Take A Bow dress and Cape Winslet by Duchess and Hare
/Hi! I'm Katy from my china doll and I have sewn up 2 patterns by Duchess and Hare - the take a bow dress pattern and cape Winslet capelet pattern . They are both special occasion pieces and will make your girl feel super pretty when wearing it. The dress pattern starts from size 6 months to 12 years. The capelet pattern is for children sized from size xs to large. Despite it being a more formal outfit, it did not take me that long to make.
For the dress I chose to make it in a lovely cotton sateen and chose the options of a pieced front bodice and the extra full skirt hemmed with horsehair braid. The twirl factor on the extra full skirt is outstanding. The back bodice overlaps and it is fastened with a side zipper for easy dressing and good fit. I used a gorgeous purple butterfly zipper kindly gifted to me by BOO!Designs.
I made a size 4 based on the measurement chart and the fit is good. My daughter is only a 3 for height so the skirt is longer than suggested in the pattern, but that is my personal preference for a more modest length. The pattern has options for a less full skirt and a plain bodice which may be more suitable for more casual occasions. There is also an option for a tied bow sash to be attached to the overlapping pieces of the back bodice. This was the first time I have added horsehair braid to a dress and the effect is stunning. Definitely gives a dress that wow factor. Be warned though, attaching the braid to the hem in the extra full skirt is a long way around lol. If you wanted to mix it up I think cutting the skirt shorter to make a party peplum top could be super cute too.
I chose to make the caplet in a gorgeous purple velveteen lined with the same cotton sateen I used for the dress. The cute crossover collar is a sweet design feature. I chose to have my ties cross at the neckline and secured the 2 pieces with a brooch. I made the brooch with a fancy button I found in my stash by gluing a brooch backing to it.
I definitely couldn't stop my girl from twirling in this dress and she will be happily wearing it during the holidays.
Happy sewing
Xx k
Today Laura reviews the adorable Bunny Doll by Duchess and Hare. This doll includes a cape and would be a great doll for a gift.