Sweet Studio Ghibli Lolita

I appliqued my favourite Ghibli heroines on a sweet lolita dress to wear to Anime Festival Orlando 2009.  I had a newborn daughter who refused to be put down.  She didn't like the sound of the sewing machine, and I clearly coudn't work with anything prop-heavy, so She hung out in the sling while I drew, cut, ironed, and embroidered these little beauties.  The dress itself was made late at night and while she napped.  

I have loved Lolita style since I first saw it, but at my age (28 when I made this), I could only do so many ribbons and bows.  I took my favourite elements of lolita style, but scaled it back a little bit-- applique instead of a flowery print, a plainer bodice with the lacing details on the side instead of the front, doubled ruffled panels that create just a little less volume-- that sort of thing.  I like the outcome a lot.  I want to wear this dress more often, but I'm a little afraid that the applique won't hold up to repeated washings.