Easter Verona Dress by Jennuine Design

I wasn't going to sew Easter dresses this year, but I'm so glad I ended up making matching dresses for both my daughters using the Verona Dress pattern from Jennuine Design and this Amy Butler fabric I purchased last spring (Amy Butler's Belle Collection - Chrysanthemum in blue),  I love the way they turned out!  (Sadly, my 4 month old is too sick to pose for pictures in her dress - so I'll have to share it after Easter!)  Walking around the shopping center the other day I was excited to think that my two girls will have original dresses this Easter and all summer long.
*this post contains my affiliate links to the Jennuine Design shop.

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March Link Party - Sew Your (Pattern) Stash

March is here already and with it comes a new theme and new link party for Sew Your (Pattern) Stash 2015!

You can read more about Sew Your (Pattern) Stash here and join the Facebook group here if you haven't already.  I hope you link up!  I've set up this link party to accept photos with or without a url to give opportunity to those of you who do not blog or have a url for your project.   The February link party was great and I loved seeing everyone's accessories and pajamas.  Personally, I still didn't hit my goal of sewing Stella from Swoon Patterns (affiliate link) and a few other small accessories like burp cloths and lip balm holders.  However, I did sew a knit bow headband for my youngest daughter and I cut four Ethel totes from Swoon (instead of the Stella).  I just haven't sewn them all yet.  I am really excited about this month, though, and planning to finish my Ethels as well as sew Easter dress(es?) for at least my oldest daughter and I'd like to make Betty Ann from Sis Boom Patterns.  I actually have quite a few dresses I'd like to make but I'm trying not to over shoot it!  The Link Party is at the bottom, but first:

Congratulations to our February winners!  Ren M., Janai A., and Nydia C. each won one of the Swoon Patterns that Alicia generously provided.  Ren M. from The Inspired Wren was the random winner for the February Link Party and she created this cozy newborn layette using the Lullaby Layette pattern from Oliver + S.  Please visit her blog for all the details!

Link-Up Guidelines:

You may link to any sewing project you complete during the month of March that meets our three requirements:

1. From Your Pattern Stash  -  sewn using a pdf (or paper) pattern you already owned by the end of 2014.
2. Fits the Monthly Theme - this month's theme is Dresses & Skirts, so you may link to any sewing project that is along these lines (for girls or women - either is fine).
3. Includes the Sew Your (Pattern) Stash button - either in your blog post or on your blog sidebar.  (grab the HTML code for the button below)

Link to as many projects you sew during the month that fit the guidelines.  You are welcome to enter more than one project during the month.  If you do not blog, you may link a photo of your project (I set up this link party so that you can upload a photo with or without a URL), or you may share your photo in our March Show-Off Album in the Facebook group. 

Can't wait to see what everyone makes this month!

<center> <a href="http://sew-not-perfect.blogspot.com/2014/12/sew-your-pattern-stash-2015.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Sew Your (Pattern) Stash 2015" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Z0u8zIVjqJ8lP2evejuQlxclse34Bf_Rmv4MRVCcUvyU=s207-p-no"/></a></center>

An InLinkz Link-up

Annabelle Striped Chevron Dress by Violette Field Threads

I wouldn't say it often, but this time I will.  "This is a dreamy dress!"

I love the aesthetic of Ericka and Jessica at Violette Field Threads, and this pattern is no exception.  It offers many options for fabric combinations and creativity.  The best news is that you can purchase it for around $4 as part of the Girls' Bundle UP sale at Pattern Revolution until February 2.  I've reviewed and recommend another pattern in the bundle, The Potato Chip Skirt from Tie Dye Diva, so now you only have to pick 4 (or more!) for your own bundle and go Bundle UP.  This sale is a great opportunity to add new patterns to your pdf pattern library without breaking the bank - the sale price is at least half off what you would pay for each pattern at regular price.  If you haven't been following the Pattern Revolution Girls Bundle Up blog tour, be sure to visit the other bloggers to see the ways they sewed the patterns.  Also, you can enter the Sewing Bee and Giveaway for your chance at amazing prizes.

