Appealing for your Assistance!

So, I bought this truly fantastic Alexander Henry print for my second child, four years old, and planned to make a pinafore for her to wear this coming week as we head into Halloween.  But the longer I look at it, the more I think maybe it doesn’t WANT to be a pinafore.  Maybe it wants to be something else.  I guess part of me is thinking about the fact that it’s a creamy white, and what on earth would I put under it in the mornings when it’s still too cool out to go sleeveless?  I have a dark top for her, but it’s long-sleeved, and it’s still in the 80s in the afternoons when she’s on the playground, so I don’t want to torture her just for the sake of a cute print.  I’m not that obsessed.  Yet.

Does it want to be a cute little empire-waisted dress with puffed sleeves and a Peter Pan collar?  That’s the other idea that’s been floating around.  I considered just a top, too, maybe a button-up blouse?  She’s got a zillion little 20-minute skirts, and I run into the same tee shirt issue there, so not sure that’s the way to go, either.  But I LOOOOVE this print and would really hate to see Halloween go by and not have made her anything with it.

Your suggestions are appreciated–I need help!!  I mean, I need help in lots of ways, but mostly on this!!

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  • Sarah
    October 20, 2010 at 1:10 pm

    I recenty made Heidi & Finn’s Girly Little Blouse, and I cannot reccomend it highly enough!!! I made it in yummy cotton and it’s perfect for the transitioning weather! Plus, it’s a great pattern to showcase a print.

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/55737103/girly-little-blouse-pattern-and-tutorial

    Can’t wait to see what you make out of that awesome print!

  • Little Lizard
    October 20, 2010 at 1:33 pm

    This fabric is excellent! I love the idea of a cute dress. Simple and sweet, no shirt necessary. Perfect for layering later with a sweater, and if it fits into the spring season, even better.

  • Admitted Fabricaholic
    October 20, 2010 at 2:25 pm

    Love the fabric! Love the idea of turning the fun slightly ‘darker’ fabric into something girly. Like the pinafore dress, or even simpler peasant top. BUT THEN, I clicked on the 1st comment’s Heidi & Finn’s link, and saw this:

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/58750668/new-red-ruffle-bolero-ready-to-ship-12m

    LOVING the idea of the ruffled bolero for that print! Might have to try to come up with one of those myself…hmmm..

    Good luck! No matter what you do, it will come out great!

  • Meredith Howard
    October 20, 2010 at 2:53 pm

    Yes, it needs to be something very girly. Maybe an empire dress like you suggested but one with a solid color (black or pink) collar and sleeves with a wide pink ribbon around the waist.

  • Dusty
    October 20, 2010 at 3:21 pm

    That’s just screaming for a super girlie dress with a huge skirt – as full and girlie as possible (maybe even with some tulle underneath to make it fluffier). With pink accents for sure!

  • Belinda Gelhausen
    October 20, 2010 at 4:09 pm

    Definitely something girly with pink trim. I made this apron for a petite shop keeper to wear this month out of that fabric. The pink trim is a Kona solid and the black ruffle and ties are a dotted swiss. It is quite cute and girly. Maybe it will spark your creativity. The picture’s not the greatest but you get the idea 🙂 Can’t wait to see what you come up with.
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/54482836@N03/5048367586/in/set-72157625162948694/

  • Belinda Gelhausen
    October 20, 2010 at 4:10 pm

    PS – That apron is reversible. I used the trees print from the same line for that side. Perhaps you can combine the two?

  • Kim
    October 20, 2010 at 8:20 pm

    Dress! Girly dress! Sleeveless or short sleeved, it would look really cute with a cropped black cardigan (which she could easily remove before it hits 80 on a typical Atlanta fall day).

  • Suzanne
    October 21, 2010 at 7:20 am

    I made a wall hanging out of this material. it looks amazing.

  • Rachel at Stitched in Color
    October 21, 2010 at 12:19 pm

    I so agree with all the comments about a girlie dress with pink trim. You should need a little black cardigan to complete an awesome look. Wow, good thing I don’t send my kids to school. I would so want to make them fabulous clothes instead of the playclothes they stain everyday (it seems) with all our everyday play.

  • Janimal
    October 21, 2010 at 3:13 pm

    Oh! The ghastlies! I almost bought that the first time I saw it. Then I almost bought it when I visited your shop. I just didn’t know what I would do with it in time for Halloween.
    I think the other comments are dead on (hehe)

    How about the MusicBox Dress by Oliver and S? It’s a simple design to show off the fabric, with a sweet button back. Sleeveless to deal with the crazy hot weather, and if it gets cold for Halloween that could be layered over a shirt.

  • Andra hepler
    October 22, 2010 at 12:49 pm

    I have not suggestions as I have that same fabric and lovvvvvvvvvvvveee it. I want to make it into something but it needs to be something cool, deserving of the pattern.
    What to do? What to do? lol
    Smiles, Andra

  • Bookbabe49
    October 25, 2010 at 10:10 am

    And you say you don’t like Nightmare Before Christmas? HMMMMM.

    I think your blogbuddies have got it exactly right. Fun girly dress with some contrast. I would use black and/or pink gingham (maybe in different sizes) a la our man Mondo on Project Runway.
    Scrumptious print.