long-sleeved dress patterns? stretch pants?

[haleyelianasmom]

I'm not very good at sewing, but my daughter LOVES dresses and now that it is getting colder, I'm looking at trying to make her a long-sleeved dress (think Hanna Andersson style). Do any of you know of a good pattern? I'd like to try to use a cotton knit. Do I need a serger? Any tips?

Also, anyone know anything about making stretch pants?

Thanks in advance!

[WC_hapamama]

For the dress, look at the Sew Baby Quick and Comfy Dresses pattern or their Twirly Dress pattern.

For the leggings, Kwik Sew has a toddler leggings pattern... ks 3501.

Edited to add, you don't need a serger for knits. Using the zig zag or over edge stitch on your sewing machine works fine for knits.

[haleyelianasmom]

Thanks! Do you think they sell these patterns at hobby lobby or other craft/fabric stores? Otherwise I'm just going to put in an order.

[WC_hapamama]

I've seen the Sew Baby Twirly Dress pattern at the JoAnn's I go to... and I think Hancocks carries Kwik Sew.

[Mom2Joseph]

I love the Sew Baby Quick and Comfy dress pattern.

I actually put the bodice pieces on muslin and then drew a dress form downward so that it was literally just front, back and sleeves. It turned out fantastic! Also made some great nightgowns this way too!

Wonderful to sew in knits or fleece. Love this pattern.



Another great pattern is the Tshirt dress patterns. You can find free tutorials on the net for them, or you can find a few on www.youcanmakethis.com I love this pattern too because I get all these hand-me-down shirts for DD and can then make her dresses with small amounts of fabric. She adores them, they are easy to make, and puts to good use all those great tshirts!