Friday, November 14, 2014

Gloria Dress {Pattern Tester}

So I have recently discovered the world of knit fabrics. After working with wovens for so long, I was a little intimidated by the thought of trying to branch away from that. But after my last pattern test, I was completely hooked.


Knits are so much fun to work with! They don't unravel, you don't have to find the grain line, no buttons or zippers to worry about...I am really smitten with knit fabrics. Which is why I was so thrilled to be picked as a pattern tester for Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop's newest dress, the Gloria dress.


I was chosen to sew the 12 month size for my youngest daughter. This dress has the option to be a casual, cute play dress (which is the route I went) or a fancy, lacy party dress. The party dress also has the option of a partially line or completely lined bodice.


I used this adorable print from Birch Fabrics for the skirt of the dress and I  LOVE it! The colors are so amazing and I think the print is amazing.


For the top of the dress, I wanted a solid color and figured I could just head to Joann's and pick up a jersey knit. Unfortunately, I learned a very valuable lesson with this project: not all knits are created equal.


The fabric was too thin and it stretched too much when sewing. It did not recover very well, resulting in a larger neckline that gaped a bit in the back. *insert sad panda face* 


The dress is still super cute, even with the larger neckline, but my perfectionist tendencies are probably going to win out and I may have to remake the top, using quality knit.


This dress is just too cute for cheap fabric to keep it down!



After trying on the first dress, I realized the top was a bit off, so I whipped together this second dress, using the leftover fabric from my last pattern tester dress. This knit fabric is not just beautiful but so soft and it worked so perfectly with this pattern.


Look at the difference in the neck binding! It turned out so good with this dress, I can't even stand it. Say it with me: quality knit, quality knit, quality knit. It totally makes a difference.



 I was able to make this dress in under an hour, from cutting it out to trying it on my model {while also helping my oldest daughter design and sew a Barbie skirt}.



I love patterns like that! Such a perfect project for beginners {provided they learn from my poor knit fabric mistake}.



This dress fits like a dream and is just the cutest thing on her.


The Gloria Dress also has three sleeve options: short, 3/4 length, and long sleeve.



I have a bunch of knit fabrics that I am waiting on to ship to me, and as soon as they get here, you can bet I will be cutting out a few more of these adorable dresses for my daughter.


The Gloria Party Dress is available from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop and in sizes 3 months up to size 12. Be sure to check out the beautiful party dresses the other girl's made using the stretch lace option. Super cute and perfect for a Christmas dress!


Or just a sweet dress for your little one to play in!


1 comment:

  1. This is such a cute dress! Thanks :-)

    Coco @ Homeschoolapalooza

    ReplyDelete