Dear Sis,

I happened to have fabric for a frock, pinafore, and slat bonnet in my remnant stash! Just enough for a little boy, who just turned two:)

Inspiration:

Two Layer Directionally Pleated Skirt

with a Smooth Bodice and Fitted Sleeves

The frock came together quickly!

I modify Elizabeth Stewart Clark patterns for most of creations. This is a smooth bodice with an open neckline. The neck, armscyes, and waist are piped.

The short sleeve is cut on the salvage so no hemming was needed. The fullness is controlled with a few pleats in the back, which will be visible in the final photo that features the buttons on the back closure.

This homespun fabric is loosely woven enough the sunlight shows through a single layer. For this reason I chose a two layer skirt that is directionally pleated and sews directly to the waist. 

Onto trimming:

I used 1/2 inch velvet trim to accentuate the layers of the skirt.

I used hook and eye tape at the closure to save time, but I still stitched on small metal buttons for a more masculine look.

This final shows the back of the sleeves best. In the period, even smooth selves often had a bit of fullness, often controlled with gathering or pleated just below the shoulder seam. 

Love,

b

P.S. The bonnets are done too!