Lila will be six years old tomorrow. She has turned into such a kid this past year – jumping rope, rollerskating, writing stories, sounding out words and spelling them in that totally wrong but adorable way that kids this age do. The stuff of kindergarten. I love witnessing her attempts to master each new skill. It doesn’t all come naturally to her, but she’s got major sticktoitiveness, this girl. Such focus and determination, and such pride in each small victory. Her palms are raw with callouses and blisters from the monkey bars. Her handwriting is already better than her dad’s. And just like every new age, I can’t wait to see what six brings.
I haven’t been sewing much lately, but I’m always up for a birthday dress. This year I chose the Caroline Party Dress by Mouse House Creations. My use of this pattern was 100% inspired by Tara’s recent birthday dress for her newly six year old. Tara’s was the perfect combination of fancy and simple and delicate and beautiful, and I decided that six was the year the birthday dress should close with an invisible zipper.
The shape and construction of this dress are very similar to Rae’s Geranium dress, – gathered empire waist, faux cap sleeves, side seam pockets, lined bodice. The major differences are the invisible zipper (which somehow equals fancier to me), and a few other options, such as a collar, a full lining, and a tulle underskirt. I skipped the tulle but did a full lining, which adds some nice volume to the skirt.
It also helps that I accidentally cut my skirt pieces to a size 7 width – that’s what happens (to me anyway) when you have to make your own rectangular pattern pieces and you’re trying to do the math on combining two sizes – all the measurements kept running together. But it just meant some extra gathers, which isn’t the worst thing when you’re making a party dress. I ended up with a size 5 bodice and a skirt somewhere between a 6 and a 7 – it’s long, but I like the fit.
The main fabric is a Japanese seersucker lawn, bought last May from Miss Matatabi. I’ve lusted after so many things from her shop, but this has been my only purchase so far. I fell in love with this one immediately – the colors, the crinkly texture, the triangles. It’s no longer available, but the shop is full of the most amazing Japanese fabrics and is worth checking out if haven’t already.
The lining fabric is Watermelon shot cotton, which I also used for the collar. Based on Rachel’s lovely version, I cut the skirt lining a little longer than the outer skirt so it would peek out at the bottom.
This dress feels wonderful – both fabrics are very soft and light, but it’s a lot of yardage (three in total) – so it’s weighty, but light and flowy at the same time. It’s a little bit dressier than what I usually make, but hey, turning six is a little bit special.
I went back to look at each of Lila’s handmade birthday dresses. We’re six for six. My mom made the first two (back when sewing a dress seemed way out of my league), and I took over from there.
one | two | three | four | five | six
I hope there are plenty more to come.
Oh it’s lovely Gail! I first stumbled upon your blog right as Lila was turning three – and remember each of the birthday dresses from there on. 🙂
Happiest of birthday to your little lady. From Sydney, AU. x
Your daughter is beautiful. My daughter is six in a few weeks. You’ve reminded me I should get cracking on a party dress! Yours are gorgeous.
The fabric is DIVINE and the dress looks beautiful – as does the birthday girl 🙂
Beautiful! You are such an inspiration.
Happy birthday to little Miss Lila! My own Lilah just left the sixes a few weeks ago, so I know what you mean about being eager to see what each new age brings. You will love six as the interest in reading and writing will just continue to grow and her world will open up!
Love that turning six deserved an invisible zipper closure:) What a beautiful dress, and your fabric selection – as always – is so perfect! I’m sure she will be able to wear it for a long time as generally they grow up before out and you have a good length for that. And I loved seeing the bday dress round-up – seeing that Ice Cream Dress made me smile as I loved it so much 3 years ago I made a similar one for my daughter inspired by you:) Thanks for sharing your latest project – I’ve missed your sewing!
Ahhhhhh. This is just beautiful. I have made one Caroline Party dress, and it turned out so nice. You are reminding me of how much I love that pattern. Although it’s pretty basic in both shape and techniques, it just says “party dress” a bit more than many of the other dress patterns out there. Your choice of fabrics here is just divine.
Oh my goodness, she’s growing up! I love seeing those old pictures of her. Happy birthday, Lila! And that’s one beautiful birthday dress, mama!
She looks so much more grown up now! Wow! ANd beautiful birthday dresses, all of them!
ahhh, it’s all so pretty! The texture of the fabric looks so great. Love Lila’s upswept hair!
A beautiful dress and what a great line-up of other handmade outfits from previous birthdays…..
Another beautiful birthday dress for your beautiful daughter! Happy birthday, Lila!
Gail! This dress is so, so awesome! I love it! The fabric is perfect and to me, it seems the right amount of fancy for a birthday. Everything about this dress is amazing! That fabric – man, what a great find! All of your bday dresses are perfection. And thanks for linking to my dress – that’s always so surprising and yet so thoughtful! ❤
ps i think we’ve talked about this before, but Tia and Lila are nearly the same age. Tia turns 6 on April 7. 🙂
Wow, she sure does look grown up. Especially the new hair style. That’s a beautiful dress and such a nice reason for a special dress.
Loving all your dresses. I actually purchased the hide and seek dress pattern after I saw your lovely telly version. I have a lovely spotted chambray ready to go! Looking forward to seeing your next dress.
The dress is lovely Gail. And Lila looks beautiful in it. Happy Birthday to her
oh it’s so gorgeous, just like all the others!!! You’ll both be so happy you have these pictures to look back on. 🙂
Happy happy birthday Lila!! I agree with other gals, 6 is fantastic. It’s sooooo fun seeing Em learn how to do all of those “kid” things that I can actually remember doing, and I feel like there’s less “taking care of” her now – she does stuff on her own, I just have to prod her to do it in a timely manner, the little slowpoke.
The dress is perfect – I love the fabric choice, love the super full skirt, the collar contrast is great! What a fun party dress! So cool for you to show all of her birthday dresses, too…oh the nostalgia.
The dress is just lovely, and what amazing fabric! Lila certainly has a beautiful collection of birthday dresses:)
What a gorgeous dress! I love the lining and the color and the back zip. And the fabric is just perfect. So pretty and spring-y! My E has almost the same birthday as Lila- spring babies are perfect for birthday dress sewing!
Congratulations! Beautiful dress and beautiful photos. Love seeing all her past birthday dresses. Her 3-year dress is still one of my favorites!
I meant to also say that Lila’s hairstyle makes her look so grown up! And I was so happy to see a post from you. I’ve missed your posts lately and was hoping that everything was okay.
Great job(s)! They are all so beautiful!
Found your blog from a pinterest pin. Sweet post, cute dresses, lovely memories.