The Caroline Dress for Preschool Graduation

Ania came to me two weeks prior to her preschool graduation and requested a dress. She explained to me that I needed to make a dress for her because I love her. Apparently, buying a dress is not sufficient to show love. :)

Ania's graduation was bitter sweet for me. I am excited to see her growing up into a smart and beautiful little girl. On the other hand, I can't believe she is going to school. Somehow, I missed a lot of Ania's baby and toddler years. It seemed that I was either preoccupied with Eli's constant ear infections, or I was having a difficult pregnancy, or being sleep deprived, or just trying to make it working full time. Meanwhile, Ania was not an easy child - strong willed and temperamental (I don't know where she gets that:) ). Here we are, my little baby is not so little any more.



 A big part of me wants to hang on to a few years of complete innocence and sweetness. That desire drove my fabric choice, the ubiquitous Children on Parade print by Sarah Jane. Let's face it, how much longer will I be able to sew sweet dresses in cute prints before she rolls her eyes on me. Speaking of print, notice the perfect print match on the seam. No heads were chopped off. Phew! :) It might be my most proud accomplishment. LOL.

The pattern is The Caroline Dress by Mouse House Creations. It is a very well done pattern; the fit is great and the instructions are so easy to follow. If you are intermediated by invisible zippers, try the pattern. Hayley's instructions are superb!

Ania loved her dress and thought she looked beautiful. Here comes the funny part. She attended a Russian preschool. Graduations are huge celebrations where kids sing in a choir, recite poetry, perform dance routines, etc. Upon our arrival, the dress was deemed not glitzy enough for the performance and she was changed into this.

  

Yep, I have no words either. They are lucky I have a good sense of humor. LOL.