Book Week for The Princess

Do your kids participate in any book week activities? Mine do (or have done) with a parade at school.  I think this year was my 9th one but my first in a while where only one was involved. X is now too big (and too cool) for this kind of thing. But The Princess is still right into it. We spent a week gathering ideas. Which book? Which character? She decided on Sophie from Sophie's Misfortune. This is a lovely book by Comtesse de Ségur written in 1858 for her grandchildren which has been translated recently by Adelaide's own Stephanie Smee. So what does Sophie wear?

I spent a bit of time checking out the story and more time checking out the cover (and any other cover versions I could find online). Not much there beyond a white or light coloured dress.

So artistic interpretation was definitely an option. I have invested in a few girls patterns lately, including Simplicity 1457. A very versatile pattern. Options for length, sleeves and neckline. And a cute little bag included.

After much consultation with The Princess, we landed on a lovely poplin with a light embroidered pattern overlaying a tiny red and mint strawberry pattern. From our local Spotties. Cap sleeves and round neck. I made up a 12 which is still a little big, but maxed out the length. A few reviews mentioned it was on the short side. The length was ok in the end. 

Nothing special in the construction. The yoke is fully faced, which could be overkill but given I was using a light weight fabric I went with it. It looked fine. I had a zen moment hemming the dress. I decided to do it by hand. There is something calming about working a hem with a fine needle and thread (I am contemplating more hand sewing - don't know how I'll fit it in though). I bought mint coloured ribbon to match for her hair, but ended up embellishing the front with a bow too. I think it's a nice touch.

Importantly, The Princess is dead chuffed with the result. Lots of compliments on the day and she is already contemplating when she can wear the dress again (although it's spent a little too long in the ironing basket since).