Hi! I'm Larissa, owner of
Ellie's Trunk and mom to a 10.5 year old and a 4 month old! I pretty much only sew for my own kids and the occasional custom order these days while we figure out this whole infant in the house thing again!
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| Excuse the crazy hair, she spent all day running around a farm! |
One of the most difficult aspects of sewing for a tween is finding patterns that do not look too babyish or grown up. Anyone who has tried to sew for a tween girl lately can agree that they are picky about every detail -- from the pattern to the fabric! When I saw this dress, the first thing I did was call over my 10.5 year old and ask her if she would wear it. I was so happy when she got very excited about it! Then it came to fabric selection......She wanted a short sleeve dress and I needed a long sleeve version! We compromised that we would do both, the long sleeve one in a nice fall theme and then she could pick a "fun" fabric for her short sleeve version. I am absolutely in love with this pattern! There are a few different ways to place the fabric in this dress that will make it a fun staple in my daughters wardrobe!
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| Love the ribbon bow! She actually asked for it to be tied in a "Cinderella bow!" |
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| Adding some sass! |
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| I really love how quick this pattern came together and how different it can look with different fabrics! |
Some quick Details:
- Skill Level - Beginner- the casing is different, but is explained very clearly (with pictures too!)
- Printing: The pattern Pieces print in black and white on 12 pages. The sizes are all nested together, and there is a key telling you which dash dot line to cut for each size.
- Size Range: 12 months - 12
- Instructions - Clear and easy to follow with step by step written instructions and clear photographs to walk you through each stage of construction. The instructions are only 11 pages and is broken up into 9 steps!
- Fit - I made the size 8 for my daughter (She is in 8-10/12 in RTW stuff) and I love the fit... a little bit of growing room to last through the fall and winter.
- Options: Short or long sleeves and elastic in the wrist for the long sleeve. This can also be made into a top (directions are included)
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| Trying to look so sweet! |
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| I love this fabric that she chose! |
Overall, this was a very quick sew. If I took out all the distractions, it took me about 2 hours to cut and sew both dresses!
