My daughter turned 3 just this month & she needed a dress fit for a "Palace Pet Princess!" Palace pets if you don't know, are the Disney Princess's beloved pets and my cat loving little person who shares a name with one of these princesses, can't go past an adorable pet!
I rather enjoy the One Thimble e-zine and noticed in Issue 7 that it had the most elegant little dress on the front page - the Alyss dress by Ainslee Fox Patterns. I knew right away, this was THE dress!
I managed to procure the perfect palace pet fabric, from Self Confessed Fabric Addicts (such an appropriate business name!!) I highly recommend the business to any Australian readers looking for a great fabric stockist. The pink marbled cotton came from a local haberdashery.
I chose tiny paw print buttons (available from Ebay) for the faux button placket. (It seemed the only logical choice!)
I also replaced the regular dress zip out for an invisible zip. If you choose also to do this, subtract 1/2" from the back pattern pieces along the width where the zip will go. Don't forget to adjust the lining too!
My daughter said the sleeves were "her butterfly wings" and we both love the sun coverage they provide. While normally this time of the year its already quite warm, this Spring, the weather has proved rather cold! So a skivvy was needed and as you can see, the dress works well with layers.
The Alyss dress comes with sizes 1 to 12 girls included. From sizes 5 - 12 you also have the option of making a functional front button placket & side zipper - so the older children can easily dress themselves.
This dress was an enjoyable sew. I love the delicate peter pan collar & flowing sleeves. The waistband gives the dress a vintage appeal & will still make a great everyday dress for my little person. I would recommend this pattern to confident sewers - especially if your inserting an invisible zip. However, the instructions are clear and filled with plenty of photos so anyone keen could attempt it! It is a dress pattern that I will certainly revisit and I look forward to sewing more Ainslee Fox patterns!
You can buy the One Thimble e-zine HERE
or the Alyss dress pattern direct HERE
We had a very cheeky "28" (also known as Ringneck Parrot) come and enjoy some of our left over fairy bread from the party!!
After Miss A's birthday party, I managed to stumble into a local café for coffee and was pleasantly surprised by some beautiful artwork! A local artist, Elizabeth Dumont had some of her works up for sale in this quaint little café & I was excited to see her touching but fun work.
I personally loved her colours and her feminine pieces. A lot of the works had wonderful little sayings on them. I found it all rather inspirational and I can really relate, as painting is still something I hold dear myself.
After Miss A's birthday party, I managed to stumble into a local café for coffee and was pleasantly surprised by some beautiful artwork! A local artist, Elizabeth Dumont had some of her works up for sale in this quaint little café & I was excited to see her touching but fun work.
Some information on the local artist - as found on display in the cafe |
I personally loved her colours and her feminine pieces. A lot of the works had wonderful little sayings on them. I found it all rather inspirational and I can really relate, as painting is still something I hold dear myself.
This particular piece took my fancy! I'm sure you can see why!
I'm leaving you with a little look at the brand new pattern from Mummykins & Me - the Monte Carlo Maxi! Stay tuned for this one!! I'm hoping to get a mummy & daughter set done very soon!