Dress on Zara
On the hanger under the mango tree
Front Ruffles detail
Dress on Hanger
Back View
Back view on Zara
Line Drawings & pattern pieces
A Workroom from Project Runway - Pattern Description:
Girls or toddlers' flared or bubble dress with ruffle or bow front detail.
Pattern is designed for Centre Back Zip.
I chose the flared version View B and added the ruffles from View A.
All pattern pieces can be combined.
Pattern Sizing:
6 months - 4 years
Chest meaurements 19" - 24" or 48 cms - 58 cms.
I sewed a Size 4 (to grow into) for my DGD Zara, who is almost 2.5 years and quite tall for her age.
Knowing that Zara has many summer type clothes already and is growing fast, I decided to opt for size 4. I was also sewing this cute little dress for a Christmas gift, without having current height and chest measurements.
Zara currently wears New Look in size 3, which fit her nicely.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes - definitely the same as the line drawing, although I chose only one fabric, not two different fabrics as shown in the envelope photo. I really like the finished result with one fabric only.
There are quite a few variations possible with little seven (7) gore dress pattern!
What did you particularly like about the pattern?
* Like the beautiful curved yokes, bias ruffles and classic styling
for a little one.
* The excellent drafting and each pattern piece lined up nicely.
* There is no excess pattern ease - the pattern chest measurements incorporate only comfortable wearing ease.
* The yokes have a concave curve on the lower edges and this contributes to the the way the skirt section hangs and twirls so well.
* Easy instructions for the Back opening using a zipper -fast and easy to insert and fitting can be adjusted at this step too. My DS and DIL like back zippers to eliminate time for dressing and
undressing.
* I used only 8 pattern pieces, including the two little ruffles. The front and back yokes are cut twice for the lining, using either self-fabric or any suitable fabric.
There are many variations to sew from the combination of patterns included.
No dislikes 
Fabric Used:
A cotton & polyester blend (my DDIL said yippee, no- ironing).
Gorgeous little roses in tones of coral, pink and cyclamen with tinges of green leaves on a muted background.
I squeezed this gorgeous little dress from around 1 metre or 39 inches of 45 inch/112cm fabric. (two way print)
Lining fabric used was solid white, to minimise show-through.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes !!!
The instructions are good and very well illustrated.
I used an Invisible Zipper, which gives a very neat and professional finish. The back zipper is sewn in at the very end of construction.
I did use and alternative methods for the Yoke Linings:
Alternative Method for the Yoke Linings
* I trimmed 2 mm or 1/8th inch from the armscyes/armholes on the lining, so that the lining fabric would be nicely invisible from the outside.
The instructions omit to explain that seam allowances on the curved edges of both the yokes and the dress skirt, need to be clipped, otherwise they will not fit together. The seam allowance is 5/8 or 1.5cms. This could be trimmed down, although I just clipped the seam allowances and it all lined up easily enough.
Alternatively, you could trim the seam allowance on the lower edge of the yokes and top edges of the skirt pieces, to 3/8 or 1 cm, when cutting or tracing the pattern.
* Yoke lining in Steps 3, 4 & 5, advise to turn under the seam allowance of 1.5 cms or 5/8 inch. & then attach the skirt to the main facing bodices.
yoke lining instructions that I changed
* I left the linings unturned, attached the skirt to the yokes and sewed the side seams as per the instructions.
* Then, I pressed the linings down inside, after stitching the side seams.
Note: The front concave shape yoke, with gathered ruffles attached, has many thicknesses, which need to be graded to minimise bulk.
There is already quite a bulky seam from the ruffled gathered on curved yoke, so I pressed the yoke lining, upwards toward the outer fabric and drew a washable marker line on top of the
stitching/seam line.
* Next, I serged (overlocked) the yoke lining, keeping the left needle on the blue line, that I had marked.
* I was then able to topstitch through all layers, from the topside, using a SITD foot, knowing that the stitching should fall between the serged/overlocked stitches on the lining. The topstitching stabilised the yoke and gives a neat finish.
Some photos of the inside here-
Front yoke lining
Back yoke lining with back seam & invisible zipper
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Basically none, except for swapping the Ruffles from View A onto View B.
