It’s going to look like an Indian summer on my blog for today!
I sewed up two dresses from Heidi’s lovely Bohemain Babydoll Dress and Top pattern for Natalie about a month before we moved…When it was still hot enough to wear them like summer dresses.
At first glance, the dresses look like normal cute girl’s dresses. But upon closer inspection, you wonder…where are the buttons, zippers, or snaps?
There are none! Heidi has done a fabulous job at creating a bodice shape that can fit over the head without the aid of closures. It’s pretty genius if you ask me. 
It does make for a roomy bodice, but that is nicely balanced by the high low curve of the skirt at the high waist and hem.
Speaking of the hem, if you peek underneath…
…a contrasting hem facing! Cute right? I think it’s my favorite part of the dress.
The pattern also includes a sleeve. You can choose a ruffle or a smooth cap sleeve. I chose to make both of the dresses sleeveless because I wanted them to be layering friendly for Fall.
They are super cute with a cardi over top.
Since we have been enjoying crisp Fall weather here, we have found that they are also cute layered over long sleeve cotton shirts and denim button ups. No joke, Natalie wears one of these dresses at least once a week. So, it’s safe to say she likes them. 🙂
As for pattern logistics…I sewed a size 6-12 month bodice. I know that sounds crazy, since she is 2, but according to the pattern’s measurement chart, that’s where her chest measurement fits the best. Since the material isn’t drape-y or forgiving like knit and the bodice is on the roomy side, I stuck by her measurements and didn’t try to go up a size. The verdict? It fits perfect and is not too tight on her head when dressing or anything.
For the skirt, I cut out the size 2 skirt. She tends to grow tall rather than out, so I know it will turn into tunic length by year’s end. In fact..it has already started to look too short to me lately!
They grow up so fast. Sometimes I feel like I can’t keep up! Did, I tell you? She also jumped from a size 3 to a size 5 or 6 in shoes just over the summer! It’s fun to finally find non-baby shoes in the store for her.
SOURCES: Sewing Pattern c/o Bohemian Babydoll Dress and Top pattern by Elegance & Elephants* || Black and White gingham quilter’s cotton – Ribbon Retreat (sorry, they closed out their fabric section, but I think Jo-ann has a similar print) || Lining print – Arizona Crystal Arrowheads by April Rhodes || Purple basic cotton solid used for bodice and lining – also from Ribbon Retreat but no longer available || Gray skirt fabric – Chambray by Andover Fabrics from LiMA Sews || Yellow cardigan – H&M || Gold shoes – last season from Old Navy || Pink Moccasins – Freshly Picked
*Pattern was provided by Elegance & Elephants but my review is an honest and thorough reflection of my opinion. 🙂
Cute dress! I love the layered look with the cardigan. How fun! My son did a jump from a 4 to a 6 last summer for shoes. It was crazy! I’m hoping baby sister will get to wear my favorite pair of sneakers he had. He just grew way….tooo…fast! Thanks for sharing this cute pattern with us!
Thanks Lynette! I thought about taking more pictures of it layered over a denim shirt but just haven’t gotten around to it. Maybe for Instagram. :)Isn’t it nuts how feet growth jumps like that? She was a size 3 for….ever. Then bam, 2-3 size growth.
I love those. Very nice. My girls love stuff where it doesn’t have to button!
And you just convinced me to get this pattern. She is so adorable! And I love the moccasins, we have the same ones.
THe blush is such a great color huh? It surprisingly goes with almost everything! Thanks Erin!
You make me think of buying this pattern, i mean… Whithout zippers or buttons they turn a fantastic dress they can put on whithout help. And something not to hard to sew!
I love the grey with that shade of purple! And gingham is always a win.
Thanks Charity! I agree…can’t go wrong with gingham! 🙂
Super cute jumper! I wish it was around when my girls were little, they would have loved it. Alas, at 15 and 18 I don’t think I could get them into it now.
haha….that would be something huh? 🙂 Thanks Debbi!
Lovely! Great color combo 🙂
Thanks Rebecca!
Cute dresses!! But seriously, what a tiny peanut!!!! My kids STARTED with size 6 shoes!!!! My 18 month old is already in 7s!
Thanks Michelle. I know! She has been petite from the womb! 🙂 My boys are on the slim side too, but they were wearing I think 7 or 8 shoes by this age too!
goodness she is such a cutie. Her little body looks precious in these dresses. As always, great fabric choices.
Natalie is so stinking cute!! And wow, I LOVE that dress. I would LOVE that in my size!….with sleeves, that is….and maybe slightly longer. Hump. Sometimes it sounds easier to be 3 years old 🙂
haha. totally! thanks Dana.