Project Run & Play Week 1: Party Dress

Hi! I am so excited to be participating in Project Run & Play for the first time! I first learned of it on the Frances Suzanne blog and I always love a challenge. It's a great way to make something different and I love to have a deadline to motivate me!
 
The pattern for this challenge is the Party Dress by The Cottage Home. I wanted to do something elegant and I was happy to find these 2 fabrics that look great together! The bodice is pin-tucked taffeta and the skirt is flocked taffeta. The skirt fabric is very "crisp". It makes a wonderful swishy sound when it moves. The bodice is lined in a soft gray broadcloth. I made a size 5 because I felt the design of the fabric was too big for a small child.

 I thought about all sorts of belts I could make, but in the end I opted for a simple black velvet ribbon sash and it looks perfect!

 The skirt fabric is 54" wide and I used the whole width to make a very full skirt. It is gathered as much as possible, but I love the way the skirt looks and if I had a model, I'm sure it would be great for twirling!

 A challenge is a great time to try something new. I've seen dresses with "tutu" hems, but had never done one. I bought 4 yards of tulle and used almost every inch! I cut strips 4" wide, gathered down the center, folded them over, and stitched them to peek out from under the hem. So, the ruffle is 4 thicknesses of tulle and very full. I would definitely do this again!

I am planning to participate in all 6 weeks of Project Run & Play if I can! I have already planned weeks 2, 5, & 6 and I'm very eager to start sewing!!