The Train To Crazy

Hi. I am Elizabeth from the blog Simple Simon & Company where I blog with my sister-in-law, who happens to have the same name. We both love to sew, all things vintage–especially patterns, and love to see what we can make for $5 every Friday. We are currently busy sewing like crazy moms for Project Run & Play which has been a fun (but super busy) challenge! Come and see us sometime!

For my handmade dress-up, I decided to share one of my favorite projects. Every year, my kids’ school does a “Dress-As-Your-Favorite-Storybook-Character” Day, which I love. I am a former teacher, so anything that gets kids more interested in great books is a good thing in my mind. My kids love this day. It is just as fun around here as Halloween, and as much planning goes into these outfits as our Halloween costumes! We have been Fancy Nancy, Pinkalicious, and Harry Potter multiple times (we have a real fan in our house). Here is my little Madeline from that day.

To make this handmade dress-up, I used a simple A-line dress pattern from Simplicity (that you have to look past the 80’s fabric on the cover). It really is a great pattern and super versatile for many looks.

I added a simple peter pan collar. HERE is a pattern for one that I made and love. I did gather the sleeves to make them Madeline-puffy, and added a red knot sash under the collar.

For her headband I used felt circles that were layered and layered like THIS great tutorial.