The completed set with the pattern envelope.
Made up this cute but understated jumper dress and bloomer set for my niece who had her first birthday this week.
The Pattern is a vintage Simplicity (4246) that I had in my stash, I think originally from the thrift store.
Simplicity 4246 from 1962
The envelope says size 1, which I assumed meant 1 year old – it’s a little big on her but the good thing about babies is that they will get bigger!
Overall it was fairly straightforward. I tried to follow the instructions as written even though I could have easily ignored them and put it together from my own knowledge. I usually stick to vintage techniques when making up vintage patterns but since this was children’s wear, I opted to serge the inside seams for durability.
The trickiest part was cutting out the fabric. I had just enough of the smaller polkadot fabric, and had to do some creative cutting layout/piecing to get the panels all on the grain. The original pattern layout is much simpler – with just one piece each front and back cut on the fold for the dress. I ended up making the back into 2 lower panels with a centre back seam, and a one yoke/straps piece at the top.
The bloomers (diaper cover) only had 2 pieces, but lots of topstitching for the elastic channels.
Pocket detail
I wanted to break up the polkadots and add some cute trim without being too frilly, so I added baby rick rack and a white button to each of the pockets.
The one thing I learned was this method of patch pocket construction. You fold the top edge right sides together and stitch the perimeter of the pocket on the seam line. Then turn the facing right side out and press it and the seam allowance on the stitching line. Makes a nice pocket with clean lines and no fiddly corners to sneak out.
Overall, it turned out well, and I’d make this pattern again- perhaps in a heavier weight for winter wear.
My next project is going to be completely different!
Love Heather
