My first christening gown

So what have I been sewing recently? Well the first few bridal commissions are under way, which is very scary! Thank goodness there is someone helping me on those. I'll put some pictures up soon.
Aside from that, I set myself the task of making a dress for my friends gorgeous baby. The little Miss was due to be christened and my friend was looking for something like this;

Sadly this dress costs 200 Aussie dollars which is more than she is able to spring to. I happened to remember a gorgeous piece of latte coloured duppion silk I had at home so thought I would surprise her with a little gift. I took the picture as a starting point for the dress but needed a pattern to work from. Ever the cheapskate I didn't want to buy one as I would be adapting it anyway, so I employed a method used in the industry (well according to my pattern cutting book) of ripping off a pattern from a ready made garment. I popped to my local department store and picked up a simple dress in the approximate style. I then traced the seams using a tracing wheel on to pattern paper and voila a free pattern. If there it's call for it, I may do a tutorial on this (comments on the ethics of this also welcome, apparently all the big chain stores do it to get their ready to wear collections ready so quickly after fashion shows, designer rip off anyone?)  Anyway, after I had my pattern I needed some more fabric and I really wanted some lace to go over the top of the silk. I decided to take a trip to Ridley Road market, having never been before I heard it was a good place to go. I like exploring new areas in London so armed with my mum (with the promise of a Vietnamese meal afterwards) we went to Dalston Mill shop. From the outside the place looks like it's going to be tiny but once inside it is a fabric buying heaven. It may be true that there is a little too much to see and it's slightly overwhelming but hey if you can't find it here there isn't much hope anywhere else! I picked some beautiful embroidered tulle which was a little pricey (£22 per metre) and some soft lining.
A slight fail in my calculations meant that i didn't really have enough lace for a really full skirt so I decided to get some super soft tulle to do a border at the bottom. I got this in Shepards Bush (A One fabrics).
Anyway, what do you think?

I'm really pleased with the little improvised sleeves, I think they are cute. To give a little stiffness on the bodice I underlined the silk with some silk organza which I had lying around (this baby is wearing good quality gear!!). I'm also really pleased with the little buttons and loops, it took me a while to decide on the closure method, anyone ever spent ages making a project only to ruin it at the last moment with dodgy button holes? I think that is an area I really need to practise in!
The little dress has winged its way to Oz and my friend loved it, I'll try and get a piccie of little Indiana wearing it.
I really enjoyed making this dress, as it was so small it came together quickly and was a great opportunity to try lots of techniques.
Have you ever made clothes for little ones? What did you enjoy or dislike?