Just in time for April showers…I got to makes some dresses using the new Parapluie fabric collection from Hawthorne Threads.
I was so excited to see the new Parapluie fabric from Hawthorne threads and they were so kind to send some to sew up for this sponsored post. Aren’t these little girls just the sweetest? I love all the details on their clothes and hair. I’m a total sucker for fabric with little girls on it…I can never pass it by!
And check out these houses…so simple, yet again with the cleverest details. Okay, fabric makes me giddy!
For these dresses I made the V back version of Sophie’s pattern from Simple Life Pattern Co. This pattern is like two in one — last time I made the scoop back version and blogged about it here. I really wanted to try the V back version, too, and I thought it would be perfect with the Parapluie fabric.
I am really happy with how it came out. It is a pretty quick sew, but the V back makes it a little different, elevating it into something special. You can add ruffles along the neckline for more of a dressy feel, too.
I love the single button closure (I used snaps), it makes it so easy for the girls to get off and on. Speaking of snaps, I love my new pack of snaps in pastel colors. Now I can match the dress fabric instead of using only white.
My youngest (on the right) picked the houses for her dress because she liked that the raindrops from the bodice were falling on the houses… I love noticing the simple things that make kids happy!
For her skirt I used St. Germain in petal and for the bodice I used part of the raindrops from the border print in my other daughter’s dress (linked below).
My oldest loves to draw girls herself so she really loved seeing these hand-drawn girls on her dress.
For her skirt, I used April Showers Border in Indigo and for the bodice I used Raindrops in Indigo. I chose the broadcloth substrate for all these fabrics.
I just love how each dress fit the personalities of my girls!
As I’ve mentioned before, the digitally printed fabric has such nice, sharp details. I think the girls and houses would make for a great wallet or purse for little girls. I have some plans to make coordinating ones soon.
And now for some tips on working with digitally printed cotton fabric.
Digitally printed cotton fabric has great detail, crisp ironed edges, and tends to stay put when you’re working with it. It is a stiffer fabric so it’s great for projects that require some structure. I like it for little girl’s dresses because it makes the skirt stand out a bit, giving it the appearance of more volume without the need for any kind of underskirt.
I’ve used this type of fabric both from Spoonflower and Hawthorne Threads and here are some things I’ve learned:
- Wash it first in cold water and tumble dry on low heat. Use fabric softener to help soften it. I use frangrance free dryer sheets.
- Iron on cotton setting with steam.
- Use a sharp, fine needle.
- Use clips rather than pins when gathering.
- Choose patterns that would benefit from some structure and don’t call for fabrics that drape.
What about you? Do you have any tips for working with this type of fabric? I would love to hear them in the comments below!
If you decide to make Sophie’s dress with the V back version, I would love to hear about it! Tag me on Instagram with your photos so I can see. 🙂
Happy sewing!
This post contains affiliate links to things that I have used and love. This means I may get a small percentage of the sale if you click on the link and buy something.