Thursday, August 05, 2010

Pretty Pinafore by Carolina Fair Designs (with Giveaway!)

When I saw on the Carolina Fair Designs blog that she needed testers for a pattern, I jumped on the chance. Although I review patterns all the time, I had never been the first to try something. Plus, I liked working with the Wraparound Dress so much that I thought it would be a win-win. The Pretty Pinafore is another one-piece pattern that is super easy to make. The only bit of construction is to sew the shoulder seams together.

I used this amazing alligator (or is it crocodile?) fabric designed by Anda of boosterseat. She is in the process of moving right now so you can buy her fabric directly from Spoonflower or just wait. It will be worth it. She is an amazing person and so talented you won't believe it.

The little gator there on the pocket is a cross-stitch design from Andwabisabi. She has a ton of great patterns and they are very well priced. I wrote about stitching this before. I made quite a mess of it but my 2-year old doesn't mind and you can still tell it's a gator so that's all that really matters, right? I made the pocket from a bizarre collar that I bought at a thrift store. The packaging was hilarious. It has a crocheted lace edge to it that has now pulled out of my bias tape edging. I'll have to fix that but I'm not sure how.

The overall dress is so simple. After you stitch the shoulder seams together, you just apply your bias tape to the whole thing in one continuous loop. I do recommend that you stitch one edge of the tape down (right sides together) then fold it over and stitch it closed. I tried a quick and dirty one step method and the dress pulled out of the tape in several areas. I have been re-stitching them and it has taken far longer to fix my mistakes than it would have been just to sew it right the first time. But that seems to be how I do things...

As you can see it's a great fit. I like that it has a pinafore look but it's a dress. You can make a tunic or shirt version with this just like you can with the Wraparound Dress. Both hems are noted. A nice touch.

And check out this amazing little stop-animation video that Caroline made to demonstrate sewing the dress. It is really awesome. And only 1 minute long.

SORRY. COMMENTS ARE CLOSED. WINNERS ALREADY CHOSEN.

Don't forget that Caroline is giving away two patterns. To enter, go to her website, pick out which of the two patterns you would like and leave a comment on this post. For a second entry, go to yesterday's post and leave a comment there as well. Make sure you leave your email address or a way to find you! Winners will be chosen August 16.

13 comments:

charcharr said...

i like the pinafore. cute pocket. could it be made reversible?

Beth Lemon said...

I think so. You'd have to pin the two pieces of fabric together before stitching the shoulder seams. Then be careful to stitch the right sides together. Good idea.

Anonymous said...

Love this soooo much. That fabric is amazing. I want to make Thea one - can't wait to get that pattern (if I don't win!!)

Unknown said...

my daughters will love this dress if im lucky enough to get this pattern for free!yay!

bagfashionista said...

the bolero and the wraparound dress!

Rachel said...

I love the pretty pinafore dress, but also the button up bolero.

rachel (dot) runner (at) gmail.com

Steph said...

That dress looks so cool and comfy, and like it didn't take tons of fabric to make, either. I love this pattern and the wraparound dress pattern. Do you think this one is much easier than the wraparound dress?

Beth Lemon said...

I think they are the same in difficulty. While the wraparound dress has the ties you make, this one has the challenge of sewing the bias tape around the scallops. But both are very easy.

mon ami said...

I love, love, love this dress! What a great use of fabric (again) and your embroidered pocket is amazing. You should be really proud of yourself with this one.

And, you have completely sold me on the 'pretty pinafore' pattern.

thanks for sharing!

Meg said...

Love the fabric! Soo cute! I love Chloe knit skirt too.

EverSewSweet said...

The fabric is fantastic! And the pocket is perfect. My 2-year-old looooooves pockets. I like the wraparound dress more, though.

Jen said...

This dress is so cute! I also like the simple patterns to showcase the fabrics. I would choose the wraparound pattern.

bless their hearts mom said...

love love love the fabric!

I adore the The Pretty Pinafore pattern!