My version uses a navy cotton bandana print from the Hatbox Collection for Cotton+Steel (spring 2014), a pink linen, and an ivory lace overlay on the pink linen with the optional inset added to the bodice.  Photographing this dress in the middle of a midwest winter is not ideal.  I think I'll need to go visit my parents and grandparents in Florida so I can try again on a sunny warm beach!

Options

• Front inset on bodice is optional - this piece is sewn on top of the bodice piece, making it a great option for adding embroidery or other details
• Piping, lace, or other trim between optional placket and bodice

Sizes

• 2T-10 years

Features

• Maxi-length dress with three chevron stripes
• Wide shoulder straps with appropriate coverage and hold without sagging or slipping.
• Back elastic on bodice
• Sizing based on finished garment measurements
• One file for both pattern and tutorial. 

PDF File Information
I appreciate that you don't have to print all pages - they provide a guide for what pages to print based on the size you intend to sew.  I had no problem with the pattern pieces or instructions.  Pattern pieces include the pattern name and designer as well as grainline indications.  They do include notches for placement of the strap on the bodice.  The layout of the tutorial is basic (I would consider it typical of many pdf patterns) with photographs (instead of illustrations) and instructions in an outline/paragraph style with the appearance and format of a Word document.  Sizing is done by finished garment length with the suggestion to sew your child's RTW size.  I found the tutorial easy to follow.

Things You Might Like to Know

When choosing your size, be sure to pay attention to the finished measurement chart which recommends sewing your child's RTW (ready-to-wear) size.  Don't be afraid to size up on the dress.  My daughter is a very average size 2 in RTW at 27 months old.  The size 2 was short for her.  It is my fault for not paying closer attention to the length in the finished measurement chart.  I could have easily done a size 3 and then modified the back elastic, if necessary.  As I did it, the size 2 is an ok fit but snug and without growing room.  I didn't have enough length to hem, so I did a rolled hem.  I'll add a true hem later so my other daughter can wear it in 15 months.  I imagine it would fit some 18 month olds with the correct or a shortened hem.

Also, if your daughter is on the higher end of the size range (at least around size 2), consider using the larger size strap.  This dress could fit better through the arms and be easier to put on with a little more room in the arms.  I am not saying it is a pattern fault, just a couple things that I'll keep in mind when I sew this again (soon)!

The optional inset is backed, so that section of the dress is perfect for embroidery.  There are four layers at this part of the dress (bodice front, bodice lining/backing, inset front, inset lining/backing) and in my case there are five layers with the lace overlay.

I'm thinking of using stretch thread in my bobbin next time when I sew the skirt to the bodice.  I wonder if that would add some give?

I will certainly sew this dress again soon.  I plan to make another for my daughter to wear this summer.  I loved this fabric combination but used every last inch of the Cotton+Steel bandana print, and my fabric shop is out of it.  Maybe I'll hunt around the internet for more - it would be sweet to make a matching set with a larger size for the girls when they are bigger.  

Links:

Shop Pattern Revolution Bundle UP Sale
Enter Pattern Revolution's Sewing Bee and Giveaway
See my other post for the Bundle UP tour (Potato Chip Skirt by Tie Dye Diva)
See the other Violette Field Threads dress I've sewn (Josephine)

Fall & Winter Sister Set - Flutterby Playsuit Blog Tour

I used the Flutterby Playsuit pattern by Little Kiwi's Closet to make this cozy, cold-weather appropriate sister set.  Today I am part of the Pimp That Pattern Blog Tour with Little Kiwi's Closet and I'm excited to share this pattern with you and the changes I made to create this set!  Be sure to check out the other participants in the blog tour for more great ideas and inspiration, purchase the pattern in Little Kiwi's Craftsy store for 30% off, sew your own playsuit or romper, and enter the link-up for the opportunity to win two free patterns of your choice.

