The Sew and Tell Project

Welcome back to the Sew and Tell Project! We’ve been a bit quiet over here on the blog over the holidays. I’m back today with a new dress from Simple Life Pattern Company which has quickly become my favorite for my little girl.

The Aria and Baby Aria are knit dresses with a fun back addition–a panel including bows. It’s such a fun, simple twist to add fun and interest to the back of a knit dress.

The Baby Aria and Aria are drafted for knit with many options. There is a bow back or simple back as well as sleeve styles of tank, short, 3/4, and long. Flutters can be used with any of the sleeve options as well. The skirt can be gathered or circle with a fun ruffle added to either option for great twirliness.

I made two different long sleeve Baby Arias for my daughter. Both are 9-12 month width with a 12-18 month length. Make sure to check and see if grading out for the waist in the baby sizes is necessary. This bodice is a bit longer and i found I needed to grade out to the next width for Miss M’s baby tummy for a better fit.

This mint dress is made from Raspberry Creek Fabrics club line. Their club line is printed in house, and it is my favorite! I used long sleeves as well as a gathered skirt on this dress.

My second dress is also long sleeved but with the circle skirt option. I found a navy knit eyelet at my local Hobby Lobby and lined the entire dress with a dark fuschia cotton lycra from Peek a Boo Pattern Shop.

I lined the bodice according to the directions. I then sewed the sides of the bodice before attaching the sleeves. I cut 1/2″ off the fuchsia sleeve and hemmed the fuchsia and navy sleeves separately before attaching them as one in the round. I did the same with the circle skirts.

This is one of my favorite tops I’ve ever made for Miss M, and she’s already worn it several times!

Finally here’s my bonus tip for accessorizing your new Aria dress! If you’re looking for a quick hair bow, use the bow dimensions to cut an extra bow for a headband or clip. I simply sewed the bow right sides together leaving a small hole to turn it on the middle of one long side. Then I wrapped the middle portion of the bow around the headband and stitched it on. Quick and easy!

Make sure to hop over to Simple Life Pattern Company and grab your copy of the Baby Aria and Aria (plus the coordinating girls Tiffany Leggings) before the sale ends on January 23rd! There is a new release discount of 20% on the patterns separately and 25% off a bundle 🙂