Watermelon Suspender Dress

Just when I think I know exactly what I want to sew, I see a sewing tutorial online and flash to a scrap in my stash that would fit that project!  Today's project was found on the blog Delia Creates when I was looking for a sun bonnet pattern.  This new project is called Suspender Dress.

I followed her basic instructions, but I sized up to fit my 12 month old.  I used a piece of ribbed knit fabric I bought for pajama cuffs (but never made) and a T-shirt I bought for a DIY nursing shirt (and also never made).  I don't remember how I thought to put these two together, but they were definitely meant for each other.

I cut my straps the same size Delia suggested and the bodice pieces approximately 11 by 5 1/2.  Ribbed knit fabric is really hard to work with (which is why I never made those pajamas) so my pieces were a bit....crooked ;)  I cut the T-shirt right where the waist-shaping ends.  I assembled the whole thing with my serger, pleating the skirt instead of gathering it.  Didn't I say in my first post I didn't think I'd ever try pleats?  Well, gathering a thin, knit T-shirt is way more scary than pleating it, let me tell you!

If I wasn't such a knit chicken (and it wasn't so hot outside), I'd take some scraps from the skirt and applique a cute shape on the bodice.  Or paint some watermelon seeds on the skirt :)  I'm looking forward to this baby waking up from her nap so I can watch her run around in her new dress!