Cilla leaf dress

I have been waiting for some materials to arrive from England for the project I told you about that I’ll be making for Ronja. Friday however, my mail man still didn’t bring what I needed, so I thought that I would make something else. Armed with the latest issue of Ottobre, I made the Cilla dress for Frida.

 Cilla leaf dress - mosaic

I made a few alterations – and really this dress kind of evolved in the making. I didn’t cut up the skirt section as the instructions tell you to – I cut it in one piece. The fabric I used is baby corduroy instead of wool-knit, and I hemmed it with a wide bias tape made from the same fabric I used for the facing inside the yoke panels. Finally, I lacked something to bring it all together, and I came up with the leaf appliqué which is my own design. Also, inspired by Karen’s beautiful version of the dress, I used snaps for the shoulder closures.

I really like the result, even though initially I didn’t know where I was going with the dress. I thought I was making a dress for every day use, but this doesn’t excactly fit that description – at least not in my opinion. I really like the pattern – it’s wonderfully versatile. I have no idea what she will be wearing this one for, but hopefully we’re going to a Christmas party or two within the next 2 months.  🙂

15 comments

  1. Lara says:

    This is really beautiful, and I love the way that it has evolved throughout its making. The applique really ties it all together nicely.

  2. Tara says:

    Wow, that’s amazing! I love it! You and I have such a similar aesthetic. I’m just gonna have to come on over to Denmark so we can hang out, have a cup of tea and talk sewing for our little blondies.

  3. Jeannine McCloskey says:

    Astrid, you and your designs never seize to amaze me. This is adorable, and I am sure the colors will look beautiful on your children. Love the applique. I know that everyone will be making this top/dress, and I cannot wait to see what everyone does with it.

  4. Astrid says:

    Lara – thank you so much! 🙂

    Tara – LOL – thank you! You just come on by, girl!

    Lisa – Thank you so much! 🙂

    Jeannine – thank you, and I agree – I also love the fact that I know lots of these dresses will appear in the Flickr-group. Wonderful inspiration!

    Annette – tak skal du sørme have! Den blev lidt finere, end jeg lige havde tænkt mig, men den skal nok finde lejlighed til at blive brugt. Faktisk synes jeg sommetider, at det er nemmere at finde på hen ad vejen – så behøver man ikke se det hele for sig fra starten – for det kan nemlig godt være svært… 😉

  5. Jenny says:

    Oh, Astrid… THIS may be my absolute favorite thing you’ve made, which says a lot considering I adore it all. What size did you make Frida? Great job!!

  6. Karen says:

    Aww you’re so sweet! Your dress is stunning! You bet it could be every-day dressing….just put it on over jeans. Seriously! Every day is a special occasion for Frida. That’s why she’s always smiling 🙂

  7. dana says:

    Oh WOW. That might be my favorite creation of yours to-date. How adorable! I love the fabric, the pattern, the added flair you gave it on the front. Such a sweet little dress.
    I love everything you make. Can you start a clothing line?? 🙂

  8. Astrid says:

    Marina – LOL, ja det ville ikke være så tosset. Tak skal du have! 😉

    Celia – thank you so much! 🙂

    Eva – thank you! 🙂

    Jenny – thank you! I made Frida a size 74, and it’s quite right for her – slightly big, but not too much, just to make sure it fits her for a while. I expect you’ll be making this for Kate? 😉 (Remember my version is a bit longer than the pattern suggests – since I hemmed it with bias tape, I didn’t use any of the seam allowance.)

    Karen – thanks! 🙂 I think you’re right actually – it would work well with a pair of jeans, and even better when she starts walking. She’s a happy girl, that’s for sure!

    Dana – LOL, I would have to do something serious about my sewing pace if I were to make money off of it. But thank you so much, girl – you’re sweet! 🙂

    Mirre – this would definitely work well as a Christmas dress! Then I would have to make a blouse to go with it, though… Thank you! 😉

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