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Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter
(click images to to enlarge)
Outline the story …
This children's book by Astrid Lindgren, "Ronja, the Robber's Daughter", follows a young girl, daughter to the leader of a band of robbers, on her adventures from encountering trolls and foxes to surprisingly meeting a boy of her own age when a rival band moves in to the unoccupied part of the castle where Ronja's father's band live. What I remember of the story is a feeling of earthiness, dense woodland and mossy ground with small flowers shining like stars in the thick greenery.
I had a vague idea of a 50s silhouette, but unfortunately my skill level didn't quite reach the goal - also the petticoat did not arrive in time. In the end this turned out a little more cottage core, but I think this fits the character and her journey, as I tried to imagine how Ronja would be as an adult and also tried to mimic the neckline of Viking apron dresses a little.
Outline the construction…
As I am very limited in space I wanted to create a garment I could wear every day while also invoking that woodland feeling. I chose a lovely, dark green needle cord and created an embroidery design at the neckline. I used a McCalls pattern and was able to adjust particularly the waistband (I am quite short waisted) but struggled a lot with the back (I apparently have a sway back in addition to a short waist, which results in quite a bit of puckering in the back of the bodice. It does not help that this was the first time I made anything fitted around the top half of the body...
I chose to flat line the fabric rather than bag line, which may not have been the best choice for some areas, especially the under arms where the side seams meet. I did not find the instructions very helpful so made up some parts as I went along, which may not have been the best idea. The hem may have been the greatest challenge as the skirt portion is almost a full circle. Most fortuitously Juul Thijssen has a video on hems and the lovely Desiree from Design by Desiree was very kind and came to my rescue via Instagram message. If you should see this: thank you again, Desiree :)
I love it. I would happily wear it every day. And the embroidery is perfect, it moves it on to another level. It was clearly challenging, by what you say, but so worth the effort and time. Best of luck x
Oh thank you so much! That is so kind!
I am really happy with the embroidery – the rest I could pick apart for faults, but the embroidery actually came out as planned 😊
It came out beautiful! I love the flat lining! The embroidery looks adorable!
Thank you so much ❤
So in love with the embroidery, just gorgeous. What an impressive little make and definitely something to wear every day
So glad you like it!❤
The materials, colors, and embroidery are just wonderful – a lovely outfit! I also love that you took Ronja’s story as an inspiration. Being from Finland, I remember Ronja Ryövärintytär as one of the most powerful and exciting children’s tale from my own childhood; it is very much different from any regular princess fairytale, with it’s feministic spirit, strong emphasis on nature and folkloristic magical creatures. I really relate to your work here.
It’s a beautiful dress, the embroidery is perfect across that neckline, and the way the skirt falls is just heavenly.
Oh, thank you! Yes, Ronja always resonated much more than sleeping beauty or other classic princesses. Really nice to know there is someone who also loves the story and am really proud you like the dress 😊
I love this dress and the design, the embroidery is such a great decorative touch and matches the color of the fabric wonderfully! You definitely got the woodland vibe down, it’s perfect cottagecore.
Thank you 😁
Loved this on Instagram and love it here. I’m a huge fan of your pretty embroidery. 😀
😁 so glad you like it, I think the embroidery is my favourite part 😅
The embroidery is charming, and matched with the lovely forest green, really gives that woodland feel. I also love that the woodland theme is even reflected in your choice of floral lining fabric!
Oh, thank you, so happy you picked up on that detail inthe lining 😃
Your embroidery is the perfect finishing touch to this outfit! I love how it contrasts with the corduroy.
Thank you 😊
The embroidery is so sweet! I love the lining! The calicos in those cooler colors and sweet prints, in contrast with the solid, tertiary hues on the face. I don’t know the story but that contrast feels evocative. I wonder if she ever needs a quick disguise, she could turn her dress inside out! Anyway, best of luck from Icarus!
Haha, she could indeed do with some camouflage at some moments. Glad you like it 😊
Fly high, Icarus 🕊
Love the simple silhouette, the gorgeous color, and holy wow, that embroidery!
Thank you so much 😀
Beautiful dress with very nice details! I love the colour and silhouette of it!
Thank you 🙂
Ronja would definately appreciate the cottagecore vibe! Lovely dress with such a strong character as inspiration!
Very nice, I really like this! The construction is well done. Thank you!
I love a good pinafore moment, this is super cute, love the embroidery, good job!
This looks wonderful and very fitting for Ronja. I especially like the emboidery.
Your embroidery is so delicate and pretty! I love it!