Quick question for girl age 11 dress...

[Mrs Mosley]

Hello all.
I have been pursing the boards for quite a while, in attempt to find the information I need. But no luck, so here it goes.

I'm making a dress (and also a complete set of proper undergarmets) for a girl in our unit. She's 11, but she's quite tall (Around 5'1), and starting to develop into a young lady. How should I make her dress? More childlike, or young teen? I really think she would go either way based on maturity, as long as she has "a pretty new dress." If it helps, I'm making corded stays for her to hold everything in place, and look neat and tidy without actually scaring her and putting her in a full on corset. (Plus her size will most likely be changing a lot over the next year or so.) LOL. 

Thanks in advance! I don't know what I would do without this forum, and the amazing advice from everyone!

Kristen

[Marta Vincent]

Will she need to dress herself, or will someone be there to help her.  If she'll need to dress herself without help, make her dress front opening.  Otherwise, back opening will be fine.  She will be a "child" for a good many years yet, so her dress should reflect her real age, not her appearance of being older.

If you make her dress with a yoke, the fullness gathered into the yoke will allow for development in the bust.  You can also hide extra length in the bodice because it's ok to have the bodice a bit blousey at her age.  The waistband can have a bit of ease, and the skirt can have generous growth tucks.  That way you have covered all of her growth areas.

[Mrs Mosley]

Perfect! THANK YOU so much. It definitely makes sense making her dress with a yoke. The longer she can wear this dress, the better! And I just prefer girls with the buttons down their backs. I think it looks so sweet...and she'll have plenty of help getting ready in each morning.

Again, thank you! Now...to the sewing room!

Kristen