I am (finally) finishing up my back-to-school sewing for Piper Jane (after this top, this dress, and this dress)… and, let me tell you friends, we are going out on a high note. Never mind that it’s almost October, right?
This Back to School Bateaux A-Line Dress, sewn using this pattern by Anneliese of Aesthetic Nest and (most recently) Wee Muses Sewing Patterns is one of my favorite sewing patterns I have ever tried. Seriously.
Anneliese’s projects are always gorgeous and flawless- of course her patterns are perfectly executed as well. The finished product is gorgeous in it’s J-Crew-y, classic styling (though, with a less preppy fabric choice, the clean lines would take on all sorts of looks- bright, playful, granny chic)!
As per the patterns instructions/measurements, I made Piper Jane a 2T dress with the 3T length. I am pretty much in love with stripes (you should see my closet,) and am especially enamored with this mint-and-cream goodness that I found at Michael Levine in LA. It’s a thick knit, but really soft, almost like sweatshirt material minus the fleece-y lining. I got a ton of it (like, three more yards) and can’t wait to make a whole line up of mint striped projects.
I even made Pi a coordinating mint striped hair bow- the perfect compliment to her little toddler top knot.
Plus, I think the row of sequins I added to the pocket for my sparkle-girl took almost as long as the rest of the sewing combined. Minus the sequins, I think this entire dress would probably take and hour and a half to sew. Of course, I already have the next one cut out and sitting on my sewing table; I cannot wait to make more of these little cuties!
*Disclaimer- I received a free copy of this pattern as part of the pattern tour. All opinions entirely my own.
Renee says
September 17, 2013 at 6:29 amAdorable! love the detail trim on the pocket.
Ellen says
September 17, 2013 at 7:19 amwould love to win this pattern… Would look very cute on my Daughter…
Katy says
September 17, 2013 at 8:03 amI am working on some baby blankets for my sister who just had twin boys 🙂
Anneliese says
September 17, 2013 at 8:09 amI love this mint and cream striped beauty on your beauty! Thanks so much for sewing on the tour, Kirstin. Your take on this is perfect!
Amy says
September 17, 2013 at 8:26 amMy next sewing project will be baby gifts. I love this dress. The mint stripe is so cute!
Jess N. says
September 17, 2013 at 8:35 amThis dress is absolutely ADORABLE!!!!! I would be so blessed to win this pattern to sew some cute dresses for my 2 daughters! ♥ ♥ ♥
Maggie says
September 17, 2013 at 8:48 amI’m sewing some work shirts for my husband to use on the homestead. My little red-headed two year old would look darling in one of these dresses. I hope I win the pattern! 🙂
Nicole says
September 17, 2013 at 9:02 amI am making a Washi Dress as a birthday present for my sister. But for the next project for my daughter, I want to sew her something in a knit fabric, so this pattern would be perfect!
Jess N. says
September 17, 2013 at 9:04 amSorry, I didn’t read exactly what we were supposed to comment on until I went to enter the giveaway. Hopefully my next project will be this cute dress! 😉 haha I need to sew my girls some leggings. 🙂
Tiphaine says
September 17, 2013 at 9:08 amI would love to get this pattern. Got boys over here..and nieces abroad…the versatility of this pattern would give me opportunity to switch styles and colors for sure !
Joanne says
September 17, 2013 at 9:09 amI love your version of this pattern!
lynn says
September 17, 2013 at 9:26 ami’m sewing school clothes for my kindergartener.
Brenda picanco says
September 17, 2013 at 9:28 amI just finished a dress and some shoes for my baby girl. I now have a shirt to refashion for me, then 2 more dresses and a skirt for my baby girl. Can you tell I am excited for finally be sewing for a girl after having 3 boys.
Robin says
September 17, 2013 at 9:46 amI would love to make this my next project! So cute! My 8 and 3 yr old would both love this! 🙂
Niki says
September 17, 2013 at 10:07 amI’m sewing my daughter some skirts for kindergarten, but I would love to sew the Bateaux Neck for her too!!!
Paige says
September 17, 2013 at 10:47 amI am sewinv a wardrobe for my 5 year old voys beat for his b day. I have really been wanting to try this pattern.
Lindsey says
September 17, 2013 at 10:55 amAdorable! I have a handful of skirts going now, but I would love to add one of these sweet dresses to the mix!
Chelli says
September 17, 2013 at 10:57 amI am working on fall curtain dresses for my girlies. Then comes bedding for my boy. Love the sequins on the pocket.
Ayelet says
September 17, 2013 at 12:03 pmI’m sewing some jammies for my little girls 🙂
Shannon says
September 17, 2013 at 12:26 pmSuch a cute dress! I’m working on Halloween costumes and ruffled curtains.
Kreatita T says
September 17, 2013 at 12:33 pmMy next project are pants for my eldest boy.
Sara says
September 17, 2013 at 1:17 pmSuch a great shirt/dress pattern!
Sara says
September 17, 2013 at 1:19 pmAnd I have an Oliver and s class picnic shirt cut out and waiting for me to find time to sew 🙂
ann says
September 17, 2013 at 1:35 pmSomething simple to get myself back into sewing – infinity scarfs for my daughter and maybe for her friends for her bday. Love the Bateau style dress!