The Pattern
This is my first time sewing a pattern by Lydia at Little Kiwi's Closet.  As soon as I saw the playsuit tester photos start popping up on the PDF Patterns Facebook Group, I knew it was a pattern I was excited to try.  With several options for the sleeve length (flutter to long sleeve), an optional neck ruffle, a sewn or snap closure between the legs, and a size range from newborn to 4T, the pattern is quite versatile.  I found the pattern pieces very easy to layout and cut, and the instructions were clear.  Plus, it's not a difficult pattern and great for beginners.  No zippers or buttons or plackets.  And if you don't want to insert snaps, you can do the sewn version.  The neck easily stretches enough to get the garment over an infant's or child's feet, hips, and body.  I was able to sew both version in about 4 hours.  If you were making just one, I bet you could get it done in an hour and a half, even if you aren't the speediest sewist.


My Versions

• Traditional Playsuit (a,k.a bodysuit) in newborn size for new baby using rolled hem for edge of longer sleeves, snaps for the closure between the legs, and adding pockets and embellishments.  Designed for cold weather months using longer sleeves and corduroy fabric.
• Playsuit-Turned-Dress using modified size 2T for big sister using a rolled hem finish on edge of sleeves and hem of dress.  Also added pockets and embellishments.  Designed for cold weather months using longer sleeves and corduroy fabric.

Being just about two weeks away from the arrival of baby number five,  I knew I wanted to sew a traditional playsuit (a.k.a. bodysuit) for her and also a matching version for big sister.  And, since here in the Midwest of the USA we are fully into the fall (and soon winter) season, I decided to design my garments to be suitable for the colder months.  Big sister is entering the potty training stages and tends to complain about clothing that snaps between her legs, so I wanted to make her version a top/dress.  To do that, I skipped cutting out the leg whole curves on the pattern, and instead drew a horizontal line from the bottom of the Front Playsuit piece (the part of the pattern that would snap between the legs).  This makes for a cute shorter dress that can also transition to a longer top as she grows.  Additionally, I chose the longer sleeve option for our cold weather months, and skipped the elastic option.  In order to pick up on the golden mustard color of the polka dots in my corduroy fabric, I used a rolled hem on my serger to finish the edges of the the sleeves and the hem of the dress, as well as for the tops of the pockets that I added to both the playsuit and dress.  Hand-sewing the embellishments took the most time - after the ease of following the pattern, sewing the embellishments seemed tedious!  If you are wondering about snaps, I went in with a friend of mine several months ago and we each bought Kam Snap Press Pliers and a large set of snaps which we split up between the two of us.  I've been really pretty happy with it.

  

Next Time I Sew This
I am pretty confident this pattern will be a staple over the next several months and years - its easy to follow, versatile, and I like the results and flexibility.  I don't see a lot of changes I would make next time, besides customization.  I might shorten the neck and leg elastic some next time.  Not a big deal, but I'd like to see how I like it with smaller openings.  I also did shorten the long sleeves a decent amount for the size 2.

I can't wait to post pictures of the girls wearing their coordinating outfits once little sister arrives and settles in to life.  I also can't wait to see what others make during the blog tour and Linky.  Plus, I haven't tried the romper version yet, so I'll have to add that to my list one new baby brain is gone!

Blog Tour Schedule - be sure to check out all of them!

3rd November

2girls1orca1pukeko.blogspot.com

www.gingerbear.wordpress.com

4th November

Www.petitgigihandmade.blogspot.pt

http://dribblepotsandtots.wordpress.com

5th November

www.calmandcarrion.blogspot.com

Sew-not-perfect.blogspot.com

www.sewoutofcontrol.wordpress.com

6th November

www.conversasdehermanas.com

fairykissesboutique.blogspot.com

7th November

http://anapprenticehousewife.blogspot.com/?m=1

www.mendandmakenew.co.nz

8th November

Www.rebekahsews.com

https://www.diy-crush.com/blog/

Don't forget the Linky!  Create your own Playsuit or Romper during the blog tour, link it, and have the opportunity to win two free patterns!  

An InLinkz Link-up

Thanks for stopping by and reading to the end!  I'd love it if you hit the Like button for my Facebook page.  Or do you have a comment to share?  Those are always appreciated.

