I just love the cute, whimsical clothes offered at Matilda Jane. They pair together fabrics in such a way that gives their dresses a sort of fun, upscale ragamuffin look. Relaxed and charming, it was a look I knew I wanted to duplicate for Sis.

After sewing those pinafore style shirts the last couple of weeks, I knew it would be simple to make a dress in the same style. All I needed to do was lengthen the top and add a ruffle.

Of course, the first time I completed it and tried it on Sis, it was a little snug to get on…

…So I cut it right back up. I slit it down the middle of the back and opened the seam between the bodice and the ruffled bottom.

I widened the back a bit by adding a couple of small panels of fabric (and more polka dots, yay!). I love a mistake turned fabulous. Get tangled up, just tango on!

I included a little loop of elastic for a button closure.

And–oh!–I do love a good gumball button! PERFECT for this dress! [I did consider a fabric button, but went this route in the end.]

I sewed on a  couple of my super-fast shabby fabric flowers. [They are so easy, fast, and simple to make! Click here for the tute.]

And it was ready to go… again!

I must confess, putting all these different prints and colors together in one piece was a little out of my comfort zone…

But I just LOVE the way it turned out!!

So I guess it pays to take a chance sometimes, yeah?

And I’m thinking this dress will carry us right into the fall with a long sleeve or turtleneck and leggings layered underneath.

Wheeeeeeeeee!

Now I’m thinking I need to make one in lovely fall colors, plums and browns, maybe? Perhaps add a little apron front? Hmm…

[Update: here’s the full photo tutorial on how to make a [similar] knot top/dress!]