Back in 2017 (or maybe even 2016?) I sewed up what is arguably my favorite dress – the Ice Cream Dress. I fell in love with the fabric and was so excited about the whimsical, novelty print dress I would make with it. I had already used the pattern I’d chosen a couple of times, and this time decided to add a couple little tweaks – a waist stay (which reminds me – why don’t I use this technique more often?!) and a midi-length skirt! It continues to be one of the most popular things that I’ve made over on Instagram, and I love pulling it back out to post every now and then – especially on National Ice Cream Day every year!
Last summer, I found the navy colorway of the same Ice Cream fabric and knew that little one needed an Ice Cream dress, too! I planned at the time on making her an Ice Cream romper, but (as usual), my sewing queue was incredibly full and I didn’t get around to it until almost the end of summer. I decided to hold off for this summer, and was all set to make her another adorable romper… Until the Marcel Pattern released. Game changer!
I fell in love with the midi length of the Marcel pattern first, and planned on only buying the adult version, but when I saw that I could get both in the bundle, I went for it. I haven’t even had the chance to print out my own size of the Marcel just yet, but I couldn’t wait on this Mini version!
My girl is comfortably wearing 18-24 months clothes, but I decided to go ahead and size up to a 2. I knew the elastic in the back bodice would help keep it on her for now, but I’m also hoping that by sizing up, I’ve bought a little more time for her to wear this mama-made dress.
I printed and cut the pattern out on a Friday evening, and sewed the entire thing up on Sunday. I thought I would take a couple short afternoon or evening sewing sessions to get it done, but I got through the majority of the dress during naptime and decided to finish the waistband and hemming after Little Miss went to bed that same day. In total, I probably spent about 3 hours sewing the dress. There are no closures, so aside from the slightly time-consuming gathers, this dress comes together very quickly! This gives me hope that I may sneak a Marcel Tank in for myself soon!
I was so excited to use not only the Ice Cream fabric, but also the coordinate – which says “Eat It All” in cursive script all over. I’d originally bought the coordinate alongside my original Ice Cream fabric, thinking it would make a fun and silly lining for a dress, but this was the perfect use! The color-blocking options made it the perfect match, and it adds to the fun, frivolous, youthful vibe of the dress.
I think it is safe to say that she likes it. It made my heart so happy to see her run around the house, barefoot and wild, in her pretty little dress. Although she’s never actually tried ice cream, she has lots of little toy ice cream cones in her play kitchen and she is VERY into the idea of ice cream right now, so she was actually so excited about the print, which I hadn’t expected. I’m so glad this dress worked for her – I can’t wait to sew up some more (for both of us!)
Details:
Dress: handmade by me
Pattern: Chalk & Notch – Mini Marcel Dress & Tank Top (View B)
Fabric: Dana Willard for Art Gallery Fabrics – Boardwalk Delights / Art District Fusion I Scream, You Scream Cotton
Key Ingredients:
Brother XR9500PRW Sewing Machine
Brother 1034D Serger / Overlocker
Schmetz Universal 70/30 Needles
Dahle 36×48 Self-healing Cutting Mat
Thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts on this pattern and fabric – both were purchased and paid for from my own pocket! All words and opinions expressed throughout this blog are my own, as always! Links provided throughout this post may be affiliate links – if you choose to purchase any products through these links, I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you. This simply helps me justify the costs of my sewing habit and the time it takes to share it with you!! Happy Sewing!
- XX Elizabeth