I shared also linked this post at:

Cowl Neck Dress and Sweater from Heidi & Finn

I absolutely love the new Cowl Neck Dress and Sweater pattern from Heidi & Finn! Easy to cut and sew; adorable, cozy, warm, and practical for my daughter. What is not to love?!


I had the opportunity to be part of the testing team for this pattern and the results were great from the start.  The dress and top pictured in this post are from the original pattern run.  Changes made during testing include a slightly slimmer cut on the bodice, the option of a band at the bottom hem, shorter sleeve length in smaller sizes, and a larger cowl in larger sizes.  I used the optional ties in both the dress and top I sewed, which can be tied to the front or back.  The dress also looks great without the ties, or with a belt.  Butterfly appliques are an option included in the tutorial, and several other testers added adorable appliques of their own.  Your choice of knit fabric can be used for this dress ranging from a thinner knit to fleece.  The cowl
will take a different shape and hold depending on the fabric.  I could make these over and over again, and I'm sure I'll make several each year for my own daughters and as gifts!


Another bonus: the pattern does not require a lot of fabric (especially in smaller sizes).  I made both my versions out of a sweater weight knit - the dress is from the Doodles collection at JoAnn's and the purple top I made from a 1/2 yard remnant I purchased at a local specialty fabric shop.  It is buttery soft and warm, and the remnant only cost $4.00 (which is WAY less than I paid for the first two yards of that fabric I bought for myself a few months prior!).

I really appreciated the way the tutorial has you hem the sleeves and bottom (if you do not use the optional band at the bottom).  By finishing the edge of the fabric (with serger or zig-zag stitch - I used serger for one and faux serger for the other) and then hemming, you are able to avoid having the bulky hem that a double-folded knit edge often leaves.  It's little things like this, her method of measuring the cowl neck to make sure it fits correctly (it varies with types of fabric) and similar touches that make this a pattern that is satisfying to make and looks great when finished.

This is a great pattern for someone who is thinking about sewing her first knit pattern.  You do not need a serger, so if you don't have one, don't let that stop you from sewing this dress!  The tutorial includes directions for using a serger as well as doing it without.  The serger I was using fritzed out after the first dress, so for the top I used a stretch stitch and then the faux serger stitch on my Janome to finish the seams and it turned out just as nice inside and out.


Features:

• Easy to follow pattern, quick sew
• Slim cut body
• Option for long/short sleeves
• Super comfy large cowl neck
• Optional long ties sewn into each side can be tied in the front or the back for a different look. 
• Dress pulls right over the head for easy dressing.
• Optional sweater length, bottom band, long or short sleeves makes this a really versatile pattern
• Can be made in any type of stretch or knit fabric (interlock,jersey sweatshirt material or fleece etc.). 
• BONUS- butterfly applique patterns are included to embellish your dress
• No serger needed - instructions for both serger and sewing machine are included in tutorial

Creative Sewing Challenge Update

Dress Pattern: Jospehine by Violette Field Threads
Sewn By: Bethany of Sew-Not-Perfect.blogspot.com

I finally had a opportunity to pick up my entry for the Creative Sewing Challenge sponsored by The French Seam at the Indiana State Fair.  The actual event and judging took place on Sunday, August 10, 2014.   Since I wasn't able to be present for judging, I had no idea that I won second place in the children's apparel category! (my previous post with details about the contest and my entry is here)

The entire experience has been helpful to me.  My goal this year was just to enter a project.   I've never entered a sewing competition or had anyone give me feedback on (let alone judge) a sewing project before.  I haven't been sewing seriously for very long - less than a year, with the exception of random quick projects here and there over the years.  I didn't have the opportunity to make and the project I imagined for The Challenge and, when I turned in this dress, I had very mixed feelings - the main one being nervousness. In the end, entering the Creative Sewing Challenge ended up being very encouraging and boosting my confidence as a budding sewist.

