A long sleeve version of the original Panel dress, for extra cosiness from autumn through to spring. Oversized and high-waisted, this dress has plenty of room for toddler tummies, tree-climbing, and twirling. Made from cotton, double gauze, and/or linen, the gathered sleeves and extra long fold-over cuffs mean this dress is warm enough for winter, especially when layered with a vest, cardigan, and tights or leggings. It makes a great sibling/cousin/friend set with a coordinating romper - depending on fabric availability and your preference, you could go for full-on matchy-matchy, more subtle synchronised patterns and tones, or something in between.

With back snaps, the dress opens up to below the waist line, making it easy for younger kids to get in and out of (though they’ll need some help from a grown up to do the snaps up). The front tie version is great for older kids who are happy to dress themselves. On both versions the front and back panels are fully lined with no exposed seams to irritate, and the stretchy cuffs slide on with ease.

For more information on how Bab works, what a Bab Special is, and how to order a custom garment, see this page. If you have a special fabric (this can be a flat piece or an adult-sized garment for repurposing) you’d like me to turn into a Panel dress (or any other garment), just get in touch to discuss your vision. To give you a sense of what this might look like, the lilac dress with Welsh blanket print panel in the main image is made from a repurposed men’s short sleeve shirt in size medium, which provided enough fabric for the bodice, skirt, and sleeves, as well as the panel lining.

Care - wash with nonbio detergent at 30° C or lower, on a gentle/handwash cycle if possible. Hang dry on a small clothes hanger to minimise wrinkles. Iron on medium if desired. The embroidered fabrics I use are all second-hand and have been washed (and used) before I repurpose them, so are usually reasonably durable, but to be on the safe side wash embroidered garments inside out, in a mesh bag or pillowcase.

Sizing - you can find the sizing and finished measurements of all Bab items here.

Composition:

Body - 100% cotton (lawn, quilting, and/or double gauze), 100% linen, or a mix of the two, depending on the exact combination of fabrics used.

Thread - either recycled polyester or 100% organic cotton, depending on the best colour match. The embroidered fabrics used are all second-hand, but are likely to use 100% cotton embroidery threads.

Snaps - metal

Labels - organic 100% cotton