Pattern Description:
Girl's toddler princess seam dress with a-line, slightly flared skirt. Pattern Sizing:
I made size 3 Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
It did for the most part but because I didn't use rick-rack and used different colors and fabrics, it looks different enough. Were the instructions easy to follow?
They were easy to follow but when I made my second version (the blue dress) I sewed together pattern pieces 4 and 5 before 3 and 5 because 4 has a piece that needs to be folded out of the way instead of being sewn into the seam like it should be and how I did it on #2. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
It took me a few times reading the directions to get how the sleeves were built into the top side pieces and thought it was weird at first. But as I put it together, I realized that it would work well and it's so much easier than having to add sleeves. The skirt is nice and full without needing too much fabric or gathering to fit. I didn't mind such a small hem because I just did it with my hemmer foot and it was that fast.
I didn't like the gathering on the skirt. It had to be gathered completely for just a slight gathered look and I would rather it be either a full gather or cut an inch smaller on each side and not be gathered at all. It was hard to gather such a small amount of fabric and try to space it evenly. I made pleats in the first dress to avoid it or rather because I thought it just went straight together and wondered what I did wrong to make it too big. I didn't finish reading the directions here... thought I knew better.
The third time I made it, it went together extremely easily. Fabric Used:
I used cotton on the first dress, Asian inspired, and the overskirt on the 2nd dress is tulle I think. The third dress is cotton. Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I pleated the waist on the first dress but a very small pleat just under each of the princess seams in the bodice. I changed how I put pieces together on the 2nd as I explained above. I didn't use rick rack around the dress and on the second dress I used the bias tape around the whole collar which makes it look more round than it is. I made the overskirt on the blue dress removable so I could wash it easier and sewed the overskirt to the ribbon around the waistband instead of sewing the ribbon to the dress.
On the third dress I added ribbon to the front panel to create a place where it could be laced up the front and tied but only for looks and it serves no actual purpose. I also cut straight lines of fabric about 3 inches wide and the full width of the fabric to add a ruffle to the bottom of the dress. I added ribbons hanging down from the front under a seam to hang charms on hand sewed flowers on the right front to add some more fun to the dress. I ruffled everything on the dress by hand. Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would sew it again. It was easy to put together and I can see lots of ways to put it together and make it look different and new. I would definitely sew this again after making the third dress. No looking at the instructions were necessary by then. It went together perfectly. Conclusion:
The pattern is wonderful and easy to put together. It's very easy to make it your own design. I really enjoyed it and it gives me more faith that I can make a dress look like anything I want as long as I'm willing to go that far.
My model was a little unhappy that she couldn't twirl during all the photo's and had to actually stay still. But you can still see how lovely the dresses look on her.
Renren said... These Disney Princess dresses are fabulous--some little girl is very, very lucky! 1/19/13 3:53 PM
pyrxtc said... Thank you. Can't wait to see them worn. 1/20/13 7:59 PM
butterflyfly said... Love the fabric you used! So cute! 1/22/13 10:06 AM
Quickie said... Such a fine dresses for a girl to feel special in 1/25/13 1:46 AM
Heatherrique said... The dresses demonstrate your creativity, artistry, and impressive skill! Your model is just too adorable. 1/25/13 12:32 PM
annakeeton said... These dresses are very sweet. 1/25/13 9:14 PM
pyrxtc said... Thank you all. I have only been sewing for about 9 months since my first lesson at Joann's. I keep trying to push myself but have a hard time finding some of the fabric designs I'd like to work with. I love mixing colors and patterns. 1/27/13 10:40 AM
Jacqui315 said... I can't believe you just learned how to sew - these are amazing! You would never know they were the same pattern. 1/29/13 0:39 AM
treefrog said... Gorgeous! Love the ribbon flowers on the third dress. Each one is such a different look. 1/29/13 8:23 PM
StudioCherie said... very sweet! Great work, well written review, beautiful results, it really doesn't get any better than that. Good luck in the contest 2/4/13 5:07 PM
ghijsmom said... Very pretty little dresses. Great job, and all so different! 2/5/13 11:29 PM
These Disney Princess dresses are fabulous--some little girl is very, very lucky!
1/19/13 3:53 PM
Thank you. Can't wait to see them worn.
1/20/13 7:59 PM
Love the fabric you used! So cute!
1/22/13 10:06 AM
Such a fine dresses for a girl to feel special in
1/25/13 1:46 AM
The dresses demonstrate your creativity, artistry, and impressive skill! Your model is just too adorable.
1/25/13 12:32 PM
These dresses are very sweet.
1/25/13 9:14 PM
Thank you all. I have only been sewing for about 9 months since my first lesson at Joann's. I keep trying to push myself but have a hard time finding some of the fabric designs I'd like to work with. I love mixing colors and patterns.
1/27/13 10:40 AM
I can't believe you just learned how to sew - these are amazing! You would never know they were the same pattern.
1/29/13 0:39 AM
Gorgeous! Love the ribbon flowers on the third dress. Each one is such a different look.
1/29/13 8:23 PM
very sweet! Great work, well written review, beautiful results, it really doesn't get any better than that. Good luck in the contest
2/4/13 5:07 PM
Very pretty little dresses. Great job, and all so different!
2/5/13 11:29 PM