Little Big Girl (Dress)

The idea is still tumbling around...  I want to make a pretty, age-appropriate summer dress for 5-10-year-olds. I know I'm not alone in not wanting my girl to look like a Bratz doll.  And she doesn't want to look like a baby anymore. 

My girl has had a bit of a week of it - lots of learning about kids with no sense of  "the golden rules" of play (co-operation, consideration and compromise rule at our house). 

I'm struggling to grow past Mama Bear protectiveness and onto sensible, guiding-hand parenting.  It's probably a bit like trying to navigate the path between the sweet, open innocence of everybody-loves-me infancy and the reality of learning to get along with people. We're both feeling a bit bewildered and out of our depth here.

 ...and (back to the dress, because that's SO MUCH EASIER to deal with) ...as much as I like it, I think we have to lose the bow on the back and perhaps make a more grown-up belt with buttons (or at least offer it as an option).  I've been told that bows are for babies. 

The sun-smart cap sleeves are staying.  And I have another skirt variation or two to try before I settle on one in particular. 

Edited to add: My girl only likes LONG dresses, preferably with a bit (or a lot) of twirl. She somehow climbs trees in them, bows and volume of fabric and all. I won't be making a short version for her because it won't be worn, so I'll be looking for pattern-testers (at some point soon) who want to try that variation for me.


It's a work in progress... as we all are.

When I first saw it, this fabric* spoke to me of vintage frocks with big skirts.  It cried out for a gathered waist and a party-frock feel.  I'm working towards the modern, age-appropriate twist.

*Sorry - I cut the selvedge off and forgot where I bought the fabric.

It's all about subtlety and nuances right now.  We're working through things as best we can.

So.... any thoughts on age-appropriate dresses for 5-10 year olds...?