Judging Form from Creative Sewing Challenge

When I picked up my dress, I actually liked it a lot better than I did when I had just finished it.  (To be honest, I sewed it the two nights before I had to turn it in, and was rushed.  That may have had some to do with it!)  Then, when I put it on my daughter I loved it even more!  I hadn't even had the time to put her in it before I turned it in.  Maybe the biggest encouragement was the positive comments from the judge/s.  I honestly didn't know if I was really missing the mark on things.  I generally like what I sew, but what would someone who knew a lot about sewing technique and skill actually think?   Even if the dress had come back without a ribbon or earning placing in the competition, seeing that the judges thought I did a "very good" job in general was really exciting and encouraging!  (And I think it's a very good point about the interfacing.  There was none called for in the pattern, and I think the dress is okay without it, but interfacing would definitely make it better.)

Entering the Creative Sewing Challenge and sewing the Josephine Dress by Violette Field Threads has been a great experience.  This is the first ribbon I remember earning from a fair of any kind and the first time I entered a fair contest on purpose (I vaguely remember a Girl Scout project - very small basket I wove and stained and mildy decorated - possibly being in the Ohio State Fair decades ago?).  I am eager to make my daughter a blouse for the fall using this pattern and I know it will be one I use often.  And, the dreaming and planning for my project for next year's Creative Sewing Challenge has already begun!

Second Place?  How did that happen?!
(Dress Pattern: Jospehine by Violette Field Threads)

Earned second place in the children's apparel
category for the Creative Sewing Challenge
(Dress Pattern: Jospehine by Violette Field Threads)

If you live near or travel through Indianapolis, Indiana, be sure to stop by the fantastic fabric shop, The French Seam.  They have a wonderful, friendly and helpful staff, carry a beautiful selection of quilting and apparel fabrics, and offer a wide-selection of classes each month.  If you aren't sure which project you want to sew next, I highly recommend the Josephine Blouse and Dress pattern from Violette Field Threads (and they have many other great patterns to choose from for girls and women!)  The Whitney Trousers and Molly Jacket are next on my list from them.

Creative Sewing Challenge Project - Violette Field Thread's Jospehine

Violette Field Threads
Josephine Dress with Flutter
Sleeve option.

Update: more pictures and results HERE

I love the sense of accomplishment that comes from meeting a goal.  I tend to set my sights too high and not enjoy that feeling as often as I'd like.  But this week - I met a goal!  I submitted a completed project to a sewing competition I wanted to enter.

My favorite local(ish) fabric shop - The French Seam - sponsors The Creative Sewing Challenge during our State Fair.  This is the second year for the have sponsored the Challenge and I thought it would be really fun to enter.  I had dreams of pattern hacks I would do, or creative touches I would add to my project, but my underlying goal was just to enter.  When it came down to it, finishing a straight-forward project was all I could make time to accomplish.  (even that involved late nights and pictures taken in a fast food parking lot!)  While it would have been fun to add a few other touches, I am really pleased with the finished garment!  I have no dreams of placing (the judging is this coming Sunday), but in my mind I won my own victory by completing a lovely dress and meeting my goal of entering.

Fabric

The theme for this year's challenge is "Inspired By Color" and I immediately knew I wanted to use this cotton lawn fabric from Robert Kaufman, which I already had in my stash.  I tend to like a lot of Robert Kaufman's fabrics (see this project, for example) and particularly liked the small floral pattern with bright blues, orange, pink and green.  This is from the London Calling 3 line (bright floral).

Pattern

pin-tuck rows and ruffles along
button panel on Josephine

The pattern is Violette Field Thread's Josephine using the dress option with flutter sleeves and the ruffle on the button strip.  The pattern was clear and easy to follow, including a diagram to show the best way to lay out the pattern pieces on your fabric.  The pattern has rows of pin-tucks on either side of the center button panel, bias tape on the inside of the collar, and several options to customize the pattern to your preferences (blouse or dress, flutter or longer sleeves, with/out ruffle, with/out sash).

Something New

Although I didn't have time to do some of the things with the pattern I had hoped to do (I originally wanted to turn this into a romper with shorts.  I'd love to make another dress with a full lining.  I had also thought of doing the blouse option with the Whitney pants), I was able to try some new things with the pattern.  It was my first Josephine - and I will definitely make more.  It was also my first Violette Field Threads pattern actually sewn - I own several, but haven't made others yet.  Also, in honor of the sponsor of the Sewing Challenge, and because it was on my Sewing Techniques to Try list, I used french seams for the first time.  I'd read about them, and if you aren't familiar, you can find a good tutorial here.  I found them easy to do, with a very nice finish.

