Frick, Frack & the Princess: It's Always a Learning Process

So in recent months I decided to go outside my comfort zone of somewhat square blankets and sewing a fabric skirt on the bottom of clearance T-Shirts to making actual clothes. Now, I am only making kids clothes, since there are no curve or darts required. None the less, it has been such a learning process.

I have a new pattern for the Jaanu Dress by StraightGrain. I love that there are two options and you can print out just the size you want by selecting just the correct layer.
My latest attempt was a zipper and actual sleeves. After I had actually sewed the first sleeve on and to looked like a real sleeve I ran to show my husband. He was not quite sure what all my excitement was about and his response was, "don't you need two?"

I can say that I was really apprehensive about taking this on, wasn't sure if I was really up to the task. I am glad I did it though, learned a lot and got a cute dress out if it.

I decided on using a navy twill for the body and a yellow polka dot cotton for the bodice and sleeves.
I had cut out the fabric and reviewed the instructions (over and over again).

Here it is before the zipper and sleeves.

And now the zipper. I was so giddy when I finished and it actually zipped up.

In the end it came out great, I am pretty proud of the results. The dress is a little big on her, but that will give her some more time to wear it. I also might make another with the body one size smaller, the bodice fit nice.

I also made the bias tape to put on the hem. Confession: first time I attached it I cut it to short, ended up taking it all off and starting over. So glad I did too, the finish looks so much better than what I had with the first attempt.