Dear Sis,

William grew out of his 18 month size frock I made him last summer. To be ready for an event at the end of April we made a size 2T. He picked his own fabric! 

I’m planning to make Laughing Moon’s pleated wrapper pattern for myself as a maternity/sizing down dress, so I had pleats on my mind when I searched for an inspiring original on which to base William’s new frock. 

1850-55 Dress for a Boy or Girl, MET Collections

I used Elizabeth Clark’s Infant Gown pattern with the unlined “Infant” bodice option, collected into 1/2 inch pleats. I did have to add fabric for four more pleats because the pattern piece wasn’t quite full enough.

The neck and sleeve bands are created with a 1/4 inch rolled hem, whip stitched in place. 

The bodice and skirt are attached with a 1 inch waist band that it top stitched at the top and bottom to add security to the pleating of both the skirt and bodice.

The skirt has 2 (30 inch) panels, a 2 inch hem, and 3 (1/2 inch) pin tucks to follow the theme established in the bodice.

Front

Back

I found some passable metal buttons in my button tin that I’ll be adding as a closure along with hand stitched button holes.

Happy Sewing!

Love,

b