Abby Summer Dress - Size 1

I've been working on the Abby Summer Dress pattern in order to enlarge it to a size 1. I'm not very good at enlarging patterns, so in the end, I had to re-create the bodice pattern. I used a combination of two patterns. I took the bodice pattern from one dress and the straps from another, and combined the two.

Here's my first attempt...

After trying it on a couple of willing (or not so willing!) babies, I found that the arm holes were too long and the neck line at the front was too high.

I think it turned out pretty well, though. I'm not sure about the straps, whether they're too long or not. The good thing about them being on the long side is that the dress can be worn for longer as the child grows, and then it can be worn as more of a top (unless the baby grows outwardly!). Having said that, I still think they may be too long.

Do you like my little birdie? This was a practice one. I wanted to try out the pattern, so I thought I'd may as well put it on my practice dress. I think it's really cute.

Here's my second attempt...

I lengthened the arm holes and I think they look much better. I shortened the neck line and curved it slightly. I also decided to use the same pattern for the front and the back. I prefer this look. I kept the straps as they were as I'm still undecided! I discovered that this dress is a small size 1. So, for the more robust little girls, I'm going to have to make a larger size, probably a size 18 mths - 2.

Do you like the fabric? I found it at Lifeline. I think it's vintage, so this is the only dress available in this fabric.