Tonia Jeffery says
September 17, 2013 at 1:41 pmI’m currently making winter coats for my two girls.
Tanya says
September 17, 2013 at 2:16 pmMy next sewing job is 2 pairs of leather baby shoes for a customer then I hope to sew more summer sleep shorts (it’ll be hot soon down here in Melbourne), I love stripes too and just bought 20m of a lovely striped knit which would be lovely for this pattern
Nicole says
September 17, 2013 at 2:19 pmLove this! My poor sewing machine has been sadly neglected, but I have so many projects waiting to be finished: a dress for Miss H, a gift for my niece whose birthday was this past Friday (oops!), and a cover for the daybed in the playroom.
Helena says
September 17, 2013 at 3:05 pmI am still working on back to school sewing also. I have 3 skirts planned to coordinate with some sweaters we bought and are forlornly waiting their turn in the closet.
Kim E. says
September 17, 2013 at 4:04 pmI want to begin doing more personalized clothes for my kids and this pattern seems like a great place for a beginner like me to begin.
Jess says
September 17, 2013 at 5:07 pmthis is sooo so adorable! I am in love with the fabric! (soo jealous) and I love the sequins. So playful and preppy!
Kristie says
September 17, 2013 at 6:58 pmI have a paper fan dress waiting for the skirt to be put on. And it needs to be done before Sunday!
kristin says
September 17, 2013 at 9:18 pmI’m sewing a little gift for a sewing friend’s daughter! 🙂 LOVE your version of the bateau and would love to win, since I had to say no to the tour!
Mandi says
September 17, 2013 at 9:24 pmI just finished hemming a few pairs of pants (and getting paid for doing it)! Next up, I’ll make gifts for my niece & nephews. Choices, choices, though…
Christina says
September 17, 2013 at 9:29 pmI love the a-line version of this dress!
Christina says
September 17, 2013 at 9:30 pmI’m finishing up a quilt & need to get back to sewing my daughter some fall/winter clothes.
Alison says
September 17, 2013 at 11:22 pmWhat a cute dress! I’ve been sewing up some undies for my kiddos.
Liz cannon says
September 18, 2013 at 12:07 amAhhhhhh, 25 projects all at once…all piled in my craft area…
Jessica W says
September 18, 2013 at 5:14 amI am working on holiday decor, I want to make some of those plush pumpkins… just need to find some pumpkin stems first
Heidi says
September 18, 2013 at 5:20 amI ADORE that stripy knit! Love her whole outfit, it is just too cute! I’m working on a baby sleep gown for a friend, would love to win this pattern and make it my next project after that 🙂
Ellen says
September 18, 2013 at 10:25 amAt the moment, I’m sewing a travel changing pad (a pretty prudent pattern) as well as quilting a blanket and planning my own wedding dress!
claire says
September 18, 2013 at 1:52 pmso sweet!!!
Anna says
September 18, 2013 at 2:11 pmI’m working on a baby blanket for my new baby boy!
Courtney J says
September 18, 2013 at 6:40 pmUsually I am sewing something for the girls. But Momma needs a new bag so the current project is for me! (Even if it is a diaper bag.)
Amy says
September 18, 2013 at 7:01 pmI am finishing up back-to-school clothes and would LOVE to add this. I have the perfect fabric for it!
Kary says
September 18, 2013 at 7:16 pmA baby blanket for a shower gift
Mely says
September 18, 2013 at 7:16 pmNext project would be Bateaux Top if I win
Kristen says
September 18, 2013 at 7:34 pmJust finished a roly poly pinafore, next more leggings and dresses for my little girl!
Joelle says
September 18, 2013 at 7:35 pmI have two diaper bags cut out and waiting for me (one for me, one for my sister) and have planned out my sister’s baby’s crib set, but I’m having a hard time putting down my 3-week-old so that I can get some sewing done! lol
Ashley Sheridan says
September 18, 2013 at 9:03 pmMaxi skirts and tote bags!
Erin Keith says
September 20, 2013 at 2:06 pmI’m so jealous that you get to do back to school sewing! I had wondered if you made this dress when I saw it in your ig feed-love!! And I’m with you on that fabric, holy moly!! Soooo super gorgeous and it even looks as soft as you’ve described. Jealous that you can go into Michael Levine. 🙂
Ps-Hope you are doing well with all of this “two kiddos in school working all day” stuff!! Thinking of you friend. 🙂
Kirstin says
September 20, 2013 at 10:01 pmHaha- the dresses have been so fun to make- though, I am more than ready to give my sewing machine a little rest. 🙂
And, funny you should mention my work mornings. I am hoping they get better? I have 2.5 hours on Tuesday and Thursday morning, but only three weeks a month (one week I help in the kids’ classrooms). I have had four ‘work mornings’ so far. One morning I ran out of gas (during that giant downpour that caused all of the floodin no less). And one morning the school called me to come get the kids because they thought Burke was getting sick. AGH! They’re going to get better, though, I can feel it. 🙂