The fabric in this post was provided by Two Blue Birdies, an online fabric shop based in Australia. Their shop is full of beautiful fabrics and 100% wool felt!

Happy May! I can’t believe it is already May. The summer is one of my favorite times, and it’s also fun to sew for. I knew this stack of pretty fabric had to be turned into baby clothes, the colors are perfect for summer. I picked them all out without realized the color scheme was very green and pink! I guess those are great summer colors.

The fabrics arrived pretty quickly, considering it came all the way from Down Under! If you live in Australia it ships for free if you purchase $50 or more. I was pretty tempted to buy some of their 100% wool felt, but didn’t because it’s too hot for felt right now. They have a ton of great colors, though. I was impressed by the shop’s great customer service and excellent selection of fabric. I hate fabric shops that stock every fabric on the planet, it’s so hard to find good fabric. At Two Blue Birdies, I felt like the shop was full of only pretty, quality fabrics. The site is easy to navigate and there is even a whole section of Boyish prints!

On with the tutorial! This baby top/dress pattern is super simple. I started with the idea of having gathered straps. The straps have elastic in them, which bunches up the fabric and also makes them really easy to slip on. Because this top/dress fits loosely , it will fit for a while, hopefully all summer. I’m guessing it will fit a 3-9 month size range.

easy baby dress pattern

Materials:
–pdf pattern (size 3-6+ months)
-1/2 yard fabric
-10″ of one inch elastic, cut into two 5″ pieces

First cut 4 bodice pieces from the free pattern. You’ll also need 2 strap pieces (10″ by 3″) and 1 skirt piece (7″ by 44″ for a top, 10″ by 44″ for a dress).

To make the straps, sew each rectangle into a tube. Turn and thread elastic through using a safety pin. Pin at each end and sew the elastic in place.  Pin elastic straps 3/8″ in from the top of the bodice. Pin and baste. Then stack a second bodice piece over the first, right side facing down. Pin and sew the top edge and underarm edges. Trim seam allowance and turn. Then sew the other ends of the straps to the back bodice the same way. Sew side seams.

Gather the skirt using a baste stitch or a ruffler foot. You can also choose to pleat it. Sew up side seam.

Attach to the bodice by pinning right sides together. 

Hem the bottom edge and you’re done! I added a little pocket to this one.

Fabrics used in this post:
Floral: Tanya Whelan – Delilah – Amelie – White
Polka Dot: Kaffe Classics – Moss Spots
Green Ombre: Riley Blake – Ombre Solid in Green
Pink Plaid: October Afternoon – Farm Fresh – Pink Haybale
B/W pocket: Michele D’Amore – Floralicious – Black Squiggle

I think these will be super cute worn over a swimsuit or maybe with a pair of bloomers.

What are your favorite summertime clothes for girls? I have never had to dress a girl in the summer so I need some ideas!