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This Dad Sews Custom Clothes For His 9-Year-Old Daughter, And Here Are 30 Of The Coolest Ones
Michael Gardner is a 36-year-old father who's discovered his biggest passion—sewing clothes—by looking for a way to make his daughter feel happier and more confident. Michael started teaching himself to sew back in 2014 as a way to bond with his daughter Ava who, at the time, was only 3 years old. He began making custom designs for Ava by refashioning thrifted women's clothing which later lead him to starting an Instagram account and a blog called Daddy Dressed Me.
"My mission is to help Ava build her self-esteem and establish confidence in herself and her abilities. I sew the clothes and Ava models," Michael explains on his blog. "I learned through trial and error, watched tutorials on YouTube and Pinterest and just started creating." The man has already created over 200 unique-looking outfits for his daughter, which he's been regularly posting on Instagram. The duo's Instagram profile currently has almost 21k followers.
Without further ado, Bored Panda invites you to scroll down and look through the list featuring some of our favorite outfits that Michael has designed for his lovely daughter Ava. As always, make sure to vote for your favorite ones!
More info: Instagram | Facebook | daddydressedmebymg.com
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
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"I have been creative since I was a kid and have utilized my talents to express myself in so many outlets. I've tried my hand at writing, poetry, room renovations, upcycling furniture, painting, party planning, photography and cooking. When I discovered sewing, the experience gave me a feeling I had not accomplished with any other craft," Michael writes on his blog.
#4
"I appreciate the ability to create a garment that began as an idea in my thoughts and seeing the piece walk the streets either on myself or Ava is an amazing feeling. Being a Father is my most important responsibility and what I am most proud of in life. It is a blessing to be able to combine my journey of fatherhood with my love of creativity while creating memories with my child," the dad explains on his blog.
Turns out, Michael's desire to be an active parent in Ava's life was inspired by his own childhood experiences. "I wanted to make sure she felt confident, that she loved herself, and that she could believe in her abilities, which are all the things I struggled with as a kid," Gardner told The Philadelphia Inquirer.
"I would be physically standing in front of him [my dad] saying ‘hi’ and he’d ignore me. He would cross the street to go up the block and avoid me," Michael explained to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
#14
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#23
Mary Rose Kent 4 years ago
I love that they’re wearing vibrant pink on top and slightly more subdued colors below.
#26
#43
Terry Peirce 4 years ago
Daddy's girl.....ya think? She'll probably never understand how loved she is. What a blessing.
#50
Janine Hunt-Jackson 4 years ago
I get a kick out of the fact that her accessories match her clothes.
#52
teresa fenton 4 years ago
Hi from NZ. Wow they are all amazing Cld not pick just one Amazing and ur daughter is so proud Keep doing what you are doing😀😀 Teresa
#54
#58
Susan Stead 4 years ago
I wish I had just a smidge of his talent. And it's great how he matches outfits with her. What a dad!
Lindsay Smith 4 years ago
I dig her as a child model. She brings so much emotion to each photo. Thanks for sharing this. I'm showing it to friends and family!
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Toasty 4 years ago
Any Dad who takes the time to invest in their daughters interests gets a big ol' thumbs up from me.
Dominika Juillet 4 years ago
beautiful!! Please start a clothing line!!! there are so many "mommy and me" for moms and daughters and fathers and songs but literally ZERO for daughter and dad (my dad is like my best friend, *mom is great too but def grew up bonding with dad and the outdoors)..
Viviane 4 years ago
I know a young woman who takes after her father in traveling by motorcycle. Her brother is more into discussing politics (like their mother). It leaves development and growth more open when no one applies gender conformity to interests and self-expression. And don't anyone be fooled by gender expression -- my sister-in-law is quite girly, but uses that to advantage as a very tough and effective prosecutor. She'll ask ever-so-nicely to repeat that story and ever-so-nicely poke holes in it.
Load More Replies...
The 5-star rated 5-star rating system 4 years ago
This father is very talented. His daughters seem proud, and rightly so.
Patti Vance 4 years ago
great outfits! and, i am going to say it....can you imagine what her wedding dress is going to look like!
Daphne Williams 4 years ago
I love how much enjoyment and confidence she has in these photos. It's terribly sad what he said about his own father. Great job turning that experience into something positive!
