tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post2062974159797339647..comments2024-03-14T16:03:32.434-04:00Comments on Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing: What Do Little Girls Want?Gertiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314542159287533507noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-52221280161401881812012-09-07T07:57:24.626-04:002012-09-07T07:57:24.626-04:00Nice blog. I also suggest one best online shopping...Nice blog. I also suggest one best online shopping store for latest kids wear that is Moppet isle. <a href="http://www.moppetisle.com/" rel="nofollow"> buy girls Clothing India </a><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04598019526451797184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-792393551960350772011-08-22T08:42:28.071-04:002011-08-22T08:42:28.071-04:00puffy sleeves and tulles are great for a Girls Par...puffy sleeves and tulles are great for a <a href="http://www.elitedresses.com/Girls_Party_Dresses_s/8.htm" rel="nofollow">Girls Party Dresses</a>.teenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09367332210160962866noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-86777928953236680022010-05-12T12:07:56.832-04:002010-05-12T12:07:56.832-04:00Wow! I don't know if I am quite ready for tha...Wow! I don't know if I am quite ready for that! My little girl is almost two, it should be fun though. Thanks for the great site!Lynnhttp://seweasymachine.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-73102243166981404302010-05-08T18:32:09.250-04:002010-05-08T18:32:09.250-04:00I realize this is late and all but...have you ever...I realize this is late and all but...have you ever checked out Oliver and S? That lady (Liesl Gibson) is amazing at creating childrens' patterns and her instructions are like a sewing class in themselves. Her fabric choices are always right on and I don't think she picks it unless her daughter would wear it. My girl is two so I can wrassle her into anything. But I do think that little girls (12 and under) should stay little girls for as long as they can, and should therefore DRESS like little girls have almost always dressed. I am currently loving brightly colored taffeta plaid.....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-5430159940366718142010-05-06T00:34:36.138-04:002010-05-06T00:34:36.138-04:00This spring, I made my four-year-old daughter an E...This spring, I made my four-year-old daughter an Easter dress from a vintage Simplicity pattern. She was very clear she wanted a green dress, so I jumped in with a green gingham plisse with white trim. The dress turned out fun, feminine, and modern without being at all fussy. The bolero jacket that went with it had buttons up the back and a Peter Pan collar, so it still had a very vintage vibe, without looking too much like a costume.Katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00724471985491123814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-11573814169022725772010-05-05T22:43:14.688-04:002010-05-05T22:43:14.688-04:00As the proud mommy of 2 girls (7yo & 4yo) I ca...As the proud mommy of 2 girls (7yo & 4yo) I can tell you that they both LOVE dresses of any and every kind. And yes, purses too. And sparkly shoes.<br />They've never complained about different fabrics being itchy, though I can see how that would be a good consideration. And I agree with other posters that bright colors would be preferable to pastels. Pastels are for babies and Easter dresses only.<br />They would likely wear any dress anytime, but I normally dress them in modern clothes (with lower hemlines- I despise the mini-hoochie fashions) for everyday wear. But as far as they're concerned, the fancier, the better. I've never heard them complain that something was too pretty. ;)<br /><br />Now I can't help but respond to the few comments expressing displeasure with frilly dresses and gender stereotypes. I have never forced my daughters to wear frilly dresses, and I would never force them NOT to. An anti-stereotype is still a stereotype. We discuss "princess" behavior and why it's undesirable. They play sports better than their male cousins. I go out of my way to show them real, strong female role models. And I encourage them to find their own happiness. They shouldn't feel pressured by any man OR woman to fit an ideal. Gender roles are far more complex than they were when we were girls. I think it's bad enough that boys are so strongly discouraged from expressing themselves in "girly" ways, I'm not about to do that to girls too.