Ainsley’s Singing Recital: Modified Caroline Party Dress

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Little Ainsley had her singing recital tonight (scroll down for a snippet of her singing), and of course, I had to make her a new dress.  Using my Caroline Party Dress pattern, I modified it to make this beautiful dress.  The bodice is knit, the sash and underskirt is satin, and the overskirt is chiffon.

I had posted this photo on my Instagram (follow me and say HI!) and people wanted to know what pattern I used (and also couldn’t believe her hair!)  So, of course, I knew I would have to share good photos of her wearing it.

Modifications made:

*My Caroline Party dress has faux cap sleeves.  This is easy to adjust.  Simply straighten out the curve to created a straight bodice.

*The Caroline already has directions for the underskirt, so that is what I did, except I added a cute ruffle.

*Adding a sash is easy.  Simply sew the front sash to the front bodice and then secure it into the side seams when sewing the front and back bodices together.  Leave the long back tie sashes loose.

*I scooped the neck slightly in the front, not the back.

* Because this is a knit bodice and you will not need a zipper, eliminate the center back seam of the original pattern and cut on a fold, instead of cutting two.  If the child is on the cusp of a size, which Ainsley is, size down for the bodice.  For instance, she is *almost* a size 6.  I cut the size 5 Caroline bodice.

That’s it!  The Caroline is very versatile with minor changes.  It is a great base pattern and a good way to learn modifications.

Watch the short clip of Ainsley singing a solo during one of her 5 performances.  She loves performing and takes it very seriously 🙂

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Hayley

Hayley Crouse is a wife, mother and multifaceted designer. Her love of sewing, crafting, cooking and interior design infuses her daily life and naturally spills over into her online presence. She pushes the envelope of her creativity and hopes that others will be inspired to do the same. She currently authors the Welcome to the Mouse House Blog, is the pattern designer behind Mouse House Creations and is a collaborative designer with Willow & Co. Patterns.

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