Simplicity 1595 "bridal gown"

Myra asks for a different dress up dress on a near daily basis. I can't keep up with all the princesses. But one dress that she asks for consistently is a "bride" dress, so I thought her 5th birthday would be just the time for an over the top fancy gown for her dress up box.

This picture makes my heart stop, a little. She's so lovely, but I am definitely not ready to face the possibility of her being an actual bride some day.

The pattern is Simplicity 1595. I was going to use my usual peasant dress, Simplicity 2377, but I had loaned it out, so since Hancock was having a Simplicity sale, I thought I'd just run over and get a spare copy. I use that pattern all the time. Naturally, they were out. So, after a little grumbling, I flipped through the pattern catalog to see what else was available.

I think it was for the best though, as this pattern was much more suited to a fancy dress! The long sleeve ruffle and the midriff band gave me more opportunities for embellishment. I added some hotfix gemstones to the midriff band, for a little extra bling.

She approves of the bling.

I also really like the shape that the midriff band and sash give to the dress. The upper bodice is gathered into the midriff band, which gives the appearance of a waist. It's very shapely.

There is a tie sash in back that pulls in the waist even more. The I made it a size larger than her measurements and a bit long, so that she would be able to wear it a while, but the sash keeps it looking fitted.

The fabrics I used are a polyester satin backed shantung and nylon Chantilly lace, both from the bridal section at Joann. I used the satin side of the main fabric on the inside, so I didn't need a lining. I constructed the dress using the shantung as an underlining for the lace in the bodice, skirt and upper sleeves. I used the lace alone for the sleeve and skirt ruffles and the shantung along (with bling!) for the midriff panel and sash.

Myra loves her bride gown, and she's very happy with the bouquet we made together. Thanks to Gillian for the suggestion!