  

Figuring out how to attach the sleeves took me a few minutes, but other than that it went well and I really like the finished look.  I debated back and forth about top-stitching the seams down and around the collar.  The pattern doesn't directly call for it, and I keep going back and forth about whether I wish I'd done it.  Usually, I do top-stitch, but for some reason, I didn't know if I wanted that for this dress.

french seaming on side seam

french seaming on sleeve seam

This week I am looking at everything I have to do to be ready for homeschool to start next week and feeling very overwhelmed.  But I am taking a moment to enjoy one goal that has been accomplished!  Overall, I am really pleased with the dress, and I have enough of the fabric left to make a coordinating outfit for Little Sister so both girls can match next spring and summer.  

Princess Dress from Candy Castle Patterns

I am so very pleased with this dress.  I wanted to make an Easter and Spring dress for my daughter and this pattern hit the mark!

I know, I know.  I posted nearly the same collage twice.  One looks better on my iPad, one looks better on the desktop.  Hoping to improve my photography skills so that they all look good.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I joined a two-week sew-along in the Candy Castle Patterns Group on Facebook, using her Princess Dress pattern.  This was my first sew-along and first pattern from Candy Castle Patterns.  I loved how easy-to-follow the pattern guide is.  I was able to try my hand at a few techniques I had not done before, and completed my second ever dress for my daughter.  And did I mention I love it?  The pattern is very versatile and customizable.  You choose slim or regular size, sleeve length (additional pattern available, Swizzle Sticks Sleeves for even more sleeve options), and whether you want a paneled or single fabric skirt, hemmed/ruffled/lace skirts, and the pattern also includes optional bows and yo-yo fabric flower embellishments.  I printed the pages I needed for my size pattern dimension, then followed the directions in my kindle app rather than printing the directions.  This worked very well for me.

I fell in love with the London Calling line of fabric from Robert Kauffman when I was shopping at The French Seam in Indianapolis (awesome fabric shop, the ladies there are lovely, and the store is delightful) and I knew I wanted to use the purple floral for the main fabric of my dress (it is so soft I even used it for the lining - I thought it was worth it to have that nice fabric next to her skin).  I had some green lattice print fabric left over from another project, and I liked the way it coordinated with the floral, so I chose that for my underskirt, even though I had originally selected a different fabric.  The lavender fabric was a remnant I picked up at The French Seam, and I loved the way it complemented my color scheme.   I used the one-fabric design for my skirt, and created ruffles for the bottom of both skirts.  I used the puff sleeve option, and then scaled back the puff a bit, for personal preference with this particular dress (look at the online photos to see how amazing the puff sleeves are for the Disney Character Princess dresses several women have made).

THOUGHTS
I've already said I really enjoyed the pattern.  I admit I was a little worried that the ruffles and scallops would be too much for me.  I also wasn't sure I'd like the longer length of the dress.  These are all options you can easily change - and many have.  A simplified Princess Dress uses only a single underskirt, and the length is very easy to customize.  I just went for it with those parts of the pattern and in the end I am very happy with it.  It is very well done.  For a more everyday dress, I will certainly use this pattern again in the simplified version as well.  The sew-along with the group was also delightful.  Any time anyone had a question or ran in to a problem, help was minutes away when posting to the group.  Also, everyone participated with lots of encouragement and congratulations on everything from fabric choices to finished dresses.  The schedule was very forgiving and manageable even for someone like me with limited sewing time.  Another aspect I found helpful was the encouragement to make a muslin.  I ended up making three muslins to adjust sizing and the sleeves.  I know this was key to having a dress I am so happy with in the end.  The only challenge for me (and its a little tongue in cheek) was fleeing from the temptation to dress envy - or comparison.  Women put together some very creative, beautiful dresses during the sew-along (and some even did multiple dresses at the same time).  So the temptation was there to think, "I wish I'd have come up with that color scheme" or "Wow!  What is my dress compared to that one?"  But that is not the point really, is it?  My goal was to be happy with my dress at the end, and I certainly am very happy with it.

