My daughter, Natalie, turned 13 this week. It seemed like such a big thing for her to turn 13! A teenager! I can hardly believe it. She was only 3 years old when I started this blog if you can believe that. She had a great day of celebrating. We had such a fun day. When I had asked her what she wanted for her birthday, she requested a dress amongst a few other things. I waited until the last minute and ended up staying up late sewing the night before her birthday, but I got it done!

She had specifically requested the Southport Dress by True Bias. I had made Emily one a few years ago and now Natalie wanted one, too. Size wise it was a bit of hard time figuring out what to do. She’s out of the size range for the Mini Southport and a bit too small for the adult Southport. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out which way would be best, sizing the mini up or sizing the regular adult size down. After looking at the style lines and details, I figured the adult version would be harder to modify to fit her. So I sized up the Mini Southport and crossed my fingers it would fit! Luckily it is fairly straightforward, so I did a quick baste fitting after school to double check and it worked! I was so relieved.

I usually don’t sew at night much anymore if I can help it. It’s funny how things change! That’s the only time I used to sew. I felt a little rushed, so the buttonholes could have turned out a little better, but you can’t really see them when it’s buttoned. I hung it in her room right after I finished it, so she woke up to it on her birthday. It was really rewarding to see her wear it, plus she looks so pretty in it! I’m glad she picked the Printmaking lawn by Lizzy House for it. It’s the perfect summer dress!

Pattern: Mini Southport Dress by True Bias (sized up to approximately a size 14)

Fabric: Printmaking lawn by Lizzy House for Andover Fabrics