Baby Bug's Birthday Dress

This was one of the projects that actually made it off my to do list in time for the party. I used the great tutorial that Jess at Craftiness is not Optional contributed to See Kate Sew's Pleat Weeks.

The tutorial was for this adorable top, but I really wanted to make a dress. I followed the tutorial to make the top, and then added two little cap sleeves and an easy, slightly-gathered tiered skirt.

She was not so much into the whole posing for pictures thing.

To add a skirt to the top without creating a weird belly bulge, I had to sew my pleats all the way down the front rather than only a few inches like in the original top. I also only used three buttons on the back and sewed the bottom part of the back shut.

I don't sew clothes very often, but this made me think I should do it more often! I really like the way the dress turned out, and I thought it was special that her dress matched the party theme and decor. (See the party here). 

Linking up at Nifty Thrifty Sunday at Nifty Thrifty Things, Making Mondays Marvelous at C.R.A.F.T., Tip Me Tuesday at Tip Junkie, Take a Look Tuesday at Sugar Bee Crafts, Things I've Done Thursdays at Bear Rabbit Bear, and Sew Cute Tuesday at Creative Itch.