Today I have the sweetest dresses to share with you! I used Hawthorne Threads’ new Thumbelina fabric collection to make the Holly dress by modkid. The minute I saw Thumbelina riding on birds and floating on lily pads, I knew I had to make dresses for my girls.
We actually just finished reading Thumbelina as part of our homeschool curriculum this year, so these dresses are extra special to us!
This was my first time using a pattern by modkid and it did not disappoint. The directions are very professionally written and the dress came together easily.
The pattern comes in sizes 2T to 10. I was a little unsure of what size to make since my girls’ height would have put them in a size 7 according to the size chart, but they both have 22″ chest measurements. So I ended up cutting a size 5 for the bodice and figuring I would try it on before finishing the lining. This worked out great for us and I ended up not adding any length to the bodice. When I tried the bodice on each girl, I simply measured to find out what length to make the skirt. Be aware that the two layers of skirt adds a lot of weight to pull the bodice down, especially if you’re using quiliting cotton like I did.
I followed the directions for the elastic in the armpits of the bodice, which worked great. The bodice dips a little low under their arms, but it’s a summer dress and I think they’re still young enough that it’s very sweet. For an older girl, say age 9-10, it might be more of an issue to make sure the bodice is snug.
The Holly dress has a lined bodice and a two layer skirt. You make four straps that you sew between the bodice and lining and then weave together to attach in the back. I thougth this would be intimidating but it was actually really easy. And look how pretty it is! Totally worth it in my opinion.
I decided to add the front detail on the bodice with the contrasting fabric and a bit of lace that I had in my stash. This was very similar to the idea shown in the samples on the pattern. I thought it was an important finishing touch to the overall look.
For the gathers on the overskirt, I used 1/4″ wide satin ribbon instead of making bias tape from the fabric, just because I thought it would slide more easily when I went to gather the front of the skirt. And it was easier than making my own bias tape…sometimes easier is better, in my opinion.
For my oldest daughter’s dress I used Adventure in Zest for the main fabric and Lily Dot in Midnight for the contrasting fabric.
For my younger daughter’s dress I used Joyride in Glacier Blue for the main and Lily Dot in Berry for the contrasting fabric.
I just love this dress pattern…It was so easy to make with no buttons or zippers. Wouldn’t it make a great special occasion dress? I really want to make some flower girl dresses and dress up clothes with this pattern. My girls love the two layer skirt, I think it makes them feel fancy.
How about you? Do you have a special girl who would enjoy this dress and some Thumbelina fabric? If you decide to make it, please tag me on Instagram, I would love to see it!
Happy Sewing!