Kitty Cat Dress- S2436 Version 2.0

That's right- another one!
This is S2436 2.0 This time I made a size 10, which fits much better (perfect length with room for growth.) I left off the sleeves- the Princess likes the sleeveless look- and it will be very cool and comfortable when/if hot weather ever gets here.

I used the neck facing pieces as contrast on the outside this time. A tiny flash of orange mini-piping sets it off perfectly.

The hem features a similar "facing on the outside" finish. I had to trace facing pattern pieces from the front and back pattern pieces, and then cut out and finish with mini-piping. The neck facing and hem are machine stitched at the neckline and at the bottom of the dress. The facings are then flipped to the right side and "stitched in the ditch" between the piping and the purple fabric to hold them in place.

I used the pockets again (pocket details) and set them off with triple topstitching in a contrast color (purple.)

The focal point of the dress is the belt, which was added at the Princess's express request.

There is no belt included with the pattern, but it was super easy to add. I started with the iridescent, white plastic buckle from Hancock's. I measured the inside to determine my finished belt width (taking into account the width of the piping.) I cut two strips to that width plus 3/8" seam allowances, long enough to go across the front of the dress plus a little extra. I interfaced one side (the right side), basted the mini-piping on both long edges and then sewed them together with the piping sandwiched in between. I trimmed it carefully, turned it right side out and threaded the buckle on.

I basted the belt to the dress at the side seams using the upper markings for the waist tabs for placement (that just happened to be the right place to put it to get the look I was going for.) I tacked the belt to the dress behind the buckle to keep it from drooping while it's being worn. I have to thank the Subversive Sewer for giving me a heads-up on that.

The back of the dress closes with an invisible zip that ends at the edge of the contrast, and a small button and loop at the top edge.

I used a tiny piece of 1/8" elastic in the seam for the loop.

The armholes are finished with simple bias binding on the inside.

Using the neck facings on the outside of the dress caused a finishing dilema. There was no facing on the inside to finish off the zipper! Yuck! For lack of a better idea, I ended up using a bias binding on the inside of the neckline as well.

It works, but I don't neccessarily think it's the best solution. It's a little bit bulky. I'll have to give this some more thought because I like the contrast neckline and I plan to use it again.

I love this little dress.

More importantly, the Princess loves it. (She'd better- since she asked for it!) I love the pattern. This may become our "go-to" dress for this year...