After a pretty disappointing result from my first, much loved piece of Liberty fabric (the Seamworks Bristol skirt, see here), rescued slightly by the top I just about managed to squeeze out of it, I’ve been putting off using the rest of it… But when the latest issue of Love Sewing (20) popped through my letter box I knew that the very sweet Girl’s Folk Pinafore would be the perfect design for the baby needlecord I purchased for my daughter.
It’s as an easy-fit, simple design which I thought would perfectly showcase the beautiful fabric. I cut the L (age 8-9) which has come out pretty loose on her as you can see in the photos, but this is perfect for getting a couple of years’ wear out of it. I’m sure I’m not the only one who gets upset at the thought of a homemade garment only fitting for a year (or sometimes even shorter) when you make something for children!
The instructions were really clear and despite not being a fan of facings, I was impressed by how this came together, neatly hiding the straps beneath. Normally I’d want to anchor the facings down in a couple of places, but there are no fine threads to catch in this fabric, so I might just have to let it be. Because of the slightly heavier weight they do sit pretty nicely to be honest and it’s not me wearing it 😉
I toyed with the idea of completing the front pocket in a contrasting fabric and found the perfect navy blue (of course) cord in my drawers. But when I experimented with placing it on the front it gave the dress a totally different look, much more modern, which is great sometimes, but I resisted. Both of my children are on the cusp of ‘growing up‘ and I just want to hold on to them being young children for a little longer, so traditional won out! I used the same fabric instead, which kind of becomes invisible, but it’s there should her hands get cold or if she wants to collect conkers or whatever. I also resisted adding various buttons, even though I have loads that matched perfectly. Plain and simple just seems to work with this, and my daughter agrees: she absolutely loves it 🙂
navybluethreads 
I love this fabric, it’s gorgeous and your little girl looks very sweet in the pinafore. I agree that little girls shouldn’t grow up too fast, this is a lovely make. Nee Bee x
🙂 Thank you! I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks they should stay young for longer. Luckily she still absolutely loves sweet dresses so I’m making the most of it while it lasts…
Teresa, it’s gorgeous! I love the fabric and totally agree about the ‘growing up too fast’ thing. Let’s encourage them to be kids for as long as possible:)
🙂 Thanks Sheila, I sometimes think I’m over protective about these things, but there’s really no rush is there? Really happy with how this Liberty make turned out. Also loving the synchronicity of the blogosphere I must have been commenting on your post, as you were commenting on mine 🙂
I know – you made my eyes well up too!
A pretty dress the fabric is lovely.
Thank you! She’s delighted with it and I’m pleased it shows the fabric off well so we’re both happy 🙂
Very beautiful! I adore the fabric.
Thanks Abigail, the Liberty fabric is a real treat!
It’s lovely – I think you found the perfect pattern for that folksy fabric. Well done you on the unselfish sewing – just can’t bring myself to do it!
Me neither most of the time, don’t know what’s come over me recently! Thank you! I was really pleased with how the two matched up, doesn’t always happen…
Beautiful fabric and beautiful dress. She looks absolutely chuffed to bits with it.
Thank you! Always worth doing a bit of selfless sewing for that smile 🙂
This dress is so cute! As always, your daughter looks so happy to be wearing something you made her. I love the print on that corduroy– I was considering ordering some for myself but I have resisted since I don’t know what I would make from it. It’s so perfect for a girl’s dress!
Thanks Teri, I was delighted when I found the pattern or it found me, doesn’t always happen! She loves it which is always a relief 🙂
Such pretty fabric teamed with the perfect pattern, its a lovely dress!
Thanks Trisha, I agree the two really matched up well together 🙂
Cute fabric! and your daughter looks so happy with her new dress!
She’s delighted and did argue that it was her turn, seeing as her brother had his two shirts now. Selfish sewing is really rewarding when they’re this pleased 🙂
Beautiful fabric and dress. It is adorable x
Thank you! I’m so pleased with how it turned out 🙂
I also agree that wherever possible, children should make the most of being children – it seems to happen so rarely now. Love this Liberty (obviously) and I’m not surprised your daughter loves it, definitely a good thing that she’ll be able to keep wearing it for a couple of years too 🙂
🙂 Thank you! It’s reassuring how many people seem to agree on here about keeping them ‘children’ for as long as possible. It’s a lovely print so relieved this project went well…
So adorable! The perfect little pinafore for that folk art fabric and what a great, happy smile it puts on your little one’s face. She is lucky to have such a handy mom to keep her in lovely little outfits as she grows (yes, way too fast…)
Thank you! I couldn’t believe my luck when I came across this pattern in the magazine. It was just the right amount too. We’re both really pleased with it 🙂
What divine fabric, and such a cute finished pinafore. It’s funny seeing your daughter in your place by the doorstep!
I kind of cringe that they both head to be exact same spot on my step for their photos, I must be very predictable! 😉 Really glad this one turned out so well.
This is beautiful fabric and the pinafore looks lovely, perfect for winter! There was a lovely article in the Guardian today about a liberty print dress that the writer’s mother made for her – definitely worth reading – your dress reminds me of it!
Louise
Gutted I read this at just past midnight, so unable to get a copy of it, but maybe I could find it online. I did actually think it might be a keeper to hand down whilst I was making it, so would be really interesting to read. I’m delighted my daughter’s so pleased with it 🙂
I read it online this morning – it’s in the family section – can’t work out how to post a link on my phone!
Aha, will try and track it down 🙂
Such a pretty, but wearable, dress! Well done on yet more selfless sewing. I know what you mean about making things that won’t be grown out of too quickly. My ten year old daughter has grown three inches since February so I’m quite glad I haven’t made her any clothes!
Thank you! It’s lovely and comfy for her so a winner all round! 🙂
Such great fabric, perfect match for this pattern. I agree about the growing up too, it will come eventually so there’s no need to make it happen even sooner. Looks really cute in it.
Thank you! It’s the perfect sweet pattern for the fabric, so, so glad I made it work!
A-DORable!
And love the baby cord design!
Lovely fabric and your daughter looks adorable in her new pinafore! I agree, they grow so quickly, children need to be children for as long as possible!
Thanks! I’m so glad I made it pretty big, hopefully we’ll get two Winters out of it…