dress for my niece

well I am still in that I don;t really want to sew mood, though I do feel I am somewhat coming out of it as I am starting to get excited about sewing related things again.
this year I am starting out with a dress for my niece's birthday, which is fairly common since her birthday is at the beginning of the year.
she actually picked out the pattern a few years ago, so I hope its still something she will enjoy. its a pretty classic type of sun dress so I think she will. I used simplicity pattern #2171, view B, leaving out the pants though, just making her the dress.
the only thing I differed from on the pattern was to cut the bottom band on a bias, simply because I like the way gingham looks on a bias. Cutting it on the bias did leave me having to do some math not a lot but still some. the original pattern piece called for cutting two pieces on a fold. my fabric was not wide enough to accommodate folding on a bias so I just cut four pieces making sure to add the seam allowances so everything would fit back together. I liked the way they tied the straps rather then adding buttons. I think its cute, plus it makes it adjustable even for someone who doesn't sew. since it I put buttons on and they were not placed right they would never get moved. I made sure not to tie the straps too tight so adjusting should be nice and easy.
I also think that the bag in this pattern is adorable. and I wouldn't mind making it for myself, but I am trying to justify another bag. maybe I will just have to make me something to go with it. ☺ because then I would need a matching bag. right?




I'm not sure when I will get to see her to give it to her. but hopefully soon. and I hope she loves it as much as the other dresses I have made for her.