Do You Remember Tent dresses?

This is my cute little granddaughter on Easter Sunday wearing her favorite dress.  I'm sure it's her favorite because first, it's polka dots, and second, it's comfortable.  

As I watched her running around in her dress, I was reminded of when I was a little girl wearing the same kind of dress....a tent dress!  I remember back in the 60's that my mom even made us matching dresses.

Tent dresses...talk about simple!  I figured I could add to my granddaughter's wardrobe and make her a few tent dresses refashioned from things I had in my stash.  I started by making a simple pattern from her polka dot dress.  I don't have before pictures, but the first dress was made from a women's simple strapless dress that I picked up year's ago solely for the fabric.

I loved the "bohemian" print and was able to use the border around the sleeves and also as a faux yoke in the front.  The neckline buttons in the back.

For added fun, I made her a little purse from some faux suede.  I trimmed it out with more of the border fabric and some hand cut fringe.

The second dress was made from a women's stretch knit dress.  I was able to retain the existing hem.  I just cut everything down, reattached the sleeves and used the leftover scraps to bind the neckline.  This one just slips over her head.

Here she's sporting one of Grandma's hats from the costume room!

I had enough scraps to make her a matching headband.

The third dress was made from a women's blouse.  Once again, I picked it up years ago for the fabric.

I added some vintage buttons around the neckline.

The back of the dress is actually the front of the blouse.  The buttons up the back make it easy for getting it on and off.

She's been pretty happy with her new wardrobe, and I've been pretty happy taking a trip down memory lane!

I like to link to these great parties!