Daffodillies and Lilacs -- Girls' Spring Dress

Daughter needs new dresses.  What girl doesn't, right?  But seriously, she's put on some height this winter and all the sleeves of her current dresses are getting too short.  And the warm weather is really too far away to wait it out.  So I though I'd make her a couple of long sleeved dresses to tide her over until short sleeve weather.

This is fabric I've been hanging onto a few years.  I've haven't been sure quite what to do with it, but Daughter was absolutely certain :o)   It's just a quilting cotton, bought from JoAnn's, I think.

The pattern is  Butterick 3350.  It looks pretty unglamorous and rather boring.  Which I thought was perfect for this really busy print.

I made a version that doesn't really match any of the views on the envelope: Jewel neckline with the sewn in sash, no trimmings, and long sleeves (which aren't even included in the pattern).

The entire bodice is lined, even the sleeves.  I lined this one with a cheap, poly lining that I really wish I hadn't used.  I'm pretty convinced that lining isn't going to make it through more than a half dozen washings, and after all the work I put in, I find that downright depressing :o(

But it is a pretty dress, and she'll get to enjoy for a little while anyway.

The pattern itself is pretty good.  It doesn't have 3 miles of ease like Big 4 patterns so often do.  As a matter of fact, it is surprisingly close fitting.

The only significant changes I really made is that I lowered the neckline and I made the sleeves long.

Ever wear a top or a dress that felt like it was choking you all day?  That's what the original neckline was like on Daughter.  So I lowered the neckline about an inch.  As for the sleeves, I just lengthened the pattern piece, nothing complicated there.

It's a nice dress.  Daughter likes it, and that's what really matters.