Matching dresses and knickerbockers for my friend’s 3 nieces and 4 nephews to wear at her wedding this summer. My friend wanted something that was colourful and traditional but unique, so I suggested using a print instead of the usual white with contrasting sashes and waistbands. Finding a print that was suitable and not too flowery proved tricky but the vivid green pattern she eventually chose contrasted beautifully with ivory peter pan collars on the dresses and mandarin collar shirts for the boys. I faltered at the prospect of making the shirts, because there were 4 of them so they were found at JoJo Maman Bebe.
Although I went for a style I often make with a basic bodice block for H, I used Butterick 3762 to save time adjusting sizes for the 3 dresses. I made view D with the following alterations:
- Shortening the length of the skirt
- Adding a tulle underskirt
- Lining the bodice to create a neater finish inside
For the boys shorts I self drafted a knickerbocker style pattern for each of the 4 boys who were all different sizes. The design featured pleats at the front and an elasticated back with cuffs at the leg that fastened with self covered buttons.
I also made a cravat in the same material for the Master of Ceremonies to wear.
Thanks to Duncan Kerridge the wedding photographer who kindly agreed to let me use his photos from the day.
Made by Toya 
I was reading your post without the pictures loaded and I must admit I was unsure that vivid green for a wedding was going to be my cup of tea. When the pictures finally loaded I was pleasantly surprised. The dresses are absolutely gorgeous and the knickerbockers on the little boy are adorable. Love the shoes too. Where are they from? Would have liked to see the wedding dress 🙂
What I didn’t tell you was that the bridesmaid dresses were coral pink! – so I was a bit unsure about the vivid green too (I suggested something like muted aqua). Actually it looked great and very colourful which suits my friend. Limited pictures because I didn’t take my camera so relying on borrowed photos. The shoes were little canvas ones from Trotters I think. Don’t worry- for my next post I’ll be back to grey again!