OOP Simplicity 8129 Tunic and Trousers for Beatrix

My first sew for 2020.

A truly indulgent project chosen by Trixie.

Hugo and Zara gave me a box of vintage sewing patterns for Christmas and this little sweetie was included.

Beatrix pulled this piece of rayon from the remnant bin at Horsham Spotlight (they have the best remnants) 

The pattern is a size 3+4and I cut the size 4 dress for Trixie.

The dress is a bit on the short side, European length, so I thought I would sew the trousers too.

The fabric is another remnant, cotton broadcloth, in a greeny/blue colour. Petrel? Deep teal?

I am not sure.

It is odd, I often feel like I am 'cheating' making simple trousers or shorts, which is daft!

Children grow fast, they also like comfortable waistbands, elastic is adaptable and gentle on the tum!

Trixie is five and this is size four and it only just fits.

This is something I have to get used to, Tilly was wearing size 2 shorts in Year One at school. Trixie is not a big child, she is just not tiny!

The dress/tunic has a gathered front that is attached to a rounded yoke.

The instructions call for you to interface this only but I chose to interface and self line.

I also neatened the edge of the yoke and the dress BEFORE sewing the two together.

Trixie still has a wee toddler tummy and she doesn't like anything firm on it.

This style of dress/tunic is perfect as it gives her ease.

The trousers are perfect!

I think I will make a few pairs for school.

They have a nice cut, not too full and looks adorable with the creases pressed in.

I think I will topstitch the crease in, in the next pair.

The hems are trimmed with some vintage rickrack from my mothers stash, in the perfect shade of mustard.

The trims were all Trixie.

She say the pattern packet and declared she needed trims too.

I want sure about the guipure daisy trim around the yoke but she insisted.

Wearing her knitted cap by Auntie Sarvi

I love sewing vintage patterns so the odd addition to make the girl happy to wear them (like a few daisies) is something I can live with.

~Trixie's Verdict~

The white flowers are my favourite (the trim) and I like the big pink flowers and the trousers.

I like how they have the orange bits on the trousers.

The socks are itchy (oh dear) but the trousers are not.

It's nice and silky.

~My Verdict~

I am absolutely delighted with how this one turned out.

Rayon is probably not a regular choice for a child's dress but it is soft and cool to wear and this was a $3 remnant so was not great loss if it doesn't handle play well.

This style of clothing is quick to sew and easy to wear. I have often dismissed it as 'not challenging enough' but it is still possible to have a fine finish on a simple garment and I need to stop being such a bloody snob!

I am definitely looking at my vintage patterns with fresh eyes.

Sewn up in modern fabrics and colours they truly are lovely.

Thank you for reading.... xx N