Festive Dress with Riley Blake Designs

Blogger: Asha Robin

Festive Dress

With the Festival of Lights (Diwali) around the corner, a mashup of Manhattan, Arendelle and Melbourne seemed like an excellent choice to fulfill my daughter's demand for a Festive Dress. The back of the bodice of Arendelle and the Flounce sleeves of Melbourne paired with Manhattan’s flattering full length skirt created a perfect combination. While on my search for fabric, I found a lovely fabric, Primrose Hill Damask Blush from Riley Blake Designs. For the coordinate I chose Beneath the Western Sky Starry Animals in Pink. I knew these Riley Blake prints were perfect for my vision.  

Step 1 Modifying Bodice Pattern Piece

Pattern Used:

Bodice - Arendelle

Sleeves- Melbourne

See pictures above

1. Cut the pattern piece according to your child’s measurement.

2. Reduce the back bodice necklines by ¼” (.6cm) around the neckline curve since Arendelle Bodice has 1.5"(3.81cm) ease. Trim 1"(2.54cm) from the waistline.

3. Final pattern piece.

There are no changes to the front bodice of Arendelle.

Step 2 Adding the Tie

1. Attach a cord/tie to the top side of the back bodice with 1/4" seam allowance. Repeat the same with the other side.

2. Place the main and lining pieces right sides together, and sew to attach with ½” seam allowance.

3. Turn the bodice right side out.

4. Finish the bodice by adding the Melbourne sleeves.

Step 3 Modifying the Skirt Pattern Piece

I modified the pattern piece for directional print fabric and added an invisible zipper to the side of the skirt.

The fabric pictured is Primrose Hill Damask Blush by Riley Blake Designs. This is 100% cotton with a width of 43"/44".

1. Lay the pattern piece over the fabric. Cut the pattern piece along the edge of the fabric.  

2. Use the cut pattern piece to cut 2 mirror images sets with an extra 1/2" seam allowance.

3. Attach the pieces to both sides of the skirt.  

Repeat the same process 1 more time resulting in the same front and back skirt pieces.

Sew and attach one side of the front and back pieces right sides together.

For the waistband I used the front waistband measurement from the Manhattan pattern. Fold the waistband in half and press to create a memory crease. Fold the top raw edge of the waistband ½” and press. Attach the raw edge of the waistband to the skirt.

Place the skirt right side up with the waistband pulled out of the way. Place the zipper on top of the skirt, right sides together.

Align the zipper top with the center crease of the waistband. Sew and attach the zipper. Repeat the same thing on the other side. Sew and attach the side seams keeping right sides together. Fold the waistband right side together at the center crease. Do not unfold the memory crease at the top of the waistband. Sew to attach. Repeat to the other side. Turn the waistband right side out. Press, and top stitch the waistband.

Happy Sewing!