Pattern review: Every little thing dress by Shwin Designs

Well, my model is less then cooperative. But that's old news. It's hard for my little girls to hold still. And hairdos? I save that battle for Sundays. But she loves this dress, and I love this dress, so at least we agree on something.

You probably can't tell from the amazing pictures, but the snaps are heart shaped. Which I love.

 



I love this plaid. It's perfect. The purple, blue and pink are almost too '80's, then it hits you with the black and orange (happy little sigh). It must be a poly/cotton blend because it doesn't wrinkle, either. I think I have enough left over to use as a back yoke for something if I ever actually use any of the patterns I've been accumulating for myself (frustrated sigh).



In other news, I finished my last nursing theory course today and all I have left is an integrative practicum January - June. Woohoo! I'm getting so close to being a nurse!

Pattern: Every little thing dress by Shwin Designs

Sizing: I think I sewed up a four. I couldn't find a size chart anywhere in the pattern, so I went with what Stella wears in ready to wear and added length just to be safe. It should fit for a couple years :)

Material used: Robert kaufman chambray stretch linen in black (I think) from Pink Chalk fabrics' liquidating sale and the most amazing plaid ever upcycled from a Mexico skirt (aka a skirt I bought from Goodwill to wear in Mexico during a missions trip back in high school. I might have fabric hoarding tendencies.)

 

Notions needed: Three snap sets from here. Aren't they cute? The pattern calls for buttons, but snaps are just so much quicker.

Appropriately rated: Yes. Rated advanced beginner because of buttonholes, and instructions are a little hard to read at times. If the instructions were rewritten, it could easily be appropriate for a beginner.

Modifications: I left the bow off and have her wear it with the snaps in the front (the front and back bodice pieces are the same except for the button placket). I also added a couple inches width to the skirt to make it nice and twirly and doubled the width of the skirt band to add growing room.

Time spent: A long evening covered both cutting and sewing.

Comments: I think the pattern is one of Shwin Designs' earlier releases. I haven't tried any other of their patterns, so I don't know if they've improved. The instructions in the pattern are written in the same style of the blog, so if you like the tutorials and free patterns on the blog, then you'd probably do fine with the instructions. The photos are helpful, but the written instructions lack clarity and good sentence structure. That said, the pattern is perfect for a simple, cute, quick jumper and the pockets are awesome. This is actually the fourth time I've made it (a tunic for Stella last year and two dresses for nieces -- none blogged), so I must like it!

Linked up at sew + show at straightgrain. (Look! I figured out how to add a button! Thank you google.)