I used the length for Size 3, instead of Size 4.
I then sewed only a 6mm or 1/4 inch hem as the skirt is flared.
An easy hem - I serged (overlocked) the hem with a wide stitch, turned it under, pressed and stitched from the top side. I didn't use the method to sew a 3 cm or 1.25 " hem as I thought this width would be bulky.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes !!!
With our year round warm weather, I may try the bubble hem version or a co-ordinating fabrics version too - I have fallen for the little curved yokes, with the gently flared and gored skirt.
Once the pattern pieces are selected, the sewing progressed along easily. Basically, the seams except the curved yokes, are just straight sewing. The back seam and zipper are inserted at the very end, right before hemming.
Conclusion:
To my relief, the gift of a "Made with Love" dress, was a big hit on Christmas Day. Zara loved twirling and refused to change after my DDIL tried it on for size - she played in it for the rest of Christmas Day.
My DDIL was thrilled with the dress too !! I always have a touch of that "Made by Nana Apprehension" when sewing for Zara. The first things DDIL mentioned were, " Oh I love the roses print and the curved yoke that is gorgeous, something I don't see in many stores " !!
Additional photos and Slideshow links below
All photos here
Slideshow here
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Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
I really love the ruffles. When i need a pattern of a toddlers dress there is a great chance i'll choose this pattern
12/30/12 5:10 AM
What a beautiful dress, so many perfect details. Zara is a doll:)
12/30/12 5:32 AM
Lovely dress, lovely little model! I love this pattern too - used it for 2 Christmas dresses.
12/30/12 8:34 AM
Lovely dress, lovely little model! I love this pattern too - used it for 2 Christmas dresses.
12/30/12 8:34 AM
How darling. I might have to buy this pattern and store it away, in case I ever have a granddaughter. I certainly would have made it for my daughter when she was small. So cute!
12/30/12 9:39 AM
Gorgeous dress Vonne! I love the floral print and it looks like Zara loves it too. What girl doesn't like a pretty dress? Thanks for the tips about the curved yoke.....I'll have to try this pattern for our little Verona. '-)
12/30/12 10:30 AM
What a sweet and darling dress and your very cute Zara! Lovely work! What a wonderful pattern - wish I could own them all!
12/30/12 10:48 AM
Darling, darling, your DGD and the dress!! I bought this pattern a while ago for my DGD--she is only 20 months old, am waiting for her to get a bit bigger to make it. Thank you for this wonderful review!!!
12/30/12 11:02 AM
Beautiful dress and model! I love the sweet fabric you chose, and the interesting details in this pattern.
12/30/12 12:41 PM
Absolutely gorgeous...both the dress & Zara!
12/30/12 4:24 PM
Beautiful dress for a beautiful little girl!
12/30/12 4:55 PM
The finish looks impeccable Vonne and the fabric is just gorgeous for this lovely dress. Zara is a doll!
12/30/12 5:35 PM
What a sweet little dress and so nicely made. Your DGD looks adorably cute in her princess dress!
12/30/12 5:40 PM
This is such a pretty dress on your lovely granddaughter! The fabric is perfect for the pattern. I think I might need to add this pattern to my ever growing pattern stash. Very nice sewing ... as always!
12/30/12 5:51 PM
Gorgeous dress and beautifully sewn! The ruffles are lovely but not overdone.
12/30/12 6:10 PM
Beautiful dress for gorgeous Zara.
12/30/12 10:33 PM
Thanks for the great details in your review....the pattern looks like a winner and Zara is a lucky girl to have a personal seamstress
12/31/12 11:59 AM
Great job from Nanna. Perfect dress for our weather here, and so pretty. Zara's lucky to have such a wonderful Nanna to sew for her.
12/31/12 7:56 PM
I think you've ticked all the boxes for everyone with this little dress, Vonne! Just beautiful.
12/31/12 7:56 PM
What a beautiful dress! I love the style, especially that curved yoke, and it looks wonderful on your DGD. Thanks for your detailed review.
1/2/13 7:30 AM
What a helpful review. I am adding it to my favorites because I want to sew this for my 2 year old! Your dress and the model are both adorable. What a fantastic fit too.
1/15/13 11:44 AM