DDmaybeandor 4 years ago
The variety of fabrics, Lord! Y'all don't understand, some of this is so temperamental to sew. This man is VERY talented. Those people who flip the thrift store cloths have nothing in him (IMHO).
Lara Verne 4 years ago
I can sew, but sewing pants and coats that fit needs a lot of talent and precision. Thumbs up, this dad is amazing!
Lindy Mac 4 years ago
Ava Gardener!!! YOU are a gorgeous young lady and you have a talented and most awesome dad. I wish we were neighbors... you are sooooo cool!
Aunt Messy 4 years ago
I hope people learn from this that sewing is not some big scary thing that's too hard to do. Most of these patterns are relatively simple, but they're well executed and the fabrics he uses are really fun. For years I made all of my evening wear - and I've made a LOT of coats. It's not that difficult once you get going.
John and Brandy Keippala 4 years ago
Wow!!! I hope he gets a line out of this!!!! Amazing designs. And one of the (very) few times family matching has worked!!!!!
AnInrovert 4 years ago
Those outfits our GORGEUS (I mean like, wow, girl's dad), but her smile! You can tell she's genuinly happy!
CanadianaKa 4 years ago
With all these years to practice, the amazing skill and fashion sense, I wanna see what her dad-made prom dress will look like!
Lori Bowman 4 years ago
Confident daughter, mission accomplished. You are a great dad! Loved this story. Sorry your own father missed out.
Monika Soffronow 4 years ago
Lovely. And this is as far away from that other American Father-Daughter duo as you can possibly get! How uplifting!
Billie Templeton 4 years ago
THEY COULD HAVE THEIR OWN BOUTIQUE FASHION LINE..... Adorable, fashionable..... Love love love!
Becca Gizmo the Squirrel 4 years ago
This whole thing is so incredibly wholesome and exactly what the world needs right now!
Misty Andrews 4 years ago
Such a talented daddy! And his little girl looked amazing in each of those outfits, her attitude & sass just came through and showed how much fun she was having. And that confidence shined so bright 🌞 😎🕶
Violet Smith 4 years ago
This lucky girl is growing up confident and assured because her Dad loves her and shows it! (I would have loved to have so many cool clothes at that age...)
sizzle like a sausage 4 years ago
I want all these outfits! Ava should definitely pursue a career in modeling. So beautiful and pure, I absolutely love this man's work.
Ceredwyn Ealanta 4 years ago
I'm honestly thinking this guy needs to design for men - so often, men's clothes are trapped in a grey-brown hell that's cautious and neutral. Energy, that's what this guy can bring to it. His clothes for himself are excellent and really show some personality and style.
Diandra “Mss Didi” Blackthorn 4 years ago
Wondering if he'd like to adopt an adult... What a fabulous dad!
C. Mayo 4 years ago
It's lovely to see such a wholesome rejection of gender stereotypes. You go, dad!
Beverly Bohringer 4 years ago
Amazing duo the dad is outrageously talented and so loving too. The little girl is so fortunate to have a great dad.
Andrea Huelsenbeck 4 years ago
She is such a cute model, isn't she? She's got her runway moves down.
Kim Lorton 4 years ago
This dad, should open a fashion house for kids, and the whole family to wear! Even adults! The designs are priceless!
MermaidsAndDragons 4 years ago
I want these outfits, but there's no way in hell I could pull any of them off.
Messy 4 years ago
Hun were focused on how good this dad is to his daughter, and how he’s taking courage and effort to create beautiful clothes for her. I think he knows how to parent his child. Good Vibes
Load More Replies... Toasty 4 years ago
Any Dad who takes the time to invest in their daughters interests gets a big ol' thumbs up from me.
Dominika Juillet 4 years ago
beautiful!! Please start a clothing line!!! there are so many "mommy and me" for moms and daughters and fathers and songs but literally ZERO for daughter and dad (my dad is like my best friend, *mom is great too but def grew up bonding with dad and the outdoors)..
