ONE OF A KIND TODDLER DRESSES
I have been a costume designer for almost 4 decades now. Over these past years, I have collected fabrics, as well as remnants, from costumes I have fabricated; all folded up inside plastic bins in my garage for what seems like an eternity. Some of these fabrics were quite pricey ... others just linings, and polys, and cottons that went inside some of the garments I have fabricated.
I have always been a conservationist. Upcycling has been my mantra even before the word was invented ... if I see a rhinestone on the floor, I pick it up and toss it into my rhinestone collection, knowing someday I may be able to use it. Trims, notions, embellishments, millinery supplies ... you name it, I've saved it.
Last year, I had a friend who asked me to design a dress for a 3 year old toddler for Easter. I told her I had a plethora of fabrics in my garage, and if she'd like to come over and look, it would save her purchasing fabric. I was sure I could put together something cute and fancy for her grand-daughter to wear for Easter.
Having made the one dress, I thought it would be fun to make a lot more with all the remnants I have. Today, I find myself constantly telling adults I can't make these dresses in adult sizes, as remnants only go so far, a few telling me they will bring me fabrics, however the whole point of this exercise is to upcycle and not buy new.
These dresses are unique, one of a kind, each with a story to tell. There will never be another one like it. That's probably been the most fun putting these dresses together. It takes a lot of time and energy to mix and match the colors and patterns, while considering the fabric's warp and weft as I cut out small pieces. Without a selvage, it's sometimes hard to identify the direction of grain.
Not all of them are great ... I probably shouldn't have chose some of the fabrics I put together, but when the coloration and pattern is right? They are just too cute not to make.
Please note ... the Choozi by Design label is basted into the dresses for easy removal in case the child finds them scratchy. The SKU labels are for a local store who sells these dresses, many not applicable to my pricing here on Etsy.
