The Caroline Party Dress - from MHC

There was a sale at my local fabric store recently and I spotted these pretty fabrics. While I was in the queue to get the fabric cut the lady behind me asked what I would be making with these two fabrics. I said a dress for my daughter. The lady, an older lady, did not look impressed by that idea. I guess they are not traditionally "girly" fabrics. 

I decided to make a Caroline Party Dress (from Mouse House Creations). It is my second one (so far). This pattern is awesome. Not just because it leads to a pretty dress. This dress is pretty inside and out. It is fully lined and has an invisible zip. It has no raw seams on the inside so I imagine it is very comfortable to wear. The cut is so sweet for little girls and I LOVE the capped sleeve. There is also the option for a peter pan collar. 

This was the first one I made - for a Rainbow themed project:

Hayley has good instructions for inserting the invisible zip but I must say I still had a couple of "Grrr" moments. Mainly because I tried to do it too quickly. There is also a ladies Caroline pattern (which has been sitting in my etsy cart for the longest time) and I am very tempted to buy more of this fabric to make matching mummy/daughter dresses...too creepy??  

Not too sure what happened with my photo lighting but I promise Eloise hasn't got deeply, deeply tanned legs...

So what do you think? Was the lady in the fabric store right or can my Eloise pull off this look? 

I'm pretty happy with it to be honest. 

Oh, and quick update... I got my results back for my first two exams and... I PASSED!! YAY! One more exam to sit and then I'm free :)  Hopefully I'll be a better blogger when I have more free time. I'm hoping to make some more of the Willow & Co patterns next...first up Clover Shorts!

I Heart Pattern Testing: Fawn Lily from Willow and Co.

Is everyone else as excited as I am about the upcoming release of  Willow and Co.'s first collection, Wanderlust a Glamping Collection? Some of my favourite bloggers and pattern designers have come together to make an awesome spring/summer collection of patterns. 

I was lucky enough to test the Fawn Lily dress. This pattern was designed by Rebecca from Rock the Stitch. It is her first official pattern and wow did she hit the ground running! It is a unique pattern that looks wonderfully different to other little girl's PDFs. It is a well written pattern with clear, easy to follow instructions, professionally drafted pattern pieces and options (I love options). This pattern has the option of two different sleeve styles, button up or crossover bodice, it can be a tunic or a dress and there are different dress length options as well as the option of a-line, gathered and pleated skirt!!.  

One fun thing during the testing process was seeing how the use of different fabrics made for very different looks. It looks great in anything from one to four different fabrics. For my first version I used two coordinating fabrics. I chose the non-pleated sleeves and the crossover bodice with piping and the pleated skirt at knee length.

I love the fit of this dress on Eloise. It is light and flowy and fits her perfectly.

And a couple more...

I may be biased but this little girl is irresistible! 

I recommend this pattern. It has lots of great options and is easy to sew with clear instructions and a fabulous end result. I will be checking out the rest of the collection when it is released in about a week at Willow & Co.

Please feel free to leave a comment to let me know what you think :)

Kerry xx