FIRSTS
This was my first time:

• sewing a sash
• sewing on my new Janome sewing machine
• "bothering" with a muslin (I hate to confess) - as mentioned this was very helpful.
• making button holes on an actual garment (instead of just practicing on test fabric)
• participating in a sew-along
• using a pattern from Candy Castle Patterns
• incorporating a placket
• Using a serger for a rolled hem (not required, but I used it for the ruffles on both skirts)

CHANGES & SPECIAL TOUCHES

Besides the adjustments I made for my own errors (see below), the only changes I made to the pattern were to add a ribbon backing to the button and buttonhole area for extra strength.  I used fusible bonding to attach the gross grain ribbon to the underside, then ran stitches across the top and bottom to secure in place before adding the buttons and the button holes.  Not sure it was necessary, I just did it.  As I mentioned above, I also scaled back the puff sleeves for this particular dress.  I then tested it when I made my muslin.I also wanted to bring some of the green fabric to the upper part of the dress, so I added a double band on the sleeve edge, instead of the single edge.  I also made a coordinating headband/hair clip and made use of the included the leaf pattern with the flower.

MISTAKES
Since I am not perfect, I will share my three main errors or mistakes while making this dress.

The first was sizing.  I measured my daughter and thought for sure a 12m slim would be the size to make.  I went ahead and made a muslin since it was on the schedule and my first time with the pattern.  When I tried it on my daughter, I was afraid it would be too narrow, especially by spring, so I decided to try the regular.  This is also when I scaled back the puff sleeve.  Still too narrow and perhaps, too short, I moved to the 18 slim.  I also looked at the size chart again and realized that really the 18 slim is where I should have started in the first place.  I was still concerned with the very bottom of the bodice being too tight at the bottom of the chest, but decided to forge ahead.  I am glad I did, because I forgot that the dress and skirt meet there, with a placket that can flex open.  So it ended up being a lovely fit.

Secondly, when cutting the scallops in the bottom of the skirt, I cut scallops in both skirts instead of just the top skirt.  It was late.  I wasn't thinking straight.  Since the skirts are gathered at the top anyway, and didn't have enough of the underskirt fabric to cut another, I sewed the cutouts shut, and in the end (after gathering) it didn't make a difference - thankfully!

Thirdly, when I was sewing the finished skirts to the bodice, i misaligned the side seams on one side.  This happened because I actually misaligned the two skirts - so the underskirt was aligned properly, but from the right side (outside) they were misaligned.  This was disappointing because I had to pull out the stitched and also ended up having to re-gather a good portion of the overskirt, then resew it all in the proper position.  The whole time I was praying I wouldn't accidentally put a hole in any of the fabric.  I breathed a huge sigh of relief and pleasure when I finished!

See?  Not perfect.  Mistakes happen and happily they were all fixable this time.  But, thankfully, the dress as a whole is anything but a mistake.  I love it!  I'd love to see links to your own Princess dress or other Candy Castle Patterns garment in the comments section! 

Princess Dress Sew-A-Long With Candy Castle Patterns

Awful picture, I know.  Yes, it's my bed sheets for a background.  But isn't the bodice for my dress stunning, none-the-less?!  I am so happy with it so far.  I hope the skirt I choose to put on looks as nice.  I am participating in my first-ever Sew-Along with Candy Castle Patterns Group on Facebook.  They've laid out all the steps for the dress (or the Peppermint Swirl dress) in a very forgiving two-week schedule.  This is my first time sewing this pattern, and it's my first time sewing any pattern from this company.  I love it, and it is super versatile.  The instructions are clear, and the options for skirts, ruffles and sleeves for the dress are many (especially with the Swizzle Sticks Sleeve pack add-on pattern, which works with both the Princess and Peppermint Swirl dress pattern).  By Saturday, I should have the skirt completed and an update posted.