A Nautical Dress

This week is the “spring break” challenge over at Project run and play.  For this challenge, you design a look inspired by your favorite vacation spot.

My favorite vacation spot is the beach! Specifically this beach….

 

A secluded spot on the coast of Florida where we vacation with my family every year.  Not only is it a gorgeous spot, but we pretty much get miles of beach to ourselves for the better part of a week.

So taking some inspiration from my beach spot, I designed a nautical dress for Em.

 

Would you believe all of the fabrics in this dress came from Walmart?  Yep! When I saw this fabulous navy stripe I bought all that they had…which unfortunately was only 1 yard, I am going to have my eye out for when they restock!

  

I used the Caroline Party Dress by Mouse House Creations to make this dress (which I have sewn before, I just love this pattern!)  I modified it a bit and sewed a band across the bottom of the bodice, I also did buttons and a bias placket at the back instead of a zipper so I could use these awesome gold buttons I inherited from my grandmother. 

 

Let’s take a closer look at how I used the beach to inspire this look….

First, there are the stripes.  I don’t think it gets more nautical then navy and white stripes.

 

Then the gold buttons.  I sewed two on the waistband, sailor style.

 

And finally, I picked this pretty green color for the bodice; it is almost the exact same color as the sea glass we find on the beach.

 

I made the dress a size up from what Em normally wears and left some extra fabric so I can let the hem out a bit as she grows.  That way it will fit her in August when we head to that beach.  I already have a matching outfit planned for her brother for some cute family photos!