<br />ahem. Thank you. *steps off the soapbox*Mary Effing-Poppinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01907320727256531960noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-84163100184460007592010-05-05T22:29:15.656-04:002010-05-05T22:29:15.656-04:00A lot of good points have been made above. Little...A lot of good points have been made above. Little girls and boys vary quite a bit in their fashion preferences, just as we do. <br />This is my favorite source for little girls' fashion inspiration:<br />http://katiedid.squarespace.com/<br />So Many Amazing Outfits! <br />I also like to browse the Oliver & S Flickr group for inspiring fabric combinations. Also, any Japanese pattern book for girls. <br />I love the look of black gingham, which can range from cotton to silk, and looks modern while still being adorable. <br />My cousin, who is four, totally loves pink and puffy and princess, but has been completely thrilled with the items I have made just for her- a purple velvet jacket and skirt, and a blue polka dot dress that ties in the back.ameliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06696384916078023299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-85215660472868226392010-05-05T22:14:49.242-04:002010-05-05T22:14:49.242-04:00i loved old-fashioned clothing when i was 8, proba...i loved old-fashioned clothing when i was 8, probably because i spent as much time as permitted reading...things like the "little house" series and the "betsy-tacy" books. i would have LOVED a little gingham or flowered ("pink-sprigged calico") dress with a "twirly" skirt and peter pan collar. but i've always been a bit of an anachronism. ;)Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04549068155719996908noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-14238291431754483622010-05-05T14:43:49.008-04:002010-05-05T14:43:49.008-04:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Amandahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07934570624459048979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-47609332475373619192010-05-05T10:16:28.307-04:002010-05-05T10:16:28.307-04:00I would go all out and make a retro-girly confecti...I would go all out and make a retro-girly confection. Loads of girls like to dress up, or at least play dress up. <br /><br />Kids have different senses of style, just like adults. There's no one particular style of dress that will please all 8 year olds (or even their mothers). Just look at what's available at crewcuts vs. gymboree vs. department stores.Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05191408099998696674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-56442122863160288322010-05-05T05:02:00.908-04:002010-05-05T05:02:00.908-04:00I was the little girl at 8 that wanted the 1950s r...I was the little girl at 8 that wanted the 1950s retro dress...and got them.<br /><br />I don't think I wore "normal" clothes until I was about 12. Other then that I wore a lot of party dresses and as an 8 year old, I would have liked Emillio's better then SA's. (As an adult I just want SA's jacket).<br /><br />Kids are also bigger now, so the whole pastel, cuppycake nature of it will probably not be worn by a kid 8 years old, and given the nature of what you want to do with it you should do what you like.<br /><br />My son wears retro, which is where my experience for little kid sewing begins and ends. I make him clothes from the 30s-50s and by and large, he's got ideas of what he won't wear (knee pants, stuff that looks too girly) and things he will (Hawaiian prints, ascots, button up vests) and I tend to make mini-adult clothes for the boy in adult prints. Largely I let him choose his own fabrics, and he chooses things like kelly green brocade, tattoo prints and lots and lots of skulls. If I tried to do anything fancy he would have a screaming fit at me, and has.<br /><br />Since this is not for any kid in particular, just go with what you want to do. Some kid out there will like it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-40134376501906166522010-05-05T04:32:33.506-04:002010-05-05T04:32:33.506-04:00I have to agree that the kiddies love the soft fab...I have to agree that the kiddies love the soft fabric, we have a range in target here in australia that is designed by The Veronica's (an aussie girl group with great girlie/punk style) maybe you could look that up for some inspiration, going by my step daughter the girly girly stuff ain't so popular anymore :-( I have a little boy but always find myself in the little girl section ooh-ing and ahh-ing, lol.rubyslippers_86https://www.blogger.com/profile/18357170072138624681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-38287597236062229652010-05-05T01:14:12.869-04:002010-05-05T01:14:12.869-04:00If my nieces are anything to go by, the shinier, f...If my nieces are anything to go by, the shinier, frillier, sequinner, more-bits-stuck-on-it-er the better. Style seems to be less relevant than bling! But don't listen to me, listen to parents and kids!AllisonChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07431369603470575306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-73741214792463313712010-05-05T01:08:26.546-04:002010-05-05T01:08:26.546-04:00Double check the measurements against, for example...Double check the measurements against, for example, the sizing charts on Oliver&S or Ottobre. I think the age range you're making it for would affect fabric/print choices a fair amount.