Ainsley’s Piano Recital

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Ainsley just had her first piano recital and she needed a new dress (of course!)

I knew I wanted something simple and elegant, but yet with a pop of “wow”!  I stumbled across the Rabbit Rabbit Hummingbird Dress a few days ago and thought it would be perfect for the look I needed.

I had mentioned on my Facebook page that I did modify this to suit my needs and I will explain because I know lots of you were wondering.  Don’t get me wrong, the pattern itself is totally fine, but based on the photos I had seen, it looked way too low cut for me.  To fix that, I simply cut the upper part of the bodice (where it scoops) about 2 inches higher than the pattern calls for.  I actually wished I had cut about 3 inches higher, but I will do that the next time I make this dress.  Secondly, the straps on mine were too long, so I cut about 2 inches off of those.  Finally, I shortened the skirt by about 3 inches and I also used a lot more fabric than called for… Instead of the measurements given, I used selvage to selvage because I knew I wanted a super full and super poofy skirt.

These were all personal preferences, like I said.  Nothing at all wrong if you do it the way the pattern calls for, but I did want to point these things out!  I adore the way it turned out and man, it was SUCH a fast sew!

I used a gorgeous stretch taffeta for the dress and beautiful vintage trim for the straps that I have been holding for the perfect project.  Even though this dress looks stunning, it literally took me no time at all!

(and yes, I had issues with my gathering because of the amount of fabric I used for the skirt… no biggie!)

Ainsley got onto that stage in front of a ton of people with such a sense of confidence that it made me beam with pride.  You can even see her little fingers getting ready to play the keys.

And because I know everyone wants to hear her play….

(she just started lessons 2 months ago.  pretty good if you ask me)

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Hayley

Hayley Crouse is a wife, mother and multifaceted designer. Her love of sewing, crafting, cooking and interior design infuses her daily life and naturally spills over into her online presence. She pushes the envelope of her creativity and hopes that others will be inspired to do the same. She currently authors the Welcome to the Mouse House Blog, is the pattern designer behind Mouse House Creations and is a collaborative designer with Willow & Co. Patterns.

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