Fancy Field Frock

June 11, 2008

This dress was inspired by a sweater I had seen in the JCrew line for children. If you thought they charged too much for your clothes you haven't seen what they're charging for your kid's. At any rate, this was inspired by them.

It bears a pleated cotton ruffle around the neckline and sleeves. The shape of the neckline was inspired from Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette. I fell in love with the ornate dresses that looked as though they were meant for adults but were worn by the very young.


To offset the dressy look of the ruffles I left the ends unhemmed which left a sort of casual beachy feel. The sleeves have frayed olive green grosgrain ribbons sewn into the seams that tie at the back of the arm. I also added a long row of handmade fabric buttons fastened by handmade loops sewn into the dress.

I named it the fancy field frock since the image of a wild field reminds me the frayed ruffle- rough and unkempt....but still fancy.




As a side note, the creation of this dress went smoother than any I've done before. I'm attributing this to the fact that I carefully planned and wrote out each step before diving into it. A new task that was well worth the time it took, saving me at least one hour on the sofa with the seam ripper.










19 {comments}:

Kim said... Best Blogger Tips

so adorable!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

Wow! The covered buttons are my favorite.

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

Do you ever sell your creations? I would LOVE to photograph my daughter in this, but I'm no seamstress.

lera said... Best Blogger Tips

love the ruffles. what a sweet touch.

Artfulife said... Best Blogger Tips

This is so adorable. I also think your blogs are super fun! Can't wait to see your next creation.

Grosgrain said... Best Blogger Tips

In answer to Laurel...I would love, love, love to sell my dresses. I am beyond flattered whenever I see a comment like this! However, the time and material is just completely cost prohibitive for me. I think I figured I would make like $3 an hour if I sewed them myself....not to mention the cost of my sanity. Not to mention, I'm not the best seamstress by any means. I would be open to perhaps selling patterns someday or some other idea that involved someone else manning the machines. For now, I'm just satisfied with blogging and seeing how that goes.

Dawn Elizableth said... Best Blogger Tips

I was thinking, this looks exactly like something from Marie Antoinette, and then I read on! I think it looks way better than what J Crew has to offer for kids! Beautiful!

Jade said... Best Blogger Tips

All the details are just perfect, Kathleen! You creations are getting better and better each time. I love this one the best so far.

Rebecca Ramsey said... Best Blogger Tips

This dress is amazing. She looks like a princess. And I love the green velvety trim.
Becky

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

Very beautiful! You have some very well-dressed kids. I love the velvet ribbon on this one.

Jenna said... Best Blogger Tips

Wonderful dress!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

Your blog is just amazing :o) You are such a wonderful photographer/clothing designer/seamstress/creator. Wow. That dress is adorable. It looks colonial. You are so so talented!

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

gasp, unbelievable!!! this is amazing!!

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

stunning. She models the gowns so delightfully and looks as if she knows she is wearing something very special. I particularly like the frayed edges on the ruffle. Such a nice touch.
~Emily

Kellie H said... Best Blogger Tips

I know J Crew's kidscuts is it? is outright pricey...love love your creation!!! The lovely model shows it off well =)

Jillian said... Best Blogger Tips

My daughter would love this...I love this!! Great job.

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh my goodness! That is a beautiful dress!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

...my comment doesn't have anything to do with with the 'frock'...but just wanted to
say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to an amazingly talented, totally
awesome woman...who happens to
be the mother of 'our' little
Molly! By the way, your Web site is incredible! Maybe we'll see you 'guys' this weekend. :)
Grammie Ann

McDonald Army Brats*** said... Best Blogger Tips

Wow you are amazing! Such unique, and beautiful clothing. I have been telling myself for years that I want to learn to sew. You have inspired me to actually do it. Thanks, :)

 
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