Lilla Gumma: Duchess and Hare Blog Tour and Giveaway!

I found Duchess and the Hare's patterns in a roundabout way - first I stumbled upon her old blog, then followed that link to the new one, then realized I had seen her beautiful sewing on Project Run and Play, and then I realized she designs patterns, too! I'm delighted to be participating in a blog tour for Duchess and the Hare, and also excited to tell you that there is a giveaway along with it! More on the giveaway at the bottom of this post - but first, allow me to show off a darling dress.

I chose to make the Petit Four dress, which has two different bodice options. I chose the scallop and love how it mirrors the scalloped border at the bottom of the skirt. The pattern suggests hand stitching the scallops onto the bodice, so that your stitching it invisible. I think that was such a nice touch, and I actually don't mind sitting down with a needle and thread for a bit (as long as I'm not in a rush).

This dress also has a zipper in the back, which I'm usually a little scared of but it was a good reminder that I shouldn't be afraid of zippers, it was easy and it actually makes dressing the cub super easy. The fit on this dress is spot on for my daughter, which really impressed me. I will certainly be making this pattern again.

Here you can see the dress options -

I originally found some beautiful fabric online that I was so excited about, but a few days after I ordered it they emailed to say it was out of stock. I was really, really sad - it was combined with an already hard week, and I was definitely overly upset about it. That night I tried the thrift store and lucked out, found a dress that had a similar look to it. Bonus of the scallop bottom fabric is no need to hem! The white yoke and bodice back are actually from a curtain, also from the thrift store. I'm still disappointed about not getting the other fabric, but happy with how this turned out.

I chose pink specifically because my daughter has been requesting a pink dress. While I was working on it the other day she came over and watched for a minute, then we had the following conversation:

"What are you doing?"
"I'm making you a dress. Do you like it?"
"No."
"I thought you wanted a pink dress."
"I need a pink sparkly one."
"I don't have any pink sparkly fabric."
"It's just at the store. We can go get some."

It made me laugh really hard, her favorite aisle at Joann is the special occasion aisle with all the sparkly fabrics, so I know exactly what it is that she is after. Fortunately she does like this dress and there is no fight to get it on her!