The cat in the hat dress

My husband and I have been reading with Little Monkey ever since she could hold her head. I find it incredibly sweet how she gets comfy on my knee, leans her little body against mine, turns pages with her precious fingers, points at the pictures, makes running commentaries... I love the fact that she wants to read, and read, and read. We have read her favourite books so many times that she knows them by heart.

It is Book Week in Australia. Children and educators at Little Monkey's childcare are invited to come dressed as characters from their favourite books this week. 

I am not really into sewing once-off outfits. Sure costumes are fun to make, but I prefer making practical things. Something my daughter can enjoy wearing any day.

Last time I went fabric shopping I saw some Dr. Seuss inspired fabric, but walked past it without even stopping to have a look. It was not until I returned home it dawned on me I could make a Book Week dress out of that fabric. Is there a child in the English-speaking world who is not crazy over Dr. Seuss' books? 'The cat in the hat', 'Horton hears a Who', 'Hop on pop' and 'Ten apples up on top' are some of Little Monkey's favourites.

Little Monkey and I went fabric shopping together. She picked the fabric she liked best. While she was sleeping, I made a simple A line dress for Little Monkey using a new pattern I bought from The Lily Bird Studio.

When Little Monkey woke up and saw the dress she practically squealed with joy! "Cat in the hat dress! Mummy, look, Cat in the hat dress!" She absolutely loves it and shows different characters on the dress to anyone who would stop, look and listen. Is there a better compliment a sewing mummy can get? I seriously doubt it.

 Little Monkey looks so grown up in these photos.

The dress is very easy to make. The pattern is great and the directions are clear. Most importantly - the fit is perfect. I have a feeling Little Monkey will end up with a few more classic A line dresses in her wardrobe this summer.

Little Monkey shares her mummy's passion for buttons. She loves to point out a big red button on the back of her new dress.

After giving me five minutes of her time Little Monkey thought it was enough and started running around, throwing her rock and then calling her little wooden toy kitten to come get it. Gee, being three is such hard work!