<br /><br />Make it a classic party dress and make it out of fine silk and blow some little girl who likes to play dress up princess with how much incredibly nicer it is than her nylon disney princess costume from walmart.<br /><br />Or make it modern and get some anna maria horner voiles. <br /><br />Or make it classic and modern at the same time and make it out of a small gingham check with accents in contrasting modern print.<br /><br />Or make it a classic, modern, and deliciously fancy party dress all at once and use a gingham check silk broadcloth (NYC can deliver, right?)<br /><br />But seriously, if you're not making it for some real particular girl, make it suit your own style -- you'll have the most fun making it that way. And as for the people who keep warning you to make sure it's comfy from the inside: lining and careful/professional finishing techniques. Done!Beehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13481830027900552668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-45436841537372201572010-05-05T00:06:39.089-04:002010-05-05T00:06:39.089-04:00I have observed that little girl styles tend to va...I have observed that little girl styles tend to vary geographically. Little girls in the US South and Southeast still tend to wear very traditional dresses, even with puffed sleeves! At age 8 or so, they may begin preferring a cap sleeve or straight sleeve. As others have mentioned, this vintage size 8 may not necessarily correspond to an 8 year old girl.<br />If you plan on keeping it, I would not use one of the trendy quilting cottons that have been mentioned. In my opinion, that would date it even more than the pattern possibly might. <br />There are many wonderful lawns that would make a beautiful dress. The softer lawns would also not make the sleeves or skirt as puffy as the heavier quilting cotton fabrics. There are several pattern companies and publications still very popular in the heirloom sewing and smocking world with patterns very similar to this. I own a small heirloom sewing and smocking store, and see this type of dress still made and loved by both little girls and their mothers.Jan Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07876568604399905934noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-11664757644776614822010-05-04T23:59:07.276-04:002010-05-04T23:59:07.276-04:00My daughter is nearly four. She would adore a dre...My daughter is nearly four. She would adore a dress that was pink/purple, sparkly, fairy princess ballerina mermaid (yes, all those together at once) and adorned with butterflies. We're living the cliche here.<br /><br />My tastes would be very different but we're learning to compromise.Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03685552314595312076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-46086215457134362592010-05-04T23:07:59.397-04:002010-05-04T23:07:59.397-04:00I have 3 yr old twin girls and there's no way ...I have 3 yr old twin girls and there's no way they will wear ruffles or puffy sleeves. Heck, i have a hard enough time getting them into dresses, period. They do love purses, though!! And 31 is not old; it's a great age to have a kid. And girls? They're way cool. :)I am Arizona; a person, not a place.https://www.blogger.com/profile/18162117959024394009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-1895236827978677742010-05-04T21:53:17.703-04:002010-05-04T21:53:17.703-04:00I work in foster care, so I'd recommend you do...I work in foster care, so I'd recommend you donate the dress to your local agency. We are always needing clothing and other items for our kids, especially those cared for my relatives or family friends, who receive little to no financial assistance. It would likely be the nicest thing that child's ever worn.<br /><br />I'd make it as a church dress. I don't see a child wearing that to school or on the playground. :)<br /><br />What do kids want? They vary widely, but all would agree on something that doesn't itch. lolAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-17827243134256944802010-05-04T19:58:44.939-04:002010-05-04T19:58:44.939-04:00Hi Gertie,
