Church Dress for Laurel

Children’s Corner Lillian in white linen

Almost overnight, Laurel has grown into a young lady and outgrown all of her church dresses.     She is taller and definitely matured beyond the little girl dresses I love to sew.  I am grateful that there are patterns for tasteful big girl dresses like this Children’s Corner Lillian.

It is fully lined, making construction very easy.  Whipstitch piping trims the neckline and armscyes while the vent at the hemline adds  to ease of movement.

bow above vent at hemline

Because of the simple lines,  it is very easy to add personalization and embellishment.  In my humble opinion, a monogram is always tasteful and the  floral lawn ruffles at the shoulder add color which coordinates with the embroidery.  The little bow adds some color to the hemline vents.

The frame is from Embroidery Library. The alphabet is Embroitique’s Fancy Monogram 1.

I always like to add some interest to the back of garments.  Between each buttonhole, machine embroidered leaves were stitched.  Tiny hot pink buttons serve as flowers.

Only the purple buttons have buttonholes.  Oh dear, this needs a good press.

I finished  this a few weeks ago and hoped to get a photo of her wearing it.  But we were out of town for two weeks, she had three weeks of theater camp and has been very busy. Even though we have spent time with her, there has been no opportunity for a modeling session.

Two weeks ago, her mother took this photo of Laurel hanging out in her back yard.  She looks pretty grown up to me so I hope this dress suits her.  No more bishops,  that’s for sure!

Laurel, 10 going on…?

So I’m entering a whole new genre of sewing for our sweet Laurel Cade.  This will be a stretch.  I’m happy that Vivian Rose is so young and I still have several years of “little girl” sewing left for her.

What are your favorite big girl patterns?  What has been a hit with your big girls?  Inquiring minds want to know!