This little ditty is the Charlie dress pattern by Mingo & Grace.
I love the shape of a drop-waisted dress, and now that I’ve made one, I think I’m smitten.
It’s just so cool, swingy, and casual.
I used this darling-as-ever Princess in the Pea print by Heather Ross. I don’t sew a whole lot with the cutesier prints out there, but there’s something I just love about this one- Heather’s style is so unique. The colors pop against the cream background, and I just love that little princess and her red cheeks atop those beds.
So, the Charlie dress is a sweet pattern, but I didn’t totally follow the instructions here. Mostly, because the armholes, neckline and back slit, are finished with bias tape. I realized that the fact that bias tape was involved was probably what was keeping me from being motivated to sew this one (I’d had my pattern cut out and sitting on my desk for a month but inside would hem and haw about using the bias tape for some reason. I guess I hate sewing with it?). So, I decided to sort of “mash-up” this pattern with Dana’s First Day Dress pattern. I love the look of a fully lined dress, so I basically followed Dana’s instructions so I could do that here. I really love Dana’s pattern, by the way- it’s become a steadfast favorite, and I’ve got a few more versions coming down the pipe soon.
Of course, I used Rae’s sausage step to line my bodice because you now it’s all the rage now. (<—that’s for you, Rachel! hee hee.) Heidi has a good tutorial as well that shows how to do this as well. You should try it sometime if you haven’t.
I think the weight of a lined dress is so nice- it’s not heavy at all, but it just hangs so nicely (better in person). I’m just really happy that I went that route. Not to mention, the mint lining peeking out is pretty sweet. These are the things I live for, people. Add Americanos and raw cookie dough to that list too.
The Charlie closes with a simple button and loop, but of course I forgot to slip my elastic loop in before sewing, so I just made a buttonhole. It works.
Her face in this next shot kills me. It’s so her. She makes the best faces.
So I’m all, “Coco, guess what?”
Coco: “what?”
“That dress is going in my etsy shop. So… that means you don’t get to keep it. Okay?”
Hahahaha… mean mommy.
Nah, she loves me.
-Erin
HUNGIE GUNGIE 
lovely dress! I love this farbic and would never have thought to use it for a dress. Very darling!!and I love here different faces!!
aw, thanks sophie! -e
What a gorgeous dress… I’ve lost my sewing mojo these past few weeks, but you’ve inspired me. Thanks! 🙂
ha, I lose my mojo every couple of months… love reading blogs that help me with that! 🙂
Love a lined dress! You are so good with the lining. I’m all about a sneaky peak of color! When are you gonna give me some one-on-one lessons???
when you teach me to knit!!! let’s talk!
That is adorable!
thank you!!
I love it, Erin! I love your style so much! And yes the video is definitely all the rage! :p
Thanks so much Rachel!
I’ve got to try that sausage step! Good work here sis, someone’s gonna buy that right up!
thank you caro. XO
Well isn’t that adorable?? Great use of that print and really love the mint lining, too. YOU’RE A MACHINE.
oh, that expression is so classic! So glad you captured in with your camera:) And that dress is adorable – great idea to line it, as working with bias tape can be so fiddly. Love the mint peeking out too:)
thanks, K! I’m only a machine around January and February… my least favorite months. hee hee
Haaaaaa! Her face! Love it. I’m just getting caught up on your blog, and I love it all. You pick such great interesting fabrics, and everything looks so classically beautiful. Just like YOU! Great job!
haha AWWW!! and so glad that sausage step is coming in handy. Love the facial expressions. MEAN MOMMIES OF THE INTERNET UNITE!