Viviane 4 years ago
I know a young woman who takes after her father in traveling by motorcycle. Her brother is more into discussing politics (like their mother). It leaves development and growth more open when no one applies gender conformity to interests and self-expression. And don't anyone be fooled by gender expression -- my sister-in-law is quite girly, but uses that to advantage as a very tough and effective prosecutor. She'll ask ever-so-nicely to repeat that story and ever-so-nicely poke holes in it.
Load More Replies... The 5-star rated 5-star rating system 4 years ago
This father is very talented. His daughters seem proud, and rightly so.
Patti Vance 4 years ago
great outfits! and, i am going to say it....can you imagine what her wedding dress is going to look like!
Daphne Williams 4 years ago
I love how much enjoyment and confidence she has in these photos. It's terribly sad what he said about his own father. Great job turning that experience into something positive!
DDmaybeandor 4 years ago
The variety of fabrics, Lord! Y'all don't understand, some of this is so temperamental to sew. This man is VERY talented. Those people who flip the thrift store cloths have nothing in him (IMHO).
Lara Verne 4 years ago
I can sew, but sewing pants and coats that fit needs a lot of talent and precision. Thumbs up, this dad is amazing!
Lindy Mac 4 years ago
Ava Gardener!!! YOU are a gorgeous young lady and you have a talented and most awesome dad. I wish we were neighbors... you are sooooo cool!
Aunt Messy 4 years ago
I hope people learn from this that sewing is not some big scary thing that's too hard to do. Most of these patterns are relatively simple, but they're well executed and the fabrics he uses are really fun. For years I made all of my evening wear - and I've made a LOT of coats. It's not that difficult once you get going.
John and Brandy Keippala 4 years ago
Wow!!! I hope he gets a line out of this!!!! Amazing designs. And one of the (very) few times family matching has worked!!!!!
AnInrovert 4 years ago
Those outfits our GORGEUS (I mean like, wow, girl's dad), but her smile! You can tell she's genuinly happy!
CanadianaKa 4 years ago
With all these years to practice, the amazing skill and fashion sense, I wanna see what her dad-made prom dress will look like!
Lori Bowman 4 years ago
Confident daughter, mission accomplished. You are a great dad! Loved this story. Sorry your own father missed out.
Monika Soffronow 4 years ago
Lovely. And this is as far away from that other American Father-Daughter duo as you can possibly get! How uplifting!
Billie Templeton 4 years ago
THEY COULD HAVE THEIR OWN BOUTIQUE FASHION LINE..... Adorable, fashionable..... Love love love!
Becca Gizmo the Squirrel 4 years ago
This whole thing is so incredibly wholesome and exactly what the world needs right now!
Misty Andrews 4 years ago
Such a talented daddy! And his little girl looked amazing in each of those outfits, her attitude & sass just came through and showed how much fun she was having. And that confidence shined so bright 🌞 😎🕶
Violet Smith 4 years ago
This lucky girl is growing up confident and assured because her Dad loves her and shows it! (I would have loved to have so many cool clothes at that age...)
sizzle like a sausage 4 years ago
I want all these outfits! Ava should definitely pursue a career in modeling. So beautiful and pure, I absolutely love this man's work.
Ceredwyn Ealanta 4 years ago
I'm honestly thinking this guy needs to design for men - so often, men's clothes are trapped in a grey-brown hell that's cautious and neutral. Energy, that's what this guy can bring to it. His clothes for himself are excellent and really show some personality and style.
Diandra “Mss Didi” Blackthorn 4 years ago
Wondering if he'd like to adopt an adult... What a fabulous dad!
C. Mayo 4 years ago
It's lovely to see such a wholesome rejection of gender stereotypes. You go, dad!
Beverly Bohringer 4 years ago
Amazing duo the dad is outrageously talented and so loving too. The little girl is so fortunate to have a great dad.
Andrea Huelsenbeck 4 years ago
She is such a cute model, isn't she? She's got her runway moves down.
Kim Lorton 4 years ago
This dad, should open a fashion house for kids, and the whole family to wear! Even adults! The designs are priceless!
MermaidsAndDragons 4 years ago
I want these outfits, but there's no way in hell I could pull any of them off.
Messy 4 years ago
Hun were focused on how good this dad is to his daughter, and how he’s taking courage and effort to create beautiful clothes for her. I think he knows how to parent his child. Good Vibes
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