Just from observation, I would say gir...Hi Gertie,<br /><br />Just from observation, I would say girls under eight love to dress in bright, simple dresses that resemble fairy or princess gowns. I just visited a garden museum where there was a 'swarm' of little girls in this age range and ALL of them were in adorable dresses that had fun prints. Reminded me of Amy Butler prints so they had a modern flair to them for sure! Some girls also had peasant skirts, you know, the ones with three or four tiers. So sweet! I cannot wait to see what fabric you choose!<br /><br />Visit this site for inspiration!<br />http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/products/fabrics_top.php?fabric=daisy-chain&flid=14<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />Rebekah<br />http://www.artandneedlework.blogspot.comRebekahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12937704182716495968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-13494645049767504542010-05-04T19:52:54.309-04:002010-05-04T19:52:54.309-04:00Is this pattern hopelessly outdated for an 8-year-...<i> Is this pattern hopelessly outdated for an 8-year-old? Is the idea of "retro" lost on an 8-year-old? Should I try to give it a bit more of a modern edge with fabric choices - and if so, what? Or should I go traditional and make this a frilly, frothy cupcake of a dress?</i><br /><br />8 year olds are people, and their preferences vary, just like grownups. My advice is to find a girl to sew for and ask her help to design! (depending on the child, she may take an active role but probably you can do most of the "steering" on this one). <br /><br />I do this for my kids and they always like the end result (when they were smaller, they liked whatever I made them but now they're involved in every step of the way).kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08183686721305419157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-82574721931318707482010-05-04T18:29:01.434-04:002010-05-04T18:29:01.434-04:00The dress in the Project Runway photo suffers sinc...The dress in the Project Runway photo suffers since it looks like a sack.... A well fitted dress would look gorgeous.<br /><br />And as a 39yr old, first time mother to be - dont stress about that biological clock! Although I would love to see what you would make for babies and children! (And... we are having a girl apparently!).Cathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00947982822958330915noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-50267877440105674162010-05-04T18:25:18.572-04:002010-05-04T18:25:18.572-04:00You are going to love my comment:
Make it any way...You are going to love my comment:<br /><br />Make it any way you please! Someone will love it. I am the mother of 3 girls, and I can say confidently that different girls like different things. There are a lot of little princesses out there (thank you, Disney) who would ADORE a frothy confection. They are still sold for holidays, and are perennially popular with grandmothers.<br /><br />My nearly-eight-year-old has a lot of "tomboy" going on. She insists on "getting fresh air", collects leaves and rocks, sneaks outside to look at the moon, builds with her erector set, and waxes rhapsodic about "Science!" but... she would prefer to do all of that in a play dress. They are often jersey, but she will wear wovens if they are pretty and comfortable. She usually wears leggings under them. <br /><br />So, really, you can't lose. Just be sure to finish the insides nicely and cover any scratchy bits. A 26" chest is now size 7 in Vogue patterns so I'm sure this dress will fit a younger child than you imagine.Maurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08842561589741133873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-71765030806389261712010-05-04T18:07:28.162-04:002010-05-04T18:07:28.162-04:00My 9 year-old daughter has a dress that has puffed...My 9 year-old daughter has a dress that has puffed sleeves. But it manages to not look too young by the fact that the top of the dress resembles a blouse and the skirt looks as if it's a separate skirt all together with a matching belt. I think it depends upon the fabric you use, staying away from a lovely classic like seersucker (which I would adore, but my daughter would roll her eyes at). Also, the fact that her dress had a belt and not a sash with a bow in the back also made her feel more grown up without looking older than a 9 year old should look. :-)Janahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00085496180801555852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-15831043087090145782010-05-04T17:35:18.345-04:002010-05-04T17:35:18.345-04:00My little one is 6 and her favourite peice of clot...My little one is 6 and her favourite peice of clothing at the moment is a black and white gingham dress with a 3 meter wide skirt!! It twirls,the gingham is soft,she wears it with cute little pink shoes and she also wears her chucks with it.Black and white works,it can be girly and pretty, or it can be toughened up.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-43192551055602379792010-05-04T17:20:18.730-04:002010-05-04T17:20:18.730-04:00Little girls love frilly still, and puffy, the big...Little girls love frilly still, and puffy, the big thing is the feel of the frabric. Something is even slightly scratchy they will refuse to wear it. Making a matching little handbag would be cute too.Angelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01702745937207929017noreply@blogger.com