Little White Dresses - introducing my new website!

I am excited to announce the official launch of Melanie Watson Custom Children's Dressmaking. After a few years taking only select commissions, I am thrilled to be expanding my offerings! I have a brand new website with new photos, details and new sample dresses to give a taste of what I can create for you.

My 2014 First Holy Communion collection is inspired by traditional styles and materials. I wanted to develop an elegant look that suits the solemnity of the occasion yet celebrates the girl herself. Normally, everything I do is one of a kind. I start with a girl – her personality, her likes, her favorite things – and let her inspire my design choices. This time, I had to imagine. I imagined little girls whose dreams are just starting to take shape. They are sweet and fiery, smart and creative, strong and kind. They dance ballet and play soccer and paint. They have reached the age of reason, but still play at dolls and dress up. And I imagined their mothers and fathers watching their little daughters on this important day, wondering how they got so big and wishing they could stay little just a little longer. My goal is to make them both happy with simple, pretty designs that do not overpower the girl or the commitment she makes.

For First Holy Communion dresses, I am inspired by the delicacy of vintage styles, timeless shapes and demure details. Above all, I’m inspired by the sanctity of occasion itself and I strive to create something appropriate. The result is a group of dresses that honor our traditions yet fit the lives we live today. 

I’ve also created a party look so you can see that my dresses are suitable for many occasions. A colorful silk sash in a girl’s favorite color of the moment transforms a demure Communion dress into a fun party frock. She could wear it for Easter or a birthday party or a spring wedding. When a dress is this special, she should wear it more than once.

In the coming weeks, I will present each dress in more detail. If you’re wondering how they look in real life, you’re in luck! I’m hosting a launch party and trunk show next Sunday, February 9^th. Contact me at Melanie@mwatsondressmaking.com for an invitation or to make a private appointment.

I wish I may

This summer was full of special events for Isadora. There was an outdoor summer wedding and her grandparents’ 50th anniversary party at Longwood Gardens – not to mention her own September birthday! So she had the perfect excuse for a really special dress.

Once the humidity kicks in, it’s so hard to beat the heat. But I really think a dress is the best way to be comfortable and still feel nice in the summer. I looked at fine cotton voile and a not too fitted dress that gives her plenty of room to breathe.

I found this dandelion print before I even met with Isa and knew it would be perfect for her. The airy orange and pink design spoke to me as the summer heat set in. Full, saturated colors show up so well under the harsh sun, but the ivory backdrop keeps it light. It turns out Isa loves wishes! When I showed her this swatch, she didn’t want to see anything else.

The bodice is both lined and underlined in ivory cotton voile and thoroughly finished by machine and by hand to be smooth and soft against the skin. The full, pleated skirt is lined in cotton voile and finished with French seams. I wanted a little extra fluff to fill out the long full skirt, but I didn’t want too many layers to weigh her down in the heat. Instead, I attached a tulle ruffle to the hem of the skirt lining, creating a kind of petticoat. This gave shape to the skirt but didn’t add any bothersome layers to her body or hips. The tulle sits between the dress and the lining, so there is only soft cotton against Isa’s legs.

It’s hard to imagine a party dress without a big sash and bow. Here I finished a very wide piece of pumpkin colored voile with a tiny hem and hairline seams to create a laissez fair sash with a soft, full bow.

The dress and sash fabric have a silky finish that is a pleasure to wear.

 A little extra wish sits on the shoulder, where I embellished the dandelion design with some hand embroidery. A few long stitches and French knots make it look half blown away already. And there it is - the prettiest summer occasion frock a girl could wish for!