Dresses

When I started to put this page together, I was confused as to what I could do to make the page interesting. Since I had so many pictures, I thought that I might try to group them by category, or maybe by type of component parts. Discussing this on LG Chat at the Petticoat Pond, another LG (adult Little Girl) offered to help me sort this out by grouping patterns based on component parts. But there were just too many. After looking over the set, it appears that certain elements repeat with a predictable consistency.

For example, I like short puffy sleeves, especially those with an elasticized self-fabric ruffle, the kind you used to find on little girl's knit shirts. I also like fullish skirts pouffed out with a bouffant full slip, but not as full or pouffy as square dance outfits. I like high waists (commonly found on girl's dresses), pinafores, Peter Pan collars, smocking or embroidery (as opposed to lace overlays). I do not like a lot of ruffles or frou frou on dresses. Ruffles belong on panties, such as the wonderful lace-trimmed tennis panties by Keddies of California I wouldn't be caught without, or on anklets, of which I have a large collection. I prefer dresses of a simple youthful design, well-crafted in fine material.

I have seen a variety of dresses normally sold to LGs by the suppliers to CDs, etc. and am not impressed. It is as though they have given no thought to design or the designer has no knowledge of how real little girls actually dressed in the 50s and 60s. Instead of cute dresses cut for a straight figure, we are offered what are essentially square dance dresses, or rather square dance blouse and skirt outfits. The companies making square dance dresses have all gone "2-piece" as it is easier to get a good fit. I realize that a lot of LGs like square dance dresses, especially with several petticoats, but this is not my style. A moderately pouffed dress is more than sufficient.

Given the paucity of good design and the lack of vendors of good quality girls dresses who are interested in serving this market, most LGs would be well served to take a class in sewing from their local community college or such. Scaling up a girls pattern to LG size is not anywhere near as difficult as one might imagine. There are several ways to do it.

Each of these means will yield a pattern which retains the essential style while actually being the right size.

The Gallery:

	Simplicity 7008 view B, Bill Jones created this in pink border silk eyelet and it is gorgeous! The most beautiful dress at camp...		Another view of the same dress, showing the detail on the sleeves.
	Based on McCall's 7422, Bill Jones made this in a rich deep blue velvet with beautiful Jessica McClintock embroidered lace yoke at the neck, extending out across the shoulders...		Based on a design by Hibbard's Cheer Supply, Bill Jones made this in my size. It is a beautiful dress, although a bit more frilly than I would choose today.
	Simplicity 7422. Like the pinafore, the puffed sleeves and the collar.		Simplicity 9646, view B. Like the side-tied pinafore, the puffed sleeves, the collar and the bloomers.
	Simplicity 8364. Like the big puffed sleeves and the puffiness of the entire dress. I also like its length.		Simplicity 7078. Like the sleeves and the tutu-like appearance of the dress.
	Simplicity 7303. Like side-tied pinafore, the border print, collar and sleeves.		A most beautiful dress with outstanding hand workmanship. I like the elegance and simplicity of the dress. Featured in Sew Beautiful.
	JC Penney Bridal Catalog - KU 216-3376 D. I like "communion" style dresses, providing that they are simple, elegant and not "overworked". So many of them are just piles of lace with no sense of style.		Storybook Heirlooms dress, "Rose-kissed Gown". I like the higher waist, puffed sleeves, the geometrically stitched bodice cover and oversleeves and the ribbon at the hem. This is a dress to die for...

Taffy's Favorite Dresses!

The Gallery: