Butterick 3782 Infant Dress

Ah, the barage of babies doesn't seem to be letting up! Between upcoming baby showers and birthday parties, there are a lot of kid events in my future. For some reason, I thought it would be a good idea to try and make a little outfit for my former co-worker's baby. I could practice my sewing skills and if all went well, I'd have a cute dress to give to my friend for her daughter. If it crashed and burned, Baby Gap is thankfully down the street. ;)

I picked up this pattern because I thought it would be fairly simple (ha!) and it was a cute design. I particularly liked the little ruffle on the bodice and the two box pleats at the front of the skirt. After reading one of the pattern reviews , the reviewer suggested it would be particularly cute with a denim bodice and a printed cotton skirt. I totally agreed, and that became the inspiration for the dress.
When my friend found out she was having a girl she told me that I could now go crazy with pink. Sweet of her, but I know that is so not her style. I wanted a funky print for the skirt that would pair well with the dark demin bodice I was planning to use. After scouring Michael Levine, I found this slightly retro orange and sky blue print that was perfect. I then opted for plain sky blue cotton for the diaper cover.

I really love how this dress turned out! Fun, funky and still a little bit girly. The bias tape around the neck and arms were a pain to put in at first, but it will obviously be easier the next time around. I also really like how the orange top-stitching resembles actual demin topstitching thread, which I think gives it a more RTW look that I was expecting.

I like the look of the demin and printed cotton so much, that I have a second version of this dress already cut out and just waiting to be sewn up. That one is for another friend and her daughter and since I know she is all about pink, the print for the skirt definitely reflects that. :)