Winter Wear's Bateaux Garden Dress

Sometimes you just see a dress and fall in love... for me it was when I saw the testing call for Winter Wear's new dress. The line drawing just calls your attention even before you see it in fabric.

So I applied and actually got picked! Yay me! But before I delve into my creations, let me give all of that specific information that you really want.

Sizes:1-14
Options: 3 lengths: tunic, vintage and regular.
               2 different bodices: cross back straps and full back
Twirl factor: 10! The circle skirt is beautiful!

So at first, I decided to start with something super quick and make a tunic version.  So I made a muslin (which I don't do half as much as I should.) and decided to forge ahead.  I had been hoarding this pretty pink fairy frost fabric that my daughter was in love with so I decided that this would be the perfect time to use it.  I choose the cross back in hopes of tricking warmer weather to show up.  This came together surprisingly quickly and I even tackled a zipper closure. I am slowly getting better at them... I hope.  The real wow factor came when I put it on my daughter.

Then I knew I had to try the vintage dress length.  And in the interest of being a good tester, I decided to try the other version of the bodice.

And then being the good sewing mommy that I am, I decided to get a jump start on Easter sewing and kill two birds with one stone! The pattern does come with instructions to create your own petticoats but I was super lazy and decided to buy a slew of them for my daughter about a year ago so we used one of those.

Being the adventurous soul that I am, I decided to use an exposed zipper that I got with my Stitch Box Monthly subscription a few months ago.  I love the look of it and I have got to make sure I get some more lace zippers.  The boatneck shape of the bodice is stunning and really makes the simple dress look more elegant.  And instead of hemming the circle skirt, I decided to use a spring green double fold bias tape to add a pop of Easter color.

Head over to Winter Wear on Etsy and grab the Bateaux Garden Dress. Or take a peek in the Winter Wear Designs Fun facebook group for an exclusive sale code first.

Adeline by Boho Banjo

So I don't sew enough for myself.  I mean who does really? So I have been trying to apply to test more patterns for myself. And I bought a few patterns that I think I will eventually sew.

I recently had the chance to discover my inner boho and test a new pattern called the Adeline for the Aspiring Designers challenge. Before, I dive into my review, a few specifics about the pattern.

Sizes: There is the small Adeline which ranges from size 6-10 and the large Adeline which ranges from sizes 14-24.So no worries about making something for yourself and then not fitting in it after a huge meal..... or maybe that is just me?
Fabrics: Lightweight wovens, knits, or really anything with a decent drape would work well.
Pattern: There are very few pieces for this pattern, but for the larger ladies, it is about 50 pages to print out.

At first, honestly I was concerned that pattern would be a bit of a hassle because it was over 50 pages long. So I reached outside of my comfort zone and called my local FedEx store to see about printing it in a large format.  And I will never go back to printing those huge patterns at home! I placed my order over the phone and the helpful salesperson was able to get the options I needed.  A few hours later, I dropped in and picked up my 2 sheets of A0 paper.

After cutting out my pieces, I had to choose some fabrics.  With the wide range of options, I chose this orange fabric I loved,  Now because I am a larger girl, I had to be sure to cut the fabric right the first time because I did not have enough time to recut anything. And then I promptly cut the front upside down.... Yup, admitting you made a mistake it the first step.  But I didn't notice all the way until I was finished. And I think it turned out fine anyway.

Gotta love those husband amateur photographers! I think my eyes were only closed in half of the pictures this time.  But I love to wear this dress, especially on rainy days, I throw some leggings on and feel comfortable all day long.  Don't take my word for it... go make one for yourself.

Head over to Pattern Revolution and get more information on this great designer in the Aspiring Designers Challenge.  Or just head over and buy your Adeline pattern here! Until next time... which won't be very long...