Every year, I made my Christmas Baby ‘Bella a birthday dress. Then, she grew too big and preferred the birthday Mall Crawl. When a little neighbor friend announced she was having an “Up!” themed birthday party, I could not resist this Alexander Henry “Brownie the Clown” fabric find (vintage 2006). Add this simple Sister Smocks pattern by Indygo Junction and you could not ask for a cuter 4th birthday dress! (continued below…)

Sister Smocks

The pattern works up very quickly: In keeping with time-honored tradition passed down from dress-making sprints for my own daughter, I made the entire dress the day before the party. There are only two pattern pieces to cut out: the front and back yolks. The rest of the dress is easy rectangle panels that you just seam together. Because the panels are just rectangles, it was easy for me to add a couple of extra inches in length. My Birthday Girl’s mom informed me she was tall for her age.

Another sizing-friendly feature of this pattern is the straps. There are no buttons to worry about placing. The straps are infinitely adjustable by simply sliding through horizontal button holes on the front yolks. My only complaint about the pattern is that the button hole sizing and placment is not marked on the pattern so I had to break out a ruler and chalk to just “wing it”. Aside from that minor issue, the strap length easily adjusts with just a quick tie of a half knot. And the knots on the front are just so fun!

The finished dress can be worn alone as a sundress, over a colorful jersey top or with pants. With some leggings and a little t-shirt, I’m imagining the “Up!” party dress could become the cutest Back-to-School outfit on the block!


Sister Smocks by Indygo Junction

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