of the dress, we changed things up quite a bit, eliminating the collar and bow from View A to show off this spectacular eyelet I found in the garment district (and purchased with the intent of making something for myself, wouldn’t you know it).
This pattern is rated three scissors in difficulty. It’s a more time-consuming pattern because of all the wonderful details, and we strongly recommend making a bodice muslin because the style is more fitted than our other styles. We want you to be happy with the end result, so take your time with this one and I think you’ll be amazed at the end result.
I’ve seen dresses like this in boutiques with some giant price tags attached. Find yourself a gorgeous fabric and have fun with this one! People won’t believe it when